Watch Cullen Grow...

It amazes me how fast Cullen has grown - and changed.
He is a happy baby and so fun to have in our family.
There is a picture of his first time trying cereal. Not a big fan to begin with, but that has changed. He is a great eater - just don't feed him peas.
Just thought I would post some pictures showing him growing in the fall and early winter. He loved his first real trip to the zoo. So happy to be in his stoller and even happier in the Bjorn. He loves his sisters - he just squeals with delight when they come in the room.
He likes his exersaucer, but he LOVES his jumper. He gets some real air when he gets going in there.

A Day at the Museum

Since Reagan's Christmas break went well into January we took advantage of the free days and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. Such a quick trip and easy to park - we were ready for a fun day.
First stop was the discovery section - full of levers and water and places for the girls to explore. Similar to the Children's Museums, but still very fun. Then we headed to the farm area and saw the cows and checked out the combine and the tractor.
We also saw the doll house - Reagan was amazed.
I was excited because the trees were still up from Christmas so we walked around to see how people from around the world would decorate their Christmas trees.
Then we stopped to see the storm exhibit. The girls were able to move the vortex around and see the tidal wave display.
I thought there wouldn't be enough for them to do - I thought they were too young - boy was I wrong. We could have stayed longer if it wasn't time for naps. Looking forward to exploring more on the next free day!

Lunch at the Walnut Room

Since Pat was home this year we were able to take the train into the city for our annual Scanlon lunch/dinner by the Tree at Macy's.
The kids liked the train ride and it was a nice day so we walked from Union Station to Macy's. We realize it was a little long for Reagan & Nola (Nola did get carried for part of the way) but it was easier than getting into a cab or a bus with 3 kids and a stroller.
We had 2 tables right next to the tree - best seats we've ever had. Grandma Jane sat with all of the grandkids (except for Cullen) and the rest of us enjoyed our peaceful lunch. The fairy came around to sprinkle fairy dust - always a highlight.
The food was delicious and the kids loved it.
After dinner we headed to the 8th floor to look at the tree from up high. Then we started trying out the furniture. The favorite was a motorized lazy-boy couch. Seriously, how much lazier can we be?!?

Merry Christmas!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Unfortunately Pat lost his job in early December, but that didn't stop us from truly enjoying the Christmas season. It was nice to have him home and really enjoy our time as a family.
We hosted brunch for the Mulrone's on Christmas Eve. Good food and great company - and then fun times with presents. The girls loved opening presents and couldn't wait to play with their new toys - especially the walking kitties from Aunt Maureen & Uncle Roy.
That evening Reagan sang out our church's Christmas Eve service. Her and her choir did a great job and really sang their hearts out. From there we headed to the Scanlon's for dinner with Brent, Linda, Aunt Karen, Uncle Nick, Elmer & Georgeann. A low-key evening was just what we needed.
Christmas morning was spent at home. Pat & I had to wait for everyone to get up - they slept past 8:30! To see Christmas through their eyes was just awesome. They had fun opening their stockings - and were excited with new toothbrushes.
And then came the presents...Reagan was thrilled with her new MP3 player and Nola with her boombox! Before we were finished there was one more box - they couldn't believe it when they opened it and saw a Wii!!! Pat got that hooked up for them and it hasn't gotten much rest since.
Soon it was time for breakfast. As is the tradition in our house, we each had our favorite ice cream. Best morning of the year!
After more playing it was time to head to Grandma Jane & Grandpa John's house. With 8 grandkids, it was organized chaos - or maybe not so organized. The kids loved all of their presents - Nola was especially fond of her new carrier for Bitty Baby (similar to my Bjorn). After Nola opened her Skittles, she decided she was done opening presents. She was just so happy to have a full bag of candy to herself. Reagan was busy playing school with her new school set.
After a fun afternoon with their cousins it was time to head to the Mulcrone's for our last stop. A bad accident shut down the Bishop Ford so it took us longer than we hoped, but it gave the kids a chance to nap.
We had a great night with cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. The girls just kept on playing until they dropped around 10. Then it was time to head home and spend the 26th at home, by ourselves, recovering from a wonderful Christmas and enjoying some much needed family time.

Chicago Club Christmas Party - take 2

Once again we were invited to the family Christmas party at the Chicago club. The girls were so excited and couldn't wait to see the magician, Santa and get a balloon animal!
The weather that day was less than desirable, to say the least. There were parts of Lake Shore Drive shut down due to the bad weather, but that would not stop the Mulcrone's from heading downtown.
The party was wonderful. The magician stopped by our table soon after we sat down adn this year both girls were able to be his assistant. They were amazed by his tricks and laughed and laughed.
Maggie did a great job with their balloons - I even had to run into the street after the party to save Reagan's balloon that was taken away by the wind.
Reagan & Cullen were happy to see Santa, but Nola, not so much. Reagan was happy to talk to him and Cullen did great on his lap. A picture of Cullen & Santa made it into the Club's newsletter. Who knows, maybe someday he'll be a member!

Our dancers

Nola is dancing for the first time - and Reagan is enjoying her 4th year of dance. In December I was able to go into their studio and watch them during parent observation week.
Nola has warmed up to Ms Robin and Ms Peggy and now participates in class (unlike the first few weeks). She loves to dance around the circle and is very excited when she gets to lead the train. It was fun to watch her following the teachers and dancing around the room during the free dance.
Reagan is now taking her second year of tap and ballet. She is having fun with her friends - Angelina, Erica, Macy & Kamryn. She dances around the house all the time and loves to have dance parties upstairs in her room.
It has been amazing to watch her progress over the past 4 years. And what a joy to watch her enjoy every minute of it!

Cullen's Baptism

We had the honor of having Cullen baptised in November.
Pastor Dan did a great job - and included the girls in the baptism. He knelt down so they could see what he was doing and made them feel apart of it.
It was also special because Cullen was baptised with our friend's daughter, Quinn. It was great to be up there with Kris & Kent celebrating this wonderful day.
We enjoyed a great brunch at our house afterwards. Too bad the french toast casserole spilled over and filled the kitchen with smoke. It all tasted good and everyone was glad to be together.