NYE...

With the forecast projecting highs in the upper 50's--possibly even lower 60's--we couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day. We headed down to Cincinnati to go to the zoo. We'd never been to Cincy's zoo, but had heard that it was very hilly. Well, compared to the National Zoo, this zoo was practically flat! We had a great time and were thrilled with the minimal crowd--we nearly had it all to ourselves. Most of the animals were out too. The girls loved seeing the giraffes. Afterward we had a late lunch at Panera before driving home to watch the (pre-recorded) Sun Bowl game...GO IRISH!!! What a great last day of the year. Now we'll see if the girls will make it to see the ball drop...

The girls...

I love these girls...

Logan and Maren...

Think she could fly?

Maren...

Carsyn and Maren...

Daddy's girls...

Couldn't decide it looked better in color or black and white?

Carsyn and the polar bear...

Sisters...

So sweet...

Finally checking out the giraffes...

Maren...

Logan...

Hanging out with the two-toed sloth...

What a fun day!

The Day After Christmas...

Yesterday we traveled to Indiana to celebrate Christmas with daddy's side of the family, and to see our friends John and Kathy. The girls had blast playing with all their cousins...especially their big cousin Justin (thanks for being such a good sport)! They also loved holding the new baby cousins Lucia and Tommy...so sweet! Maren and Alex (they're just three days apart) were having super time running around and laughing together. At Kathy's the girls couldn't wait to play with Lyla (and John)! What fun day after Christmas!

All the little cousins...

Logan and Tommy...

Carsyn and Macy...

Just the girls hanging out...

Maren and Alex...

The girls and Lyla...

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...

The girls couldn't wait to run downstairs to see what Santa had left them this morning. They loved each one of their gifts, and have already played with half of them. Right now their playing their new Toy Story 3 Wii game--I guess they were tired of 24 hours of A Christmas Story. ; ) What a fabulous Christmas. We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas too!

Merry Christmas...

Christmas Eve...

Well, Christmas is finally here. The girls have been counting down on their Advent calendar, making their lists, and tracking Santa on Norad. We went to Christmas Eve mass this evening. It was packed. Mass started at 5:30, but carolling started at 4:45. We got to church at about 4:50, and luckily got seats. At around 5:20 I told Carsyn that mass would start in ten minutes. To which she replied, "WHAT!?!? You mean all this has been nothing?" What a funny girl! But, they had fun getting to see lots of their school friends afterward. When we got home we enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve dinner and then opened presents from each other. The girls were so excited to see what their sisters had gotten them. Now they're in bed, dreaming of Christmas morning. Hopefully Santa delivers for them.

After mass...

Logan unwrapping her present from Carsyn...

Carsyn couldn't wait to tear them open...

Maren loved her gift from Logan...

Christmas Baking...

The girls have really been in the Christmas mood this year. They've been wanting to watch every Christmas movie on TV, and tonight they baked gingerbread cookies with daddy and had a blast decorating them. Look at these little bakers...

MNF...

We (well--mostly me, and Barry a little) are all super-excited to see the Bears beat the Vikings tonight, and clench the NFC North division! Go Bears!

Our Monsters...

Dayton Flyers...

Since about 14,000 people attend Dayton Flyers home basketball games every weekend--and the fact that they won the NIT last year--we figured it was about time to see what all the hype was about. Actually, Barry just got a couple of free tickets from work, and we had no other plans. It was fun, but it would have been more exciting if they were playing Butler or a team that we cared about. Maybe we'll take the girls sometime.

Go Flyers...

Last School Day of 2010...

After missing two days this week due to the snow, everyone was excited to go to school this morning...of course it always helps when it's an out-of-uniform day! At lunch time Maren and I headed over to school to deliver gifts. Maren had fun playing Santa. What a great last day of school for the year!

Logan and Carsyn before school this morning...

3rd grade festivities...

Fun times in first grade...

Maren at Ballet...

The girls had their second snow day from school today (the first was Monday). Usually this would be fantastic news for the girls, but Logan was super-disappointed because her Christmas program was postponed. However--unlike Monday--today was not nearly as bitter cold, so the girls did get to go out and play in the snow. But, I was busy shoveling the driveway (for the sixth time) so I didn't take any pictures. By late afternoon the snow stopped falling and the roads cleared up, so Maren still had her dance class.

Maren...

Maren's Christmas Program...

Night #2 of school Christmas programs is complete. Maren had a blast preforming. Her class had been practicing for the hand bell number for weeks. Maren did great. She definitely felt comfortable on stage. Logan and Carsyn enjoyed watching Maren, but when other classes were on stage they complained of boredom...of course. One more to go...hope the snow holds off!

Maren getting ready at home...

Practicing her poses...

There it is...

Maren and her teacher...

After the show...

Carsyn's Christmas Program...

It's the week for Christmas programs at school. Tonight we kicked off our super-busy week with Carsyn's. Unfortunately Logan has dance for two hours on Tuesday nights, and couldn't come. But, she did get to see it during school today. Carsyn had fun singing her little heart out, and Maren had fun watching. Tomorrow we have a program at Maren's school, and then Logan's on Thursday.

Logan ready for dance...

Carsyn and Maren at school...

Adam and Carsyn--so sweet...

Marie and Carsyn...

First Grade...