The Magurans

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

This was the weekend of our annual holiday trip to Chicago. Grann came into town on Thursday evening and we got on the road first thing Friday morning. Phil dropped Grann and I off at the hotel with our luggage and then he and the boys went to park the car and take the train back to the hotel. Alex was so excited to get to ride the train. After we were settled, we grabbed lunch at Eataly which was delicious! Then we walked over to Water Tower so the boys could ride the escalators and could play in the Lego store. William left the Lego store with a snowplow kit and Alex found a Lego Juniors fire station that he loves. Then we swung by the hotel to drop some stuff off and went down to the Macy's on State Street. We put our names in for dinner at the Walnut Room and looked at the decorated windows (which Alex really liked). Then we walked over to "the bean" and William and I did a little ice skating. It was a little more chaotic than the ice he's used to and the skates were a little shorter which gave us a little less ankle stability. William was not as sure on his feet as he usually is but still had a good time. Then we walked back to Macy's to have dinner by the big Christmas tree.

On Saturday, we walked down to Millennium Station and took the Metro to the Museum of Science and Industry. The boys love the kids' water area and spent close to an hour there. Then we explored the "Science of Weather" and watched the model trains (they love their trains!). When we got back to the city we had a late lunch and rested for a bit. Then we got to take another train ride to Lincoln Park so we could see Zoo Lights. The boys got to take a little train ride and enjoyed seeing all the lights.

On Sunday, we took a quick walk down to the lake before heading for home! The boys had a great time and we are all a little worn out!

Hot Cocoa Time!

So excited to watch the trains on the elevated tracks

Fairy Princesses at Dinner

Zoo Lights

Friday, November 28, 2014

Christmas Tree Day!

Today was our traditional "Christmas Tree Day." We drove out to Rockford to Hart's Tree Farm. As usual, we ran into our friends the VanderVeldes in the parking lot. We found the perfect tree for the family room (tall and skinny) and took the tractor/hay ride back to the parking lot. After loading up the tree, we drove into Rockford for lunch at the Corner Bar. Then we walked around the corner to check out the new Ramona's Table. We saw Charlie, the owner, and ordered some sandwiches to go. We took a quick walk at the spillway before heading home. While we waited for the branches to "fall," the boys played trains. As it started to get dark, we started to decorate. The boys did a great job - only a few ornaments were broken in the process. After dinner, we curled up and watched "The Polar Express" in the glow of the tree.

Chugga Chugga, Choo Choo!

On Wednesday, Grandma and Grandpa came down to set up the trains. The boys have been looking forward to this since last Christmas. They both remembered all their favorite cars and couldn't wait to help with set-up. Prior to Grandma and Grandpa coming, we decorated the "kiddie tree" in the basement. The boys made a few new ornaments for the tree and they were pretty proud of how it turned out.

Mesmerized by Dad's new Record Player

Engineer Alex

Friday, November 21, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was William's Thanksgiving Play at school. He is in the top row next to the flag (wearing a striped sweater).

Thursday, November 20, 2014

First Snow

It is a winter wonderland in Kalamazoo! We got a few inches of snow last week and then the big storm hit on Monday. We actually had our first snow day on Tuesday! The boys and I spent the day making gingerbread boys, playing outside, and watching Charlotte's Web.

Last weekend, we went to Grand Rapids for an "Elf" movie night. Our friends went all out with Elf buttons for everyone, a hot chocolate bar, popcorn machine, and bottles of syrup to take home.