Christmas Vacation

Charlotte to Chicago to Cincinnati to Charlotte. Ten days away from home was an eternity for us all, but we had a great time celebrating with our families. Despite an ear infection and one vomiting episode, we made it home safe and sound!

Helping Nani make snowball cookies.

Helping make messes. 

On the other side of the Midwest, Max and Nick stopped in Cincinnati on their way up to Chicago and enjoyed a few trips around town. 

The Ober Men

Back in Chicago, we got a chance to have a fun playdate with friends - Maddie Nichols

And we got to meet the newest addition, Frankie Hepner.

Cousins clowning around at Kevil's.

Visiting with  Aunt Carol and Courtney in Muenster.

Celebrating Lexi's first birthday!

The gal has got style!

Christmas Eve - on the way to the party.

Christmas morning. 

After waking Uncle Ryan up early, it was only fitting to jump all over him!

Leo and his first Ninja Turtle, Leonardo. 

This little guy cracks me up!

While everyone was still opening gifts, we found this guy attacking the appetizer table!

On our way back to Cincinnati, we stopped in Indy to see Uncle Ryan at work. And Teddy enjoyed making the Savvy department at Nordstrom, his playground.

Cincinnati with the Obers.

It is so wonderful how all the kids jump right back into best of friends even having not seen each other in months. I love family.  

Bloopers

It took about 300 pictures and three different attempts to get one decent photo for our Christmas card this year (and I still couldn't get all three to look and smile at the same time)! So here are a few that didn't make the cut.

They literally fell for - "look it's Santa Claus!" Except for big brother, there's no fooling him anymore!  

I even tried coaxing them with fruit snacks. Clearly that didn't work as they ate them in two seconds.

This was my 2nd choice! 

"I'm outta here!"

Violet's Christmas Show

Violet's preschool put on an adorable Christmas show last week complete with a baby Jesus and shepherds. Each class hand-painted a special shirt for the show and had been practicing their songs for months. Despite a few tears from some class mates, the musical was a joy to watch!

These next two videos are a little shaky as I was trying to film while holding Teddy by his shirt to prevent him from running on stage!

Race Weekend

After months of training, Nick ran his first marathon race this past weekend in Kiawah Island (about 35 minutes south of Charleston, SC). We left a couple days early to explore the area, visit the beach and relax before we embark on the holiday craziness. 

Day of race, waiting to see Nick at the 1 mile marker. As you can tell, it was early! 

Stop #2 - mile marker 12. Teddy waiting for Daddy to appear.

Nick at mile 12 (in black shirt) - still smiling.

Coming up on the finish line. Me and the kids were cheering, Nick not so much. 

A hot shower, a nap and a few crazy kids jumping all over him, Nick was feeling better. We are so proud of him and all he accomplished!

Thanksgiving Weekend Visitors

We were lucky to have Nick's parents drive down for the long Thanksgiving weekend (and hurrah that we didn't have to travel)!

We relaxed over a good family turkey dinner, watched lots of football, watched the tree lighting, took a little road trip to the zoo and ventured out to our first Carolina Panthers game. Looking forward to seeing all of our Ober family in just a couple weeks!