Auntie Alice

Kim's godmother, Alice, is a childhood friend of Bern's. We were so glad to see her during our visit! This was the perfect end to our time in Chicago. Maddie, as you can see, loves Auntie Alice about as much as Kim does.

The Aunties

We spent some time with Auntie Joan and Joyce before we left Chicago. We had such a good time with Joan and Joyce and miss them already! Their good friend, Melissa (Scooby) , came over to see us and we were thrilled because it has been a couple of years since we last saw her. Scooby is a doll and we can't get enough Scooby time!

Chicago Children's Museum

The day after Christmas, Auntie Chris came to Mt. Prospect to take the train with us into Chicago. Maddie had never been on a train, which she is calling Thomas. It was a little intimidating at first, but she warmed up quickly. We took the train into the city and then a trolley (Maddie called it Charlie) to Navy Pier, where we spent the day at the Children's Museum. It was an incredible experience and Maddie has declared this her favorite day of our visit. Auntie Chris had a wonderful time too and we were thrilled to be able to spend this much time with her. The museum is unbelievable and I cannot say enough about it. When in Chicago with kids, take them to the museum!

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Mary and Doo-Doo

Kim has the most amazing friends named Mary and Deby, or more lovingly called Doo-Doo. We spent 2 nights at their house and had so much fun. I am so blessed to fall in love with a woman who has such wonderful friends. I love Mary and Doo-Doo for several reasons. One reason is Doo-Doo wakes up every morning with the same fabulous hair-do that I have every morning. The other reason I love them is because Mary let me beat her in bowling when I haven't played in 12-13 years. I am expecting a bowling bag with ball and shoes in the mail any day now. I believe my score was 119. Now, I guess I should mention that Deby technically won, but I beat Mary! It was awesome! I can hardly wait for the Rosie cruise in February when Deby, Mary, and their fabulous friends meet us in Miami for the cruise.

Christmas Model

We took Maddie to a Christmas Eve service at a reconciling Methodist church in Arlington Heights. The church was only a few minutes away from Grandma's and we are so glad we made the effort to find this church. It was an incredible service. We were very warmly welcomed. Maddie walked into the church asking, Where are the kids? She had a blast in the nursery and I think she looked just beautiful.

Rasmus Family Christmas

I can't say enough about our Christmas. This was, hands down, the best visit to Chicago! I am so blessed to have "married" into such a wonderful family. I thoroughly enjoyed being at Chris and Bill's house for Christmas. It was a very special day.

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas in Chicago at Grandma Rasmus's house! Madison left cookies and milk for Santa, which I am sure he enjoyed. She received a couple of Barbies and some Dora toys. Santa also brought a new game, Candyland, which Maddie loves to play. It was a great day. After opening lots of toys, we went over to Auntie Chris's house for Christmas dinner. Uncle Bill fried a turkey, which was incredible. Chris and Bill's children (BJ, Jackie and Amanda) are so grown up and we are so proud of them. I am overwhelmed with how generous and wonderful they are to their grandmother. It was great to spend time with the whole family. Joan and Joyce gave Maddie a Cabbage Patch new born baby and she named her Karly. More than likely, the name comes from Karly Fisch, daughter of Jenny and Tom, who Maddie saw in the hospital when she was born. What a memory!

The Best Playground in the World!

The greatest playground in the world is less than a block away from Grandma Rasmus's house. Even before we had kids, I loved this park. We took Maddie to the park on Christmas Eve when it was rather cold. We had an absolute blast! We played on the see-saw with Kim on one side and me and Maddie on the other. Believe it or not, Kim was able to get us airborn! Yes, my butt actually left the seat! We had so much fun!

Hot Tubbin' With Auntie Joan

While in Chicago for Christmas, Maddie discovered the hot tub on the porch at Auntie Joan and Joyce's house. To Maddie, it looked like a small pool or giant bathtub. Auntie Joan offered to get in the hot tub with Maddie. Fortunately, Joan had a bathing suit and Maddie could get away with not having one. It was a great night, loads of fun, and something neither Maddie or Joan will soon forget.

Mt. Sinai Christmas Pagent

Maddie made her debut in the school Christmas pagent this year. She was absolutely wonderful and I was so proud of her! The other children in her class seemed afraid of the microphone and/or the crowd. My girl grabbed that microphone like Tina Turner and showed her class what to do with it! It was a wonderful day and I nearly burst with pride on my way back to the office. Here are some pictures of her friends and classmates. Jaylene, best friend, played Mary and her "boyfriend", Gregory, played Joseph. Maddie was the CNN journalist who didn't make the original version of the story.

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