"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters."

...lyrics form one of my favorite Christmas movies, White Christmas. If you haven't seen it-you really should.

Yesterday we found out that Anabelle will have a little sister in February. John and I are thrilled to be having another little girl! Do you think that I can get them to sing duets at Christmas time? In matching outfits?

Apple picking

This weekend we spent some time at our friend Becky's cabin on Lake Thunderbird. We had a great time eating, visiting, and relaxing. For a few years now, while at the cabin, we have been visiting Tanner's Orchard in Speer, Illinois, and this year proved to be no different. It was a cool,rainy day; but we still managed to have a great time picking apples. (some of these photos were taken by Joe Delaney)

On the wagon heading out to the apple trees.

Becky, Scott and Alexis

Joe and Becky point out the best apples to pick.

Kari and Joe

Please note the baby bump (18 weeks)

I love this picture!!

Shopping day!

On Wednesday, my Mom, Anabelle and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go walk around Oakbrook Mall. Oakbrook is an outdoor shopping mall, that has lots of beautiful flowers and fountains. We did more playing and walking around than shopping but we still had a great time.

Anabelle's 2nd Birthday

Well it's Sunday night and the dust has finally settled from all the birthday festivities. Anabelle is in bed, completely wiped out, and I am finally getting some time to sit and sort through pictures. It was really fun to watch Anabelle leading up to and during her party, this year she really understood that it was a party for her. While we kept it more low key than last years blowout bash, we still had a great time with family and friends and most importantly -Anabelle had a fantastic time!

Friday night John and I took Anabelle out for a birthday dinner at Giordano's, she loves pizza!

Saturday morning Anabelle got to video chat with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Ken while she opened the presents they sent for her.

Books, clothes and pjs!

Giving Grandma a kiss, so cute!

While Anabelle was taking a short nap, we got the party ready.

When she woke up she wondered, "Where is everyone?"

Anabelle wanted to play with all the balloons.

I love this picture! Anabelle's party dress was a gift from our friends Dave and Mollie in London.

My mom made the cupcakes, which was a huge help.

Time to eat some lunch!

John did a great job of doing all the grilling.

Becky, Scott and Alexis are family to us!

Grandpa Mike, Grandma Pat, Abby and Zac enjoying some lunch and beautiful weather.

I decided Anabelle should have her own little cake :)

She took a few tries, but was able to blow out her candles all by herself! I was impressed.

It's time to open presents!

Anabelle got a tricycle from Mommy and Daddy.

A present from Aunt Marena and Uncle Adam.

Dress up clothes, so fun!!

Anabelle was much better at opening gifts this year, she only needed a little help from Mommy.

Anabelle loves to sweep, so Grandma and Grandpa got her a broom that was just her size.

And also some dishes for her kitchen.

Uncle Mike made her a beautiful toy box!

Hmm, what's inside? Wow! A stuffed puppy and a cupcake shirt that Auntie Steph made.

Aunt Abby and Uncle Zac got her a stuffed Monkey, it was a big hit!

Aunt Becky helped to keep Anabelle's closet full.

Grandpa Mike and Grandma Pat got Anabelle a set of Winnie the Pooh duplos, after only one day she is already in love with Piglet.

Posing for pics with Auntie Steph.

A kiss for Uncle Mike.

Always playing with Grandpa, even when she's supposed to be looking at the camera ;)

Here is Anabelle with all of her birthday presents. I didn't get a picture of her opening her gift from Aunt Alexis and Uncle Scott, but you can see it in this photo, they gave her an adorable tea set and a book about being a big sister. I also didn't get a picture of her opening her gift from Uncle Joe and Aunt Kari, they gave Belle the Disney movie Fantasia and a cute sweater. We are so lucky to have such a generous family. Thank you to everyone for helping to make Anabelle's 2nd birthday such a wonderful day!