Sunday, December 28, 2008

Chicago Christmas

We arrived safely back from the Bluegrass to Chicago and were able to spend the next week with the Soldato family. We celebrated all the Soldato Christmas traditions - from Christmas Eve (this year on the 27th!) with Aunty Mar and her family, to Christmas Day with the all the boys. Christmas day included all the delicious breakfast treats made by Grammy. Addie loved eating the Christmas tree made of sweet rolls and monkey bread. And her parents did too!

Unfortunately part of the day was spent watching the Bears lose. I guess Addie must get used to sports-cheering disappointments. Her parents teams haven't been the best over the past couple years!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Addie's First Birthday and KY Christmas

This is my first official post from our new computer! So now there are no excuses on why I cannot update the blog at least on a weekly basis.

We are currently in Kentucky celebrating Christmas with the Rompf the family. We have had a lovely week here in the Bluegrass. We were able to cut down a Christmas tree with my family, play "25 Words or Less" several times, and even see the Kentucky Wildcats beat Tennessee State at Rupp Arena. All in all, an eventful, but fun week. It has flown by!

Thus, an explanation as to why it has taken me a full week to post pictures of Addie's first birthday party. We decided to keep the celebration small because most of our families were out of town. But it was a special night for Miss Addison. We ordered her favorite - pizza - and I made a yellow cake with Hershey's chocolate icing. She loved the pizza - and made a mess with the cake. She was spoiled with gifts from her Grammy and Grampa, Aunt Elizabeth, and Uncle Matt. All in all, I think the party wore her out as she slept until 8:30 pm the next morning!

We head back to Chicago tomorrow to celebrate Christmas with the Soldatos. Miss Addison is going to be confused when January hits and she is no longer receiving new toys everyday! She'll be sad to see December go!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Thanksgiving!







Again, let me apologize for how late this post is. I cannot believe two weeks have flown by since Thanksgiving. Life has been crazy, and because we still don't have a computer, I cannot update the blog during the day. Cheerleading is in full swing - and due to competitions last weekend and tomorrow, I have had night and weekend practices with the girls. This has given Addie and Dan many "Dad nights," which I love. I remember vividly growing up when my Mom was working on her PhD or teaching that we too had "Dad nights." I'm not sure I would be thrilled for a hot-dog-cheese omelet these days, but I am so grateful for the time spent with Dad on those Tuesday nights. I know the same is true for Addie and Dan.

We were able to travel down to Kentucky for the annual Rompf Family Thanksgiving. This is the 31st year my Dad's side of the family has gathered in Kentucky for a four-day-long party. There are so many traditions associated with the weekend, and thankfully this year, my parents put a detailed scheduled on the refrigerator so everyone would know exactly when and where all the events started. We of course have a big, traditional dinner on Thursday. Friday there is an intense touch-football game, we hike Natural Bridge, and then go out to dinner. Saturday my Aunt Betty cooks an amazing meal, and we are all able to just hang out at my parents house. I LOVE Thanksgiving. I have countless memories with my cousins growing up, and there is something so comforting about the long-standing tradition. While we had to miss last year because I was so pregnant with Addie, it was nice to know even though I was away, I still knew exactly what everyone was up to.

Dan and I did start a new tradition two years ago when we ran a Turkey Trot 5K at Keeneland Racetrack on Thanksgiving morning. Several Rompfs joined in the fun this year. It is a beautiful run around the horse farms at the famous racetrack. We had a great run - and at least we got our workout in early before all that eating!
I'm posting a few pictures of the lovely weekend in the Bluegrass. And I promise to post some of the big one-year party this Wednesday. I cannot believe a year has flown by!!!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Uncle Pete's 21st!

First of all, let me apologize that this update is LONG overdue. Our computer crashed two weeks ago, and with Thanksgiving, we have still not had time to sit down and make a decision on a new one. Thus, I'm going to try and update you all this weekend while Dan has his work laptop at home.

Over the past two weeks we have been quite busy. On Sunday, November 23rd, we were able to go out to Darien to celebrate Uncle Pete's 21st birthday with the Soldato clan (a day before the real day!). It was so nice to be with everyone. Pete was home for a week-long Thanksgiving break from Butler University. As you can see from the pictures, he allowed Addie to sit with him as the birthday candles were lit. She seemed mesmerized by the whole experience, and yet very at home with the little blue flames and colorful icing.

Addie was also able to play with her second cousin Taylor who graciously entertained her during dinner. It won't be long until the two are causing all kinds of trouble together -- I can see it already!

All in all, a very fun evening, and a great start to an eventful Thanksgiving week!