Winter Wonderfest!

It has become a tradition for us to visit the annual Winterfest at Navy Pier. Entering the room is truly like walking into a winter wonderland. We missed going before Christmas this year and decided on a whim to go today. How lucky we were to have our friends Jessica and Kenzie join us for a day full of train rides, steep slides, jumping, and cookie decorating.

More Winter Wonderfest Pics.

Dress-Up Day!

The kids love to dress up in their transformer,pirate, and power ranger costumes. Today, these costumes brought them at least an hour of entertainment. as did playing with their foam playdough.

More Pics.

The Best Present Ever!!!

I am now the proud owner of a digital SLR camera! I have wanted one of these since Maya was a baby. I have a very thoughtful husband and two children who can really keep a secret. It was a complete surprise on Christmas morning.

When we told the kids to start opening their presents, Maya told me that she wanted to wait and watch me open my presents first (is she really only 5?). She was so excited and proud to give me my camera.

On Christmas Eve, I had been complaining about my worn-out point and shoot camera with a broken LCD screen to which Dom replied ..."why didn't you put a camera on your Christmas list?" Even then the kids didn't say anything. Should Dom and I be worried by just how well Maya and Kai can keep a secret? This ability could really come back to haunt us in their teen years.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few pictures that I've taken with my new camera. I'm just learning , but I have to say that this camera is AWESOME!!!

Christmas Day!

Christmas this year was relaxing, low key, and magical as usual. My parents spent the day with us and enjoyed helping their grandkids play with all of their new toys. Dominic made Christmas dinner and spent much of the afternoon in the kitchen. My dad sat at the kitchen table and kept him company as Dom organized and executed a delicious Christmas feast. I vote that he cooks next year as well.

Christmas Eve!

This year we spent Christmas Eve with my parents. We invited them to spend the night so that they could share in the Christmas morning magic. They happily accepted. On Christmas Eve, the doorbell rang. The kids ran to open the door only to find a small gift bag sitting on the door step. They opened the card and it read:

"Dear Maya and Kai,

Today is the day
It’s Christmas Eve night
Santa’s getting ready
To make his long flight.

It sure has been fun
Getting to know you this year
You know I can’t talk
But I always can hear

I love every morning
When you come to find me
I think my favorite place
Is on top of your tree

I have orders from Santa
To leave something for you
You can open it now
I promise it’s nice and new.

Maya, I know you love princesses
And Kai you love lightning McQueen
I found these at the North Pole
They were the best jams that I’ve seen

Be sure to put these on
When it’s time to get ready for bed
Brush teeth, go potty, and read a book
Then on your pillow lay your head

I will still be watching
And listening all night long
And waiting for Mr. Santa
To come and sing his song

I know that he won’t come
If there’s lots of goofing around
So be the great kids that I know you are
And go right to sleep without a sound.

Thank you for such a fun Christmas season
I love to watch and hear
And I can’t wait to fly back to the Marten house
After thanksgiving time next year.

Merry Christmas Maya and Kai……………Love, Elfie"

Elfie is an elf who has been hanging out in our house for the duration of December. Each morning, the kids excitedly search the house to see where Elfie has perched himself for the day. At night, Elfie uses his magic powers to fly to the north pole and report to Santa all of the happenings in our household. The kids couldn't believe that he had delivered a present.

Getting Ready for Christmas!

We are hoping to instill the true value of Christmas in Maya and kai. This year, the kids picked two charities...the Cat Society (where we got Cheeks), and the food pantry. They unselfishly emptied part of their piggy banks and helped to pay for the various items to donate.

On her own accord, Maya stuffed the remains of her piggy bank into a plastic baggy and gave the entire bag to the cat socity representative as soon as we arrived to drop off the supplies. Maya had given over $8.00 of her hard saved money without us even asking. We were completely unaware of her plans.

We also want to teach them that there are multiple ways to give. This year, we returned to our local nursing home to sing Christmas carols to the residents. We had an amazing response with aroud 20 people joining us (many of our fellow carolors were classmates from Maya's pres-school, friends, and neighbors of friends). We were so grateful for their participation. Each family brought wrapped gifts and home-made items. As we sang our last song..."We Wish you a Merry Christmas", the kids passed out the presents and home-made cards to the the residents. It was a wonderful experience.

One comical note: One of the residents asked if the boy on the guitar was my son...when I said yes, she said...oh, I thought he was Elvis!

Maya's Christmas Program!

Christmas With Nanny!

Since Nanny will not able to come for Christmas this year (work schedule), she decided that she couldn't wait until January and took advantage of a "3 day off" strecth to come for a pre-christmas visit. As we were sitting in a cafe sipping hot cocoa one afternoon, Maya randomly said..."don't you just love days like these...when it's cold outside, and we're inside drinking hot chocolate". When Nanny offered to pick up the check when we were finished, Maya said..."oh Nanny, we can't ask you do that....you paid for your flight to get here...that's Mommy's job". I think Maya truly has a 50-year-old soul. She really is such a sweetheart. Nanny's visit ended with a pre-Christmas, present opening evening. Maya loves her new cupcake maker and Kai likes his remote control car. Thank you Nanny!

Maya's Pre-school Christmas Party!

Visiting Santa!

When baby cousin Ely came to town, we decided to visit Santa...together. The kids were much more excited this year and much less afraid. Maya and Kai both recited their lists for Santa as he patiently listened.