One more post and now I'm caught up!
Kristin's 35th birthday was on December 12th! Happy birthday to my funny, talented, beautiful big sister! My parent's hosted the annual popcorn making party for Kristin's birthday. I managed to skirt the hand burning popcorn making portion of the night ("Sorry, Luke needs me!"), but don't worry - I didn't miss the popcorn ball eating portion of the night:)
The next weekend was the long awaited Eichinger/Davis wedding in Springfield, IL. Katie is Matt's cousin, she is a doctor in Peoria and she is newly married to Caterpillar employed Brock Davis. Everybody came, (including Ben and Linda - yay!!) so it was a very fun reunion for all of the cousins. The wedding was beautiful and the reception went too fast. Katie is the only girl in her family with 5 brothers! Her brothers gave a very funny and moving speech at the reception that was a huge hit with everyone. The next day Katie's brother and sister in law, the wonderful Dan & Amy, hosted a brunch at their house to keep the fun going.
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| Katie asked her oldest brother Dan to give her away |
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| The Baranko Family - all dressed up:) |
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| Ben and Linda - so photogenic:) |
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| Katie & Brock |
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| Aunt Diane with cutie grandsons River & Lennon |
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| Quality time with Uncle Ben |
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| Love this family photo |
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| What a handsome fella |
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| Is this dance taken? Luke was charming all the girls at the party:) |
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| All the Eichinger kids! Katie, Matty, Joe, Dan, Mike & Steve |
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| At the Sunday Brunch - Mike, Steve, Amy and her twins Kate & Will |
Since Ben and Linda were heading back to Idaho, we celebrated our Baranko side Christmas on Sunday night when we returned from Springfield. It didn't even feel like it was early - everything was so fun and festive in Donna and Emil's house. We had a delicious Italian dinner, then exchanged gifts by the crackling fire. Luke really made out, spoiled by his grandparents and aunt & uncle. Matt and I were also spoiled silly with many thoughtful and generous gifts. One of Luke's favorite gifts was the toy vacuum from Gram (Donna's new grandmother name - debuted on Sunday!) and Grandpa. He also received a beautiful Thomas the Train set from everyone that we can't wait to set up and see him marvel at. Thanks everyone!
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| Tractor toy |
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| Twilight Turtle |
On Monday Matt and I took the day off of work to spend time with Ben and Linda before they left. We all went to the Chicago Botanic Gardens (yes, we finally went there!) to see the amazing "Wonderland Express" train exhibit. This exhibit was so cool - not only did it have the trains, but it had all of these miniature landmarks of Chicago made out of natural forest materials like bark, moss and leaves. A horticulture masterpiece! We also got to have a nice visit with Grammy and Boyd before we said goodbye to Ben and Linda.
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| Luke liked to point out the trains as they passed, he loved them! |
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| Note Luke looking at the train, not at the camera. |
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| Visit with Grammy & Boyd |
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