We landed late on Wednesday night and all quickly fell asleep once we got to Grandma and Grandpa Harrer's house. We all woke early and headed to Chicago. After 15 years on the waiting list, Nick's name came up to purchase Cubs season tickets and Thursday was the day he got to pick them out. The Cubs let us in and we got to pick our season tickets out. Although it was 10 degrees, it was fun to wander around the ballpark and check out the different options. Ellie was confused that there wasn't baseball going on and she really wanted to see the Cubs...truly her fathers daughter. Nick picked out two seats in the front row of the upper deck just past the first base.
I see many more trips to Chicago during the warmer months in our future...
Later that night we met up with an old friend for deep dish pizza, which we can never get enough of while we are in Chicago.
Friday there was plenty of time for sledding for Nick and Ellie. I didn't participate due to Numero Due but at least I got some great photos. Ellie loved going down the hill, even by herself, but didn't like the hike back up. Amazingly her size 2T winter coat that we bought 3 years ago for her still fit. We layered sweaters and hats and also had a pair of snow mittens from our Boston days to keep her warm.
And of course after a long afternoon of sledding, we headed to Dunkin Donuts for hot chocolate...which Ellie has kinda become obsessed with.
Saturday...whoa...what a full day. We started out by meeting some old friends and their son (only a few months older than Ellie). First we met for lunch and then headed back to their place to hang out. They were generous enough to loan Ellie an old pair of snow pants that their son had outgrown, but which fit Ellie. Although just about the same age, their son is at least 6" taller than Ellie. The two kids played in the snow, throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and other typical kid behavior in the snow.
And it was all fun and games until Ellie got snow up her nose...
Then we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa Harrer's house for the aharrer family early holiday party. It was so nice to see family and cousins that we don't get to see too often. Ellie was so excited to see her younger cousins and they all had a blast.
Sunday was another full day. First there was holiday gift exchange with Grandma and Grandpa Harrer, then we headed to see Great-Grandma Kost for lunch and some quality time, and then we headed down to hang out with Aunt Cindy, Uncle Mike, and Cousin Tristan.
At lunch with Great-Grandma Kost, Ellie was a perfect kid. Of course she insisted on having hot chocolate with lunch. She and Grandma Kost had a great time teasing each other and making each other laugh. It's amazing what two people, born 85 years apart have in common (besides bright blue eyes) and can enjoy each other's company with such ease.
And if that wasn't enough, we headed down to see Cindy, Mike and Tristan for more presents, laughs, and good fun (and more deep dish pizza!!) Ellie and Tristan had fun together. Hopefully Tristan didn't pick up any for Ellie's bad habits.
Monday was a rest day and then we headed home. I wasn't feeling too well on Monday and really took it easy, but Nick, Ellie and Grandma and Grandpa Harrer all had a relaxing day together.
We are happy to be home and back to warm weather (while Chicago experienced highs in the teens, it was in the 80s in Pasadena!). It was a whirlwind trip full of fun (Cubs season tickets!), friends, and time with family. Ellie loves her younger cousins and had so much fun with them this trip. Ellie also got some serious snow play time, which we all enjoyed but glad to only deal with the stuff now when we visit others. Next time we visit Chicago it will be warmer, the ivy will be growing in Wrigley and the Cubs will be playing!
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