Merry Christmas!

Yes, I know this blog post is days late. And I've got an assortment of pictures that include both Aunt Abby's visit last week and the Collins Christmas. I promise I'll get it together in 2013! So, to backtrack, Aunt Abby came to visit a week ago and was able to meet Jack and spend some quality time with her favorite niece and nephew. Ella kept her busy with playing, and Jack mostly gave her plenty of snuggles. She was traveling with Brian's family over Christmas, so we're sure glad we were able to spend time with her and will hopefully see her again in a few months. 

As for Christmas, Uncle Sam made it to Chicago on Thursday night and Grandma and Papa arrived over the weekend. We filled the time with a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Nature Museum, Ella's first ride on a train (we tried to see the CTA Holiday Train but due to it being quite late, had to settle for a regular train instead), and lots of cookies and presents (both were Ella's favorite). And what a difference a year makes! Last year we opened gifts for Ella and this year she was so excited that we had to keep reminding her we had to wait until Christmas morning. Jack spent his first Christmas like most days, sleeping, eating, and pooping. We're anticipating a smile soon, and are so happy with our little man!

Aunt Abby came to visit!

Ella and Uncle Sam on the el train.

The whole family waiting for the train.

At the Museum of Science and Industry.

We found more trains at the museum.

When Ella refuses to nap, Daddy takes her for a long walk...

Watching the coins spin at the Nature Museum.

Opening her gift from Uncle Sam.

It looks like Papa is more excited about the gorilla than Ella!

He can sit on his own! No, not really.

Uncle Sam and Jack snuggling.

Yes, we missed weeks one and two, but here is week three. He looks camouflaged on this blanket!

Ella eating one of many Christmas cookies.

Ella opening her gift (she's wearing part of it) from Aunt Erin and Uncle Martin.

Modeling her new Iowa dress and playing with her new airplane.

Grandma C. and Jack.

Uncle Sam reading Ella her bedtime story, along with Gary the gorilla.

Look who fits in Santa's hat!

The best Christmas gift ever.