It was a truly exciting holiday for us all, as we started Christmas early by visiting Grandma & Grandpa Yeoman in Chicago. Our trip started well with lovely weather, but we almost missed our connection on Detroit. We RAN through the airport and made it JUST in time. When we got to O’Hare, we got a rental car to head to Grandma’s, but only AFTER Mommy got to go to Chicago Diner.
We met Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Erin and Uncle Jack at Joe’s Crab Shack in Indiana, where they were having their dinner. Everyone went to stay at Grandma’s house, where you met Tessa and Patches (Grandma’s dogs). Patches was a friendly as usual, but Tessa barked, snapped and was generally nervous. Fortunately for everyone Tessa calmed down by the end of our trip and was happily licking your hands.
That Friday you and Daddy got to go to a Merrillville High School basketball game; your first! You “helped” at the statistics table, since that is Grandma’s job there. But you mostly just drew some awesome pictures and complained about the loud buzzer. Mommy just decided to hang out with Aunt Erin and Uncle Jack.
We had a very full weekend when we went to Chicago. We saw our friends Julia & Igor (and many others) and visited Zoo Lights. Your big brother Brandon and his wife Maureen were there too! You charmed the folks with your jazz stylings on Julia’s piano. Because it was so late, we decided to get a hotel and stay downtown. It was a great choice because Mommy got to see all the things she missed and you were introduced to all the things you might not have remembered. We also saw Millenium Park and you loved it.
We rushed to get to the Blackhawks Fan Zone. Daddy got a scarf and you got a jersey AND a time out (though you suffered your time in the “penalty box” pretty well). We even got to run quickly through the Christkindlmarket, but it was VERY crowded. We visited the old neighborhood where we saw our old Starbucks, where we ran into a homeless fellow Daddy knew named Willy (he really liked you and remembered you from when you were first born). We then visited the neighborhood playground where you had a great time and even made some new friends. Then off to Timeless Toys where you picked out a butterfly puppet. Later we met up with Mandy and Jack (NOT the Uncle Jack), old friends from Daddy’s work. They walked around with us in the old neighborhood and finished the evening with snacks at the Daily Grill.
On Monday we were back in Merrillville and spent a fairly quiet time strolling in the mall, where you decided you really liked the play area. Grandma bought you your VERY OWN suitcase and you barely let it go. We also squeezed in a Blackhawks game that night (on TV), cheering them in our newly purchased gear.
The next day when we had to leave it was all hugs and snuggles, you made some new friends in the airport play area, then it was a crazy long journey back home to Maryland.
After the Chicago trip, Christmas week came! And oh what a Christmas it was! Your favorite friends of Daddy and Mommy (Colin and Beth) came over to visit. They even brought you two very cool toys that you enjoy and we spent the evening decorating cookies with them. Grandma and Grandpa sent you butterflies that you can assemble into a big mass. Mommy and Daddy got you art supplies and some small things from the Disney Store. But the next morning, you got the Santa loot! He remembered your request for the game “Who Shook Hook?” and brought you some City Legos too. But that hardly topped all the Legos Uncle Todd sent you! (Mimi and Doc sent you a check too so you can buy even MORE Legos if you want).
On Christmas night we went to Baltimore to see the 34th Street Lights and actually ate at the same Chinese restaurant we did last year. Looks like we’ve all formed a new family tradition! Overall, a very, Merry Christmas.
It's Campbell Time! 