Windy City Christmas Part II

Given the geographic locations of Tim's side of the family, it's a rare occasion to find us all in one country, let alone one house.  But we pulled it off this year!  Adam and Carin and their crew flew in from Bermuda, Dad hopped on a jet plane, Marc drove from Alabama and we all met at Nick and Caylei's house in Lincoln Park for a day.  There was certainly no lack of action, food, gifts or entertainment at our gathering.  The kids kept plenty busy in the decked out basement and the adults had the chance to catch up and indulge in anything your taste palette could possibly desire.  We had an awesome day and very much appreciated Nick and Caylei's generosity in hosting our rowdy bunch. 

Squirt and Pearl rival each other for personality, spunk and strong will.  I could sit and watch the two of them together all day long.

The highlight of the day was the Christmas sing-along.  A two person band joined us in leading our clan through an hour's worth of festive songs, complete with a plethora of musical instruments.  The kids went ape with the extra noise makers.  

Gift time was a free for all of holiday themed wrapping paper flying across the room, kids screaming as they discovered their name on boxes and adults lounging behind the chaos to avoid being trampled.

 Chase Dude is just three days older than Squirt.  We wish they could see more of each other!  

 Adam, Nick, Tim and Dad.  We wish this happened more too.  As different as they all are in personality and lifestyle (Bermuda, Chicago, Denver & Vegas), they're quite the group when they're all together.  Tim loved every minute of it.  

 

 Chase found an appropriate home for his new Frontier airplane.  

That wraps up Christmas 2013 for the Vogels.  Hope you had a blessed holiday and Happy New Year!