Grandma Cindy got Elle this angel baby that sings. She absolutely loves it. She sits there and laughs out loud.

It was Kirsten's Birthday, so our annual tradition is to go to the candlelight carols. On Friday night we got bundled up and went to midnight at Morris. Downtown Morris has my favorite kids boutique. The woman's clothes boutique had a beautiful top I loved, but I was pregnant. Luckily they had one left and I found a cute skirt. We went to Corleone's for dinner. The shops were so busy, but it was an experience. Then on Saturday, Kirsten and I did our usual outing to candlelight carols, but this year mom had tickets so her and Auntie Dorothy came with. Kirsten and I have a routine so we took them along on it. We stop at Ricci's a specialty candy shop. Then we headed to Macy, and I fulfilled my mission for the weekend. I found Elle such cute clothes. Macy had Jessica Simpson there (oh yah JK)! It actually wasn't that busy. We went and took picture by the tree, but it has been poor since Macy's has taken over Fields. The tree that is beautiful is the one outside the Daley center at the German Festival. We found some things to buy there. Kirsten got a German clock and we both got ornaments. The candlelight carols at Moody was the best one we have seen yet. Everyone was crying by the end of it. After the program we headed to Rush to look at the shops and then to Carmine's for dinner. We had such a wonderful time!! We were laughing and crying and just having a special moment.

Sam took the boys to a basketball game, and Hans was so impressed with his basketball outfit because everyone told him he looked so cool. Mark and Elle stayed at Kirsten house and Mark set up the electronics for Kirsten. He is a whiz at it. Ellie has been a little under the weather so it was best for her to stay home.