Christmas in Chicago

On Dec. 23rd Santa visited us before we left for Chicago. When he walked into Colleen's room where Colleen and Lauren were Lauren said - "You're not Santa - you're my Dad!" We were blown away - We thought we had a few more years without that kind of reaction! That being said I will not confirm or deny that it was Thom. Below is a picture - you decide.

The flight to Seattle was a little nuts. Kai had a major poop on the way up - a total blow out. Good thing I packed some extra jammies. The decent was very turbulent, Lauren thought she was going to be sick but fell asleep clutching the vomit bag. We safely made it to Chicago.

We spent Christmas Eve at my Dad's house.


Lauren learned how to play like a "boy". She started out following them around singing Christmas Carols while they wrestled and finally she got in on the action. The next time we visited my Dad and Anna with Colleen she asked Colleen to play like a boy with her. She had a blast with her 5 boy cousins. That night in the car she said she wanted to be a boy. I told her she could be a girl and still wrestle and play with the boys. I think she was okay with that answer.

Cookies for Santa.

My Grandma came in from California to celebrate with us this year and to meet her first great grandson.

Lauren finally got to open her ice skates on Christmas morning, The first thing she did was strip off her PJs. Apparently skating in your undies is more in style.We talked her into putting her dress on but then she got upset when we told her she couldn't go skating for a few more days...

On Thursday we went on our annual holiday trip with my Mom, Rich, David and Rich's sons and their families. We started at the Blueman Group, went ice skating at Millennium Park and then ate pizza at Ginos. We had a great time. There are 4 girls around Colleen's age so we didn't get to spend much time with her.

Skating was a little harder than Lauren imagined. There were a few tears but they were short lived.

Thank you Rich and Mom for another great trip!

We also got to spend some time with Elaine, John and Jack. Jack and Lauren had a great time jumping all over Elaine.

We weren't so lucky on the flight home - Kai took another big poop and Lauren did not fall asleep instead of getting sick. I had to strip her down, bag her clothing and put her in Colleen's coat so we could get off the airplane. To be honest, I'm glad we are not flying again anytime soon!

Aside from the return flight home we had a great Christmas. Thank you to everyone for making memories with us.