Chicago Thanksgiving 2010

We decided to spend the holidays alone in Chicago this year to save the trouble and expenses of traveling with Bleeker and Baker and though I was a bit worried that we would be lonely over Thanksgiving, we had a really great holiday!  Yes, we missed our families but we also really enjoyed our time together as a family and the chance to enjoy the parade Thanksgiving morning.  So we made a mini-Thanksgiving lunch because we were invited to spend Thanksgiving dinner with some new friends from church and their family in the burbs.  They have a little boy the same age as Baker so they had so much fun playing together and chased each other around the house all night long.  It was a really great time!

So proud of the turkey he made with mommy.

Early Thanksgiving morning, 8 am, for the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  Lucky for us, we live only 2 blocks from the parade so we just pranced right on over!

Does his face show pure happiness or what?

The parade begins!  There were loads of character balloons...the turkey, Garfield and Bob the Builder were just a few.  Baker loves the balloons!

We love Maisy!

It's a 2.5 hour parade (I know...very long) so halfway through, many of the people in front of us left so we were able to get a front row view.  Baker decided to take a seat.

One of Baker's favorites

We finally convinced him that sitting on our shoulders was not a scary thing.  He is NOT a fan of this but our arms were breaking halfway through and we simply couldn't do it anymore!

Trying to see the parade over my head.

Santa!

Painting a Christmas ornament while we waited for our lunch to cook.

Enjoying our little lunch as a family...a Thanksgiving first!

Having dinner with friends', the Caifanos, family in the suburbs.

Playing the piano with Dylan. Just look at the mischief on Baker's face.  Dylan was born on Baker's due date, Feb 6.

He was wiped out after a bi day!

On Friday, we met our friends, the Arcaras, in Milwaukee for their traditional day after Thanksgiving dinner.  What fun we had with them!

This is a big family so there are loads of children and that made Baker very happy!  He simply

loves older kids.  Here he is trying his hardest to fit in and do what they are doing.

His face is so teary and sad here because all of the kids were getting ready to do their gifts and he didn't think he was going to get anything.  Sara Beth was so thoughtful and had bought something for him so had something to open too.  :)

One of the cousins showing Baker how to use a Nerf gun.

Just before bed, Baker was telling Ike, our Elf on the Shelf, "I be a good boy" so he could report back to Santa that he was nice.

Magnificent Lights Festival

For months we've been hearing about the Magnificent Lights Festival and Parade and couldn't wait for the holidays so we could get in on the fun.  On the 20th, the day of the parade, there was a festival in front of the big NBC building with loads of tents to make stuff and giveaways.  So we did this in the morning and then went to the parade that night.  Mickey Mouse is the grand marshall, there are loads of Disney characters and as the parade marches down Michigan Ave, all of the trees lining the street light up.  I know it may sound cheesy, but it really was one of those magical moments for our family.  What made it even better was having our dear friends from DC, the Arcaras, here for a short visit.  It was the best weekend in a very long time!

Baker with his best bud, Santa.  This is the same Santa from the elf contest so he remembered Baker which made it even more amazing for him!

It's pretty amazing how much Baker loves Santa.  Not a fear to be had.  He just wants his toys.  :)

I took this one with my iPhone and loved how well it turned out!  We have so many pics to choose from this year for our Christmas card...how will we ever decide?

Making a marshmallow snowman at the Whole Foods booth.

Enjoying his creation

Another iPhone pic that I just LOVE!

Decorating a cheesecake from Eli's...yummo!

He loves anyone or thing in a character suit!

Enjoying his cheesecake creation now!  Can you say "sugar"?

 

A look at many of the booths at the festival. 

Listening to the Justin Roberts band sing "Yellow Bus", one of Baker's favorite songs!

Before the parade, the Arcaras arrived from DC.  Baker was beside himself to see Sam, his hero!  You know how it is with older kids...the younger ones want to be like them.  They have a funny relationship.

Brad, Baker, Jamey and Sam hanging out before the parade.

Sara Beth, Eloise, Sam and me, wearing me duvet coat!  :)

Family pic!

Baker was driving Sam nuts running after him and trying to wrestle.  It was like watching two brothers play fight.  So funny!  And he wouldn't give up!

The crazy crowds

Wearing his glasses for the parade - When you looked through them at the lights, you could see dolphins and reindeer!

Mickey and Minnie!!

So excited to be there!

With a big giant snowman balloon behind us!

Chip and Dale

Phineas and Ferb

Sara Beth and Eloise

Rudolph

Pluto and Goofy

 

Cleveland High School band from TN was playing...all of schools!  Brad used to play in this band!

Donald and Daffy

Of course the man of the hour!  Hearing Baker cheer for him was heartwarming.

After the parade, Sam and Baker finally got to stand at the front of the sideline and watched the fireworks.

Holding his tender little ears

 
After the parade, we walked home and had dinner.  What a fun night!

Video of Baker trying to wrestle with Sam for fun, very much the way that a little brother would drive an older brother crazy.  I can't believe how tough he's getting!

Video montage of the parade and fireworks. I didn't realize at one point that they would be doing fireworksThe part of the video when Santa appears, you'll hear a constant squealing.  That would be Baker.  :)  I told him he needed to cheer when Santa got there and boy did he!  So, so cute.