Chicago trip

This past weekend we took Donovan on his first trip away from home. We traveled to Chicago to spend some time with my extended family. We stayed with my cousin Anne and her husband Aaron and their children Claire, 2 1/2 years old, and Dylan, soon to be 3 months old. Donovan really loved watching Claire run around, and she loved being around him too. It was so funny, apparently Claire was warned by three separate people on three separate occasions (I was one of them) that she needed to be careful because Donovan likes to pull hair. So throughout the trip she would say "He's not going to pull my hair, right?" and for the first night she would bring him a toy when he was on his blanket, however she would not come closer than 3 feet away because she thought he was going to pull her hair. I guess we overstated the risk and she took it as a severe threat to her hair. By the end of the trip she forgot about the buffer area she was keeping at first, but she still would say, "He's not going to pull my hair, right?" Kids are too funny.

Donovan helping me fold laundry to get ready for the big trip.


Dylan man "walking" with help from his Grandpa B.


The three little ones. Notice all the adult hands helping the non-sitters.




Donovan and Claire photoshoot.


Donovan slipping down. We told Claire to snuggle up to him but she was keeping her distance so he wouldn't...you guessed it, pull her hair.


The D Charles boys. (They share the same middle name). Dylan getting fussy. Too many pictures he said.


Donovan and "Aunt" Laura.


Claire modeling the cooking outfit we gave her.


Claire cooking "burgers" on her daddy's tummy.


Donovan got his first bath in the sink during the weekend. We only got one picture of it but I think it sums up the experience nicely. He was not a fan and gripped the side of the sink for dear life.


Donovan hanging out with Anne.


On the way home from Chicago we made a quick stop at my Great Aunt Jackie's house so she could meet Donovan and so Donovan could stretch his legs. We had a short visit but it was very nice and just what we needed. Here is a picture of the pair of them.


Thanks to all our family for hosting us on this short, but very fun and needed visit. Hopefully we will be able to do it again soon!