Jonathan and Chris's travels

A couple of days after Christmas, Chris and Jonathan took a special "boys only" trip out to Illinois- to see family for about 5 days. Jonathan was overjoyed at taking a plane JUST with Daddy and getting to see Grandma Mary, Grandpa Dave and all his cousins (of whom he prays for every night)! I know that a good time was had by all as Jonathan still talks about the many fun experiences he had on his trip. How could he not, when Grandma Mary and Aunt Amy read book after book after book to him? And, all his cousins taught him games on the I-pad? Or how to create more Star Wars lego structures? Or all the things he could fight with nerf guns? I know that both he and Chris had a blast!Grandma Mary and JonathanJonathan with some of his "girl cousins" (Emily and Samantha)Jonathan with Aunt Amy and one his "boy cousins," Hayden... playin' on the I-pad and computer

Aunt Amy and cousin, Emily, teaching Jonathan how to read

Christmas baking and eating GOOD food!

As you may know, cooking and baking is one of my favorite things to do. If I am having an extremely stressful day or my day is entirely packed with things... I always have to find time to relax by cooking. So, I am overjoyed when Christmas rolls around as that means lots of cooking and baking, especially of really yummy goodies.

This year was especially fun as the kids could and wanted to help out a lot more in the kitchen. They helped with the cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, banana bread for just because, dinner rolls for Christmas day, sugar cookies, chex mix and chocolate mint sandwich cookies... all of which were enjoyed by us but we shared with neighbors, too. The culmination of it all, for me, was Christmas Eve. After we celebrated Our Savior's birth at Mass we came back and enjoyed a fondue dinner. I had read in a couple of magazines a few weeks prior that some families hold that in their traditions during their holidays. And since we were given a fondue pot for our wedding, that had yet to be used, I figured I would give it a shot. It was awesome! I grilled up some steaks for Chris and I, already had the goods (i.e. crusty bread, broccoli, carrots and apples) cut up and ready to dip and warmed up the cheese. The kids had a blast dipping and eating!

Of course, Abby was content sitting, watching and munching on some toddler crackers

For dessert, of course there was chocolate fondue... YUMM-O! It was super messy but TOTALLY worth it! We dipped marshmallows, chocolate pound cake, sugar cookies, pretzels, strawberries, bananas and apples:

Catherine has asked multiple times since Christmas Eve if we can have fondue again and if she can eat like an adult (we let her use a glass plate and fondue fork, ha ha!) some time soon! It must have been a hit. I know I enjoyed it! I think Our Lord was pleased that we all had such a fun time as a family enjoying some extra yummy treats!