Windy City jaunt

We resumed our annual Thanksgiving in Chicago tradition this year. We packed up the car -- apparently two children mean four times the luggage, even when you think you're traveling modestly -- and drove down Wednesday night. Both kids slept the whole way, meaning the only way it would've been a better ride was if someone else drove so Anni and I both also could sleep the whole way.
We had a great visit with extended family. We stayed with my Aunt Renee and Uncle Fritz -- thanks again -- and managed to squeeze in a trip downtown (see below) and a lunch with some old friends (longtime friends; they're not old) before heading home late Saturday. Again, the kids slept the whole way; that's the only way to travel if you can stay awake yourself.

 

The girl likes black olives. They taste best fresh from the fingertips.

 Watercolor painting during some downtime.

 Trying to bust into the display loot at Macy's in Chicago. (Aside: Who hangs a life-size doll on a Christmas tree?)

 Bryan and Elise in Santa's chair at Macy's.

 Ariane and a very giggly child.

 

 Elise playing Candyland with Veronica, who, if I do my family connections correctly, is her third cousin.

  A last-minute game of Candyland with my Aunt Renee before leaving for home.

Well, this pretty much sums up the family: Two crazy gals, boring me and a chillin' Colin.

After the picture: "Wait, where's Elise?"

 Colin and my dad.

 After the picture: "Wait, where's Colin?"