Chicago, early days

Flight was good, kids amazing.

Here we go.....!

Holiday!

We're off!

One more sleep

Last sleep before our big journey to USA. We're very excited! Zach has been saying that we're "going on an airplane to America tomorrow" for the past week. It's finally true!!

Gallump

Ducks

On Mondays we go with some friends to "Ducks" soft play session at the YMCA. They have lots of big soft blocks and also slides, balancing beams, gymnastics horses to jump off on to soft mats, baby toys etc. Here is Zach with his buddies Cam & Bethan - on their train:

And Zach & Bethan having tea in their house.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a fun Thanksgiving lunch at our place with Wade, Jenn, Elle & Avery Splinter, Triona and a Canadian friend Becky. You can see some pics here and here on the Splinters blog. Everyone brought wonderful food contributions and it turned in to a great feast!.. followed by a viewing of the movie Anchorman once all the kids were in bed.

Winter snow (& activities!)

Rather small snow-man with the non-sticky snow. Zach is eating the carrot. He said "that's not a nose, it's a carrot!!"

It's hard to get Zach to come in from the snow!

Martha watching Zach & I (Becca) play in the snow

Staying warm (Zach insisted on the sunglasses)

card-making

driving the local fire engine

dressing up (with limited supplies)

a bit of light reading over breakfast

"Its a Kids Thing" art session.

Last one standing - there were about 20 children in the room to start with.

my favourite cafe - around the corner, good strong cheap coffee and a great play area for kids!

autumn leaves

cuties

These pics are a little bit out of date but I just came across them and thought they were worth posting.

Zach and his pal Ellery

Roo & Stella Baptism

Roo & Stella's baptism was a lovely and moving occasion at their church. Followed by a great pub lunch with lots of friends.









Everyone left the pub at about 4pm and our kiddies were asleep in the stroller so we wandered through town to see the Christmas lights.



The kids woke pretty soon after we hit Oxford Street.