Visiting the Windy City

We took our first trip back to Chicago since we moved in July and it was wonderful to see all of our friends and introduce them to Avery. We drove in late Friday night and spent the weekend at Du's house (he was an AMAZING host and uncle and very patient with a niece who is not a good sleeper). On Saturday we had an Open House for Avery and it was great to see so many old and dear friends (Du, Jill & Josh, Jill & Jeff & Johnny, Lisa & Kirk, Kathleen & Steve, Beth and Malin, Katina, Drew, Randy, Mike & Gabriel) We really appreciated everyone coming over!! Avery got a little tired near the end and needed some quiet time but did a good job being passed around and meeting all her new friends for a few hours. She also got some great gifts like a personalized first x-mas ornament from Jill & Josh, personalized bottle rings and labels for daycare from Jill & Jeff and an amazing Patagonia fleece to match Katina's. People were too generous!

Saturday night we had dinner with Jill, Jeff and Johnny - It was really fun to see Johnny and Avery together. Johnny was very welcoming and put his arm around Avery like they were old buddies - they were too cute together! It was really fun to see Johnny show off his crawling and cereal eating skills. Gives us lots to look forward to over the next few months. We wish we lived closer and could see them more often! Then mom and Avery headed to bed while Dad was able to have a night out with her friends.

On Sunday we went over to Nader and Lauren's for a BBQ and got to see a very pregnant Lauren who looks amazing and is due in 3 days. We also got to see Sanjay, Karen and their crew (Ailey, Neela and Finley). Such cute girls and a fun visit!!

We spent Sunday night with Jill, Josh and Du and I was able to head out for an adult dinner with Jill. It was great to spend time with her and made me really miss having her live up the street.

We finished the visit with a trip to my office - Avery was SO well behaved and gave lots of smiles and coos to my co-workers. They fell in love with her and it was great to re-connect with everyone before I head back to work in a few weeks.

It was a busy few days but totally worth the trip. We miss everyone already and will for sure take a trip back when the weather gets nicer. We know Uncle Du is always willing to host us!!

We were so busy catching up with everyone that we didn't get as many photos as we should have but we were able to get a few.....

 Napping in Uncle Du's Bed - She cried so hard on the trip down that she slept in until almost 11 (which was noon her time) on Saturday

Playing with Jill at her party

 Starting to get a little overwhelmed at her Open House - but trying to play with Katina

 Hanging with her new friend Johnny Wrobel

 Showing off her new fleece with Uncle Du

 Giving Lauren some practice before her due date

Watching football with Dad on Sunday