We had another very special Christmas season, with fun outings, safe travels and great cheer.
Oliver supervising the tree timing.
Gloria running the Christmas card assembly line.
Luke decided to start as an altar server at our church.
For some holiday fun, we got tickets to see the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker. We got all dressed up for the occasion.
On the way we stopped off to see the tree at Macy's...
... we enjoyed walking around a little of downtown Chicago near the Kristkindlemarket.
A special highlight for the kids: we got dinner at the McDonald's World Headquarters.
Showtime!
Chad and Luke.
The ballet was at the Lyric Opera.
We all thought the show was amazing.
What a great time!
We enjoyed getting our house all lit up for Christmas.
A little Clark Griswold, maybe, but why hold back at Christmas?
We call this the "Lights and Display Contest" (i.e. from Charlie Brown).
Gloria enjoyed doing some baking this Christmas with Amy.
We enjoyed doing puzzles in front of the tree in the lead up to Christmas.
Cookie making time!
Cheers!
With school out early for break and the kids home without a lot to do, Santa made an early visit so the kids had a few extra fun things to play with ahead of Christmas.
Fun stuff! Oliver and Luke.
No snow yet, so not a bad time for a family walk.
More cookie making time!
Time for our Christmas eve meal! Hail to the cooks!
Christmas morning is here!
New earings!
Luke.
Oliver.
A fun puzzle made by Gloria! Wow!
Cool new clothes for Oliver.
Taj Mahal lego! Woah!
Great new sled -- we just need snow!
Amy.
Cool guy sweater for Luke.
With clear Covid tests, we were good to make our trip to Iowa to see Grandma and Grandpa Doobay.
We made it!
Somehow these guys got taller than Grandma.
Gloria is coming close!
Enjoying some couch time with Papa Doobay.
Great gathering with lots of cousins.
Basement fort time for the cousins.
Mari, Amy and Alissa.
Grandma and Dira.
Talking Middle School Ways: Uncle Craig and Luke.
Always a great meal at the ready!
Luke and Tommy.
Curry quality control.
Puzzle power! Gloria and Craig.
Chad with his goddaughter, Mari.
Cool cousins out for a nice bit of fresh air.
Roti queens, Alissa and Dira.
Cheers!
Super fun cousin gift game.
First snow!
What a great visit! Oliver and Papa Doobay.
Gloria and Grandma Doobay.
Off to Blair Farms!
Great snow out here!
Angel Food Pros: Grandpa Blair and Gloria.
Luke.
Bird Feeding time.
So great getting to see Grandma and Grandpa Blair!
Checking out Uncle Marc and Aunt Jessie's new barn. Wow!
Checking out the cows. Oliver.
Gloria checking out the kitties.
Such a great Christmas visit!
Back home in Oak Park, getting ready for New Years. Gloria set up the schedule.
Amy made an amazing meals with treats for all.
Cheers!
These crazy kids stayed up until midnight. A fun party for us all and a great start to 2022!
