Christmas in Wisconsin

Well when you live away from family sometimes Santa has to come early because we will be visiting them on the 25th. We had x-mas in Wisconsin on Saturday with Addison. We started off our morning with yummy Starbucks drinks (milk for Addison), donuts and bagels. We opened presents and played with everything we got. Addison was excited about her easel, Yo Gabba guitar, kitchen cupcakes that she can draw on, Mickey mouse train and many more things. We then headed off to get her H1N1 second dose-yeah she knows Santa didn't send her that one, but we had to. We went to lunch and then came home for a nice long nap. Jim and I were able to go to Maggianos for dinner and then downtown for a drinks and dessert after looking at the lights. This was our 5th x-mas dinner at Maggianos and it was a little bit sad that it will be our last in Wisconsin. Thanks Aunt Patti for watching Addison while we enjoyed our x-mas tradition.

Yo Gabba Gabba & Breakfast with Santa

While Jim was in Vegas with the guys I drove to IL to spend time with family. On Saturday Addison, Brody, Tara, Grandma S & I went to see "Yo Gabba Gabba". It's was Addison's first show to go see. I was worried she wouldn't sit for it but she surprised me and was entertained the whole time. The show was great. All the kids were singing, dancing and everyone enjoyed the huge balloon drop right over our heads. Thanks Grandma S for the great time.
On Sunday I was planning to visit my parents and go to breakfast. They surprised Addison and I by booking a Breakfast with Santa and one of their favorite restaurants Mill Race Inn. The food was sooooo delicious. The "english" Santa came to every table and talked to each kid. Then they got to see him at the end for a picture and treats. Addison told him how she wants a baby doll. Although her favorite part was when Santa told her he would give her a cookie after breakfast. That was the first thing she ordered when waitress took our order "I want a cookie" she said. My camera died so I have to wait for my mom to send pictures. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa D for the breakfast!

Thanksgiving

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I know I'm a little late posting Thanksgiving but we got a new computer so I had to wait to get things set up with that first. Let's see how much I can remember. We spent Thanksgiving day with the Sostak Family at a wonderful buffet dinner at the Clubhouse. Addison had a blast playing with her cousin all day long before we ate. We then went to my Uncle Joe's house for dessert afterwards. On Saturday of that weekend we celebrated with my side of the family here in Wisconsin. My Aunt Patti had a wonderful feast of food. We played games and had a great time.

Daddy's Little Helper

As Jim was putting the vent back on Addison ran and got her "Handy Manny" Toolbox to help out. She already knows more than I do about being handy!

Halloween

After months of practicing "trick-or-treat" with Addison the day had finally arrived. We spent the morning having breakfast with Cousin Brody and Family. In the afternoon we went trick-or-treating in Lombard with friends. The Gacek's had a wonderful Halloween gathering at their house once again. Addison was amazed at all the candy she got and was determined to hold her bag no matter how heavy it got. The last picture is when Addison is telling us she has had it with trick-or-treating and was ready to go home with Grandma and Grandpa Dillon to cheer on the Irish from home.

Pumpkin Farm & Visit from Grandparents!

Earlier this week we had a visit from my parents for a few days. Addison has been really spoiled with seeing both her grandparents in the last week for a few days each. While they were here we visited a pumpkin farm, had lunch in Cedarburg, WI and ate two yummy meals they brought up and cooked for us. They watched Addison for us on Wednesday while we were both at work. She had a great time at the indoor playground and talking long walks since it was beautiful outside. Addison also loved the playdoh set and tea set they brought her. Thanks Mom & Dad for visiting and for all you did while you were here!

Door County

We spent last weekend in beautiful Door County. We stayed in Sister Bay who was having their October Fest. We enjoyed the craft fair, parade, eating lots of yummy food, playing games & cards and spending time together. Addison especially enjoyed spending time with her cousin Brody who she just adores. They danced, played flashlight chase, tried on their new raingear from the grandparents and even participated in a calk walk. Thanks Grandma and Papa Sostak for a wonderful trip!

Tuesday Playgroup

Every other Tuesday the ortho wives get together for a playdate. We alternate each other's houses or places around town. Today at our group we decorated cookies with halloween frosting and sprinkles. Thanks for the fun time Leslie! It's fun now that Addison is somewhat old enough to participate in the "big" kid activities. I really enjoy our Tuesdays with the moms and other kids.

Apple Picking

Addison and I went Apple Picking last week with our good friends Darci, Caleb, Logan, Kimlinh and her daughter Svetlana. The kids had a great time picking the apples off the trees and eating them while we were in the fields. We probably wasted some apples. Addison was known to take a bite and then throw it and get a new one. It was a miracle noone broke their ankle with all the apples on the ground too. We then saw the goats and took a Hay Ride. It a great time on a nice crisp Fall Day.

Running with my Daddy!

Jim and Addison have started a tradition to go running together whenever Jim has time. They usually go after Addison has had dinner. Jim enjoys his exercise while Addison enjoys sipping on milk she hasn't finished from dinner.

Why Blog?

I never heard of blogging until about a year ago when many of my friends in Wisconsin shared theirs with me. My job-share teaching partner and I started one for our classroom, and the kids & parents loved it. I follow many blogs, and I thought what a cool way to see what is going on in my friend's lives and feel connected to them. Jim, Addison and I will be moving to Southern California in July 2010 for 1 year. I thought what a great way for friends and family to stay connected to what is going on in our lives (if they wish too of course!). It took me a long time to get comfortable with using the blog website (I'm not the best at technology), but now that I have, I'm ready to start! I thought I would just start this year so I could blog about my last year in Wisconsin (can't believe I'm actually saying that finally) and mostly about all the exciting things Addison is doing. Come along on our journey if you wish or if can't sleep at night or have nothing to do during the day. I plan on updating a few times a month.