Thursday, January 13, 2011

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and Christmas Day

This Christmas season, the girls could do nothing but count down the days 'til Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). That is the night we all gather together at my parents' house and have a special dinner and then after midnight we open gifts!
This year we were able to make it to the 5pm mass. We hadn't attended Christmas mass, since the girls were born! They were great and loved being able to sing along to all the Christmas songs. Afterwards, we had our traditional picture session, followed by a DELICIOUS Christmas lechon (a whole roasted pig), an Argentinean tradition. The girls went to sleep in their bedroom at their Nonos' house around 9pm. Meanwhile, us adults, talked and enjoyed some good wine.
Finally at midnight, we woke the girls up to open gifts. Don't worry we had no problem nor protests when we woke them up, because they knew they were FINALLY going to get to open all those presents under the Christmas tree. As usual, they had a great Christmas. Many wonderful toys and cool clothes.
We made it home around 3:30AM that morning. But before we went to sleep we made sure to leave a couple cookies (that we had made) for Santa, and we sprinkled the magic reindeer food (that they had made at school) out back.
The following morning was so great! To see their reactions when they came down the stairs, was priceless. Santa brought them each what they had asked him for. They were very happy! We then proceded to open the rest of the gifts under OUR tree.
That night we went over to Rick's brother's apartment for dinner and to open some more gifts. The food was also yummy!!
We are so blessed to have had such a wonderful Christmas, especially to have been able to have spent it with all our family. That is the best gift of all.

Our Christmas tree

At Nono and Nona's house











Playing an intense game of Hungry Hippo!
Made especially for Santa Claus
I guess Eva and Sofia were good girls this year








At Tio Mani's apartment

Baking Chocolate Chip cookies

Wearing their cookie aprons (made for them by their Tia Lindsay), the girls helped me
make our Christmas chocolate chip cookies.




Monday, December 20, 2010

Winter Wonderfest

On Sunday, we took the girls to Navy Pier to go see Santa Claus and to go to the Winter Wonderfest they have each year. This was the first time Eva and Sofia were excited to see Santa Claus. There were NO tears, just smiles and hugs for Santa. They made sure to let him know what they want for Christmas. Eva wants Baby All Gone and Sofia wants Dance Star Mickey.
After our happy Santa visit, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at the festival. We ALL had a great time! What a fun place! They even have an indoor ice rink!
I would recommend it to anyone with kids.








Dance Show

This past Saturday, the girls had their very first dance show. They are in a tap and ballet class on Tuesday afternoons. They knew their "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" routine backwards and forwards. And could sing it, loudly and proudly. So what happened on Saturday?! Chaos!! When we got to the theater, we found a stageful of crying little girls, which caused Eva to start crying, which caused Sofia to start crying. When the teacher finally convinced all of them to go backstage, we thought that maybe things would get better. Maybe not. When it was time for the girls performance, four out of the five girls came out crying on stage. BUT to Eva and Sofia's credit, the show went on. They asked me and the other moms to come sit at the egde of the stage. And with that, they all calmed down, and did their dance. No singing, just dancing. Rick, me, their Nona and Nono are all very proud of them for sticking it out, even though they were scared.
"YAY EVA!!!" "YAY SOFIA!!!"




Sunday, December 19, 2010

Christmas Activities

The girls have really been having a great time this year with all the Christmas activities, and traditions that come along with the season. This year they really get it. They fully understand the whole idea of Santa Claus (even though they often forget not to be naughty!!) They love Christmas carols, and know almost all of them. And they know about the very first Christmas, the birth of baby Jesus. Here are some pictures of them enjoying the Christmas season.


Decorating the tree

Decorating ginderbread houses at Tia Lindsay's house

At their preschool Christmas party



Our Annual Christmas Party

This was the 6th year we celebrated Christmas with our friends and family.Rick with Oliver, and Lincoln in the background
Erica and Rick
Vanessa, Lindsay, and Adriana
Christina and Bobby
Laura, Xavier, and Carlos
Jane, Rick, Jose, and Kevin


"OPA!!!"

Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus

Last month we took the girls to the circus for the first time. They loved it.
Especially the elephants!