Growing Sound Roots: Spring Break Chicago Style: Family, Family of Family, and Fun in the Sun

Most people from the Puget Sound area like to escape to warmer destinations over Spring Break like Hawaii, California, and Arizona. I, however, am apparently from a different bread of folk who chose two spring break hot spots: Chicago and Cleveland! What, you say they are not hot spots? Well, luckily we have amazing family in both locations who brightened our days (and it did almost get to 70 degrees one or two days thanks to crazy spring weather!). Micah and I had a blast. We did learn a few things about traveling Mommy and baby and will write more on those soon.

In Chicago we visited my cousins Debbie and Dave and their baby Will. It was so wonderful to finally get to meet Will. It is hard to believe that it was already two years ago that we gave a small family baby shower for Debbie and Dave in Scottsdale, Arizona on our little Spring Training get together. I was so excited to finally get to know the little guy and I wanted to see Debbie since she is pregnant again and expecting their second kiddo. Since Will is currently first cousin-less and Micah is currently first cousin-less, we wanted to get them together as soon as possible to feel the cousin love. Debbie is technically my Dad's first cousin since her mom was my Papa Howard's little half sister. I feel so lucky that our families have remained so close even with the weird generation gaps and long distance.

My mom, Micah and I arrived on Saturday afternoon and had until Tuesday with the three of them. Cousin Will is just as adorable as his pictures. He loves reading books, has tons and tons of interactive toys, loves to eat all kinds of food, loves going to "school" (his day care. He almost loves going to school as much as his dad loves receiving his "report cards" each day!). Will was pretty sweet with Micah and loved showing his toys to Micah, although as is to be expected from an almost two year old, he immediately wanted them all back to himself the minute Micah showed any interest in them.

Debbie & Dave were so gracious to host our extended families! Micah's Uncle Alan's family (Alan is married to Jen, my adopted sister and hospital twin) is from Chicago, so we got to visit with them over brunch. We also got to see Micah's Auntie Beth's parents (my brother's in-laws) who are also from Chicago. The food was yummy, the weather sunny, and the company so wonderful! It was the perfect get together. We got to visit and Micah got to meet little Jessica (Auntie Jen and Uncle Alan's niece)!