It was such an awesome visit! The entire family hadn't been together since March and everybody got to meet Dylan for the first time. We also met Mandi and Mike's daughter Payton, who was lives in New Jersey and was born 2 days after Dylan, so it was a very special trip all around. We stayed with Melanie and her 3 kids so my little ones were in heaven with all of the attention. Well, everyone but Dylan. She wasn't too thrilled with all of the fuss so she cried a lot. It was a bummer because I wanted everyone to see how adorable she is, but she wasn't quite her best. The little stinker did finally warm up to everyone...the day we left!
But Jack and Gavin loved all of the attention they got from the family...especially their cousins Sami, Carson and Sophia. They are so great with my kids and kept them happy and entertained the entire time. My boys jumped right in the mix as if no time had passed - it was really awesome to see them bond with their extended family. Sami is such a little mommy and took great care of Dylan even when she was crying. And Dylan actually warmed up to her pretty quickly which was great. Jack split his time between Carson and Sophie and loved hanging out with both of them. Gav was all over the place, being his typical rambunctious self. I think we owe a few people some money for broken Christmas decorations and ornaments. But he really took to Gigi and Papa the most which was super cool! We Skype them often so we have been able to keep in touch even when we can't be together. I love Skype!
The entire visit was super relaxing. We opened presents, ate, hung out, ate, watched movies, ate more, napped, ate and talked while we ate. Did I mention we ate a lot! Hey, that's what vacations are for! The holidays were so rushed so it was nice to just sit and catch up with everyone. And it was adorable to see Payton and Dylan together for the first time. I wish they all lived closer so we could spend more time together. It's very important to me that my kids stay connected to Christian's family even though they live 2000 miles away. I'm not one of those wives who dislikes her in-laws. I actually think I hit the jackpot with them! I love visiting Chicago and always look forward to their visits here.
I definitely think the coolest part of the trip was the chance to be in the snow....especially for Jack! All he wanted on this visit was to see the snow so we were thrilled when we arrived and there was still some on the ground. Then it proceeded to snow for the next few days so he was over the moon. It was really, really cold but I don't mind that for a few days. I can handle it as long as I know I can come back to SoCal and slip into my flip flops, which I did immediately! But for Jack, who never gets to experience cold and snow, this was really a special treat!
We are so grateful to Melanie, Gigi and Papa for the hospitality and yummy meals. And to everyone for all of the Christmas gifts....they were so generous with my kids. So overall it was a terrific trip! I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked but the ones I got are gems. Enjoy...
Dylan's first time in the snow! She lasted for about 10 minutes before she started crying. But she looked adorable in her snow suit and hat...
Jack was seriously in heaven here! When we went outside he said..."I've been waiting for this day for my whole life!" It was priceless! Here he is with Carson and Sophie...
Dylan loved her cousin Sami who is the best baby sitter ever! I think that Dylan looks a lot like Sami...
Our little shredder! Jack took to the snowboard very quickly. It was just a small hill but he was so great at it. He never fell. I, on the other hand, ate it twice and gave up. Jack's just a natural athlete...
He was dorable in Carson's old snow outfit! So thankful that Melanie kept all of it...
Gav was less interested in the snow. He lasted for about 15 minutes before he wanted to go inside. He's definitely a California boy! Here he is in Jack's old snow outfit from Atlanta...
Ready to sled with Daddy...
The next day it started really snowing and didn't stop for the next 2 days. It was so beautiful...
Jack took advantage of the fresh powder and went out for another day of fun...
Some big news from the trip is that Dylan started sitting up. It literally happened over night. Here she is sitting like a big girl...
Payton and Dylan's first picture together! I know it's not the best picture ever but I just had to share it...
My kids got lots of love from the family. Here's Dylan with her Aunt Dani, who drove from the city to the burbs every day to come see us. What a great auntie!!
Mandi and her precious baby girl Payton, who is seriously the best baby ever!
The most fascinating bow in the universe...
What a great picture of Dylan and her Gigi and Papa! Now you can see where Lady D gets her good looks! She is definitely a David...
Dillie and her Aunt Melanie, who was such an amazing hostess to my crazy family! As I always say, "We bring the circus with us!" She got lots of QT with Dylan, even if she did cry during a lot of it...
On NYE we went bowling with a bunch of Christian's friends and their families. It was so much fun! The kids really loved to bowl...
Dylan got dolled up for New Year's in her sassy leopard pants and a big bow, of course...
One word...Trouble....
Bam!
That's our Gav!!!
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