Our Lil' Kicker

Neither myself nor Patrick have a real soccer background, but Margaux asked for a soccer ball for Christmas.  She got the ball and kept talking about soccer, so we took her to one of the Lil Kickers locations in Chicago for a trial class.  She loved it!  She is now enrolled for the remainder of the winter session and we will sign her up for the spring session.  She is currently in a class with 7 boys and they are just adorable to watch.  Kindermusik is still a huge hit with her and we are looking to get her enrolled in another swim class leading up to the summer pool/lake season!  It's been a year since her last swim lesson and "motorboat, motorboat" only gets you so far!  Once the swimming thing is finished she will be trying out a ballet/tap/tumbling combo class.  I love that she is interested in different activities.  We will continue to let her explore and spread her wings to her heart's content...within reason, of course!  I still believe that some down time is important for kids and for the sanity of the parents! 

Sunday Funday!

 Princess Rapunzel & Pascal

 Princess Feet

This magic moment.

What a fun winter Sunday we had today!  Ever since seeing the Disney on ice show last week, Margaux has been asking for a Rapunzel costume AND she wanted to go iceskating...so today we did both!  We decided to try the ice rink at The Park in Rosemont, a bit less crowded than Millenium Park downtown.  She did a really good job on skates for it being her first time.  I am glad that she likes Rapunzel so much because she is my favorite Disney Princess as well.  This is why:  she is sassy and funny and she has GUMPTION!  None of that damsel in distress nonsense where some prince comes to save her, she and Flynn Rider save each other and he is the one who marries into royalty!  I am really enjoying this phase in Margaux's development...my little girly-girl princess who can also be a rough and tumble soccer player and Socker Bopper fighter! 



Dare To Dream

Margaux has really grown into a Disney-loving girl, especially those princesses!  I took her to the Dare To Dream show this past week and we both enjoyed it very much!  The stars of this show were Tiana, Cinderella and Rapunzel...the Tangled story was our favorite.  All of the princesses came out onto the ice at the very end, and she was super excited to lay eyes on Belle and Ariel as well!  I give this production * * * * * !  (5 stars)

Seasons of Love

I hope that 2012 will be filled with 525,600 minutes of love for all of you out there in Blogland!

ZooLights 2011

I was happy to share this Chicago tradition with my sister and brother-in-law, but WOW was it crowded!  I have only gone one other year, on New Year's eve, and it was much quieter at that time. 

From Our House To Yours...

A Blessed Christmas

A few last words to Santa.

The Walnut Room, Macy's on State Street.

Baking for Santa in one of her summer hats that she pulled out!

Santa loves Margaux!

Presents for Jasper too, of course!

Toddler Pocahontas...so adorable!

Socker Bopper with Aunt Susie!

Our Christmas Eve was on the 23rd this year, and our Christmas Day was on the 24th, due to the fact that I had to work on the 25th.  Santa can be very accommodating about coming early if you just ask him nicely.  Sue & Dennis were able to come down again this year, and my nephew Drew came over for the weekend.  We had a nice, relaxing time and Margaux had tons of fun being the center of attention with all of her new toys!  We had a yummy meal and I enjoyed staying in my p.j.s all day and watching Christmas shows by the fireplace.  I need to keep Christmas in my heart all year long!