Chicago, Chicago

The Baleikos, Friedmans, and Rogers headed in to the Windy City via train today.  The Rogers kids have never been to downtown Chicago before, so when we exited Union Station they were instantly amazed (the Friedmans thought it was pretty cool too).

Cypress Cove

Today we splashed down at Cypress Cove Aquatic Park with the cousins. The kids and grown ups all got some serious H2O time via pools, water slides, and lazy rivers.  What fun!

Chillin' in the 'Ville

We changed our plans today because of the weather.  Instead of going to downtown Chicago, we had extended pool time here at the hotel, followed by a visit to the DuPage Children's Museum.  We played with vacuums, hand tools,  electricity, bubbles, and water... Thankfully not at the same time.  

After the hands on fun at DCM, we met up with the Friedman cousins and the kiddos went off to the movies with the grandmas.  They watched Turbo while cousins Kris, K8, and Amanda slipped away for shopping.  

Horsing Around

We started the fun filled day with a wagon ride at St. James' Farm.  The Friedman cousins met us there and the action began.  After the wagon ride, we headed back to Marc and Mary's for some quality multigenerational cousin time.  And food.  And humongous cookies.  Let's not forget that.  :)

After horsing around on Anderson Drive, we piled in the car and met Great Aunt Amy and Great Grandpa Grumps for the horse show at Tempel Farms.  

Baleiko Bonanza!

Day 2 in Chicago featured pool use at the hotel, then a fun filled day with the Naperville Baleikos.  Once at Aunt Mary and Uncle Marc's, Kris came with Ben and Sidney and the kids instantly took off for some quality fun. They played inside, outside, and upside-down.  Then Cousin Matt arrived, and he quickly re-established his legendary status with the youngest generation of cousins.  They played baseball, chased footballs, and took a dip in the hot tub.  We finished the day with the grilling goodness and ice cream for dessert.  The kids collapsed once we got to the hotel, and they all hoped that we would not have another visit from the Fire Alarm Fairy that night.

Indiana Girl, to the rescue!!!

The Rogers Family Turkey Smackdown

Much of the Rogers Family came over today for a belated Thanksgiving experience.  Even Uncle Jo was able to come down from Marquette for the festivities.

I was up early (ok, not any earlier than normal, but it is still considered pre-dawn in most civilizations) and made the pumpkin pie, Aunt Mary's cran-raspberry yumminess, and the green bean casserole.  By 8:30 am I was finished and relinquished control of the kitchen to the Bird Artist.  Wow!  Did he do a fantastic job as usual!  We had a great time visiting, and eating, eating, eating.  The cousins had a fun time playing downstairs afterwards (memories of the downstairs play at the Naperville Baleikos!!!!).  It was a great afternoon.  We are very blessed.

Uncle Jo with two very cute leg-barnacles.

  

Feeling Puffed....

This year we stayed in Boon for Thanksgiving and had the Rogers side of the family joined us. I made sure the Naperville Baleikos were represented at the table by making Aunt Mary's cranberry-raspberry relish.  I also made my first pumpkin pie (yay!  It turned out and it was very yummy!).  The rest was up to the chef.   Ken lived up to his standards and put on quite a spread.  It was amazing.

I found particular joy in realizing that the kid table lives on, and is a logistical necessity when feeding that many people.  I also loved the fact that the cousins were playing downstairs and had infinite amounts of fun.... very much like when the Baleiko cousins played downstairs at Naperville.  Good times.  Good times....

I won't be able to take a walk around the subdivision with you tonight--cousins, but while you're out walking, move a couch into the road for me.  :)

Post Thanksgiving Familiness and 30 years of Rainbow Belt Glory

While in the Chi-town area we got some time with the Hallowell side of the family for brunch.












Later that night the Baleiko cousins all met at Buco de Peppo's for a fantastic celebration of Amanda's 30th birthday. The evening was superb-- great food, great conversation, great people.

Good Food, Good Family, Good Times... Good Times.

The Turkey Smackdown report is all good! Lots of quality food and fun were had today. 2nd cousins enjoyed meeting each other and playing. The adults enjoyed far too much food.... but what can I say, Aunt Mary does it up right! :)