On Christmas Eve, we had our own mini Christmas prior to flying to Chicago. Paul, remembering a conversation from months ago, got me my dream lacrosse stick! We played a bit of catch and then headed to the airport.
When we landed in Chicago, we were greeted by a van full of some of our favorite people! Devn and Abby, plus their three kids and Paul's mom Donna were all there to pick us up.
When we got to their cute home, Ellee gave me a tour and then showed me this nice welcome note she wrote for us.
We had a fun Christmas Eve with all the best traditions - pajamas, nativity, yummy food and treats, then we got to help wrap and set up for the next morning.
Christmas day was a dream. Just happy kids, neat new toys, good books, and mostly - family.
The day after Christmas we headed to the zoo...
Greggy and Paul matched with their gingham and gray v-neck sweaters.
For lunch we had delicious Portillo's Hot Dogs. Paul's was some fancy pants bratwurst thing. The best part of this hot dog trip was three days later on the way home from church, when we found Will eating his leftovers in the backseat.
After lunch we headed into the city - first to visit Devn at the hospital where he's doing his fellowship, and then into downtown to check out the sights. First stop (after some drama when I lost, then had my iPhone returned to me on the "L")- the bean!
Later that day, I got the best news! Baby Audrey was here. Just look at my brother being a dad. First grandchild in the Carruth family!
Meanwhile in Chicago, I discovered that freshly-bathed boys in monster towels are definitely the best.
On Saturday, Paul fulfilled his life long dream of going to a Bulls game. Beforehand we drove all over trying to find some Bull's shirts. It was worth it when we found an awesome one for Devo. Too bad Paul's shrunk upon first washing.
Sunday, Will couldn't get over how handsome he looked (I look hannnnsome). And Ellee wore the dress from our wedding reception (handed down from an older cousin). :)
It was so fun to watch these kids play and love each other. This was their great plan to trap themselves in an overturned chair.
Ellee lost her loose front tooth on New Years Eve! I loved witnessing that smile and subsequent lisp.
Will knows how to do it on New Years Eve. Chug! Chug!
The rest of our time there was nice and relaxed, reading, playing video games, resting and getting over some colds. Abby and Devn (and the kids) were so good to us and I want to go back asap.
We didn't even have to be too sad about coming home, because the next day we had the best visitors from DC - Kurt and Julie! I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with them because I had to work, but Paul was a great tour guide during the day, and the evenings we had great fun and conversations. I really like those two.
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