More on Grandma and Grandpa's visit

It seems like just yesterday that we took Grandma and Grandpa Anthony to the airport, but it was actually more like 2 weeks ago!  We had so much fun while they were here.  They brought with them lot of Christmas cheer, in the form of Hickory Farms mini melt away mints, and Stephens hot chocolate (hazelnut, mint and white chocolate to be exact).  All are things that scream Christmas to me, that are not available in Chicago.  I have made the children hot chocolate nearly every day after school lately, and despite the fact that I hid the mints from the kids, they are almost gone.

Grandma and Grandpa also brought with them some handmade ornaments made by Grandpa himself.  They gave these ornaments to the kids the Friday morning after Thanksgiving.  Isaac discovered, quite by accident, that the tops of the ornaments come off.  He quickly acted as if he had done nothing wrong, and put the top back on.  Brady, however, discovered, that once open, the ornaments contained money! 




The Lego store in Water Tower Center on Black Friday



The American Girl store in Water Tower Center on Black Friday

 Grandma and Grandpa decided that they wanted to give the kids money for their Christmas presents, and that while we were down in the city, they could choose their own Christmas presents, which we would wrap once we got home.  This worked great, and the kids had a wonderful time at the Lego store and the American Girl store picking out their presents.  Then, on the way back to the train, Brady came to the realization that he wasn't actually going to get his Lego until Christmas.  All of a sudden, it didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

Brady pouting on the walk back to the train

While we were in the city we also decided to stop by Christkindlmarket, a cute little German Christmas market that they set up in the square downtown.  They had cute little tents with vendors selling yummy smelling roasted nuts, brats, and other traditional German food, as well as beautiful ornaments, nutcrackers, and hats.  It was very crowded, so we didn't stay long.

 



It was VERY crowded, which made pushing a double stroller miserable.

 

These German nativities were everywhere, and they were absolutely gorgeous!
Note to John if you ever read this:  I really, really, really want one someday!



No visit to Christkindemarket is complete without a visit to Santa's home.  Each year they build a small home right there on the square, for Santa to live in during the month of December.  It was darling on the inside, with a cozy fireplace, Christmas tree, stars on the ceiling, and even a toy train running around the top.  The kids were very excited to see Santa.

 



Grandma and Grandpa Anthony with the whole crew on the L.