Fun in South Bend over New Year's

On the 1st of January, we traveled to South Bend to celebrate with our niece, Michelle, who was getting married on Saturday. We arrived to about 5 inches of lake effect snow, and constant snow showers were predicted for the remainder of the weekend. Matthew was so excited b/c of the snow! We celebrated the new year with the rehersal dinner, complete with black eyed peas, collared greens, and pulled pork. On Saturday morning we drove the few blocks to the Norte Dame campus (where Michelle attends school) and let the kids out to play in the snow. They absolutely loved it! Here we are in front of the dome.

Here are Sam (our nephew), Matthew and Kaelyn in front of Touchdown Jesus.

And another one of the kids, happy as can be playing in the snow.

On Saturday evening, Michelle and Mike were married in a ceromony that was unconventional, but totally suited them.

and at the reception....yes, they are playing in their band!

After the band played a few songs, there was more music and dancing and food! Matthew had a great time running around with the other kids, and even made a friend. Kaelyn just loved the music and wanted to dance. Unfortunately, everytime she would make her way to the dance floor and begin to dance, I would try to take a picture and she would stop! I did finally get one of her dancing with Chris.

On Sunday morning, we headed to church and then for home. Thankfully, Kaelyn slept for a good 3 hours and Matthew had his leapster to keep him busy in the car. Once we arrived home, it was off to baths and bed so that we could get up early for work and school on Monday morning!

Christmas with the Stewart's

We went to mom and dad's the weekend after Christmas to celebrate with my side of the family. We had a short, but very nice visit due to weather and needing to be back for work reasons. On Sunday, Doug and Courtney were able to arrive before the snow started and we were all together to celebrate. Matthew and Kaelyn loved getting into their Christmas stockings.

Matthew had a "Star Wars" Christmas and was absolutely estatic about it!

Kaelyn figured out how to unwrap the gifts and was quite the trash picker-upper, as she would tear a small piece off and then promplty give it to papper who had the trash bag! While Kaelyn liked the presents, she also found enjoyment in other things, like putting her face up to the cold window

and dancing with my mom.

Due to the winter storm that had hit while we were celebrating, we couldn't stay as late as we would have liked. Fortunately, we were able to make it home safely even though it took 4&1/2 hrs instead of the normal 3!