The Peipert Family: Illinois

We were able to work out going to Illinois for family Christmas this year - all four of us! We scheduled with family to get together the weekend before Christmas which was right after school let out for the break.

We had to keep the travel time short so we got plane tickets for everyone. This was the first time we have purchased seats on an airplane for either of the girls since last year Janie was just under the two-year-old mark and could fly for free. Although flying can be stressful, it was much more relaxing having the space to spread ourselves out. Also the girls are a bit older and easier to contain so that always helps. We brought tons of things for them to do: coloring books, stickers, crayons, stamps, and books to read. We set the iPad and our phones up with movies and shows for the girls and brought a set of headphones for each of them. They mostly just used the technology, but we did venture into a couple of the other items. Snacks were also packed and proved to be essential since we didn't have a full range of options for meals.

Waiting for our flight out.

One busy girl...

...and the other!

We were anticipating very cold temperatures in Illinois as a cold front had come through. The forecast showed highs below zero for part of our stay and under freezing the entire time. There would also be snow!! It was a little challenging to pack for being that we are not used to weather like that but we knew we weren't going to be out and about it in all that much either. I did get some winter coats for the girls. They needed to size up anyways so no better time! We got into Chicago and got into our rental car and got on the road. We made it to my grandfather's house just in time to celebrate with family!

It was good to be able to catch up with my extended family but as many of you who don't live near family know, it's never long enough. We had good food & shared stories & opened gifts. These people are the reason I long to come back! It was wonderful. If only it would last longer...

The view from my Grandpa's front yard. Everything was covered in snow!

After being there a couple of days, it "warmed" up enough {it was above zero degrees} for us to take the girls outside to play in the snow. My aunt was generous enough to bring over sleds and snow gear so that we could all get outside and play for a bit. Janie threw a bit of a fit when we tried to get her into the snowsuit, but eventually it all worked out and everyone got to play.

The girls took turns sledding and even did a couple runs on their own. My grandpa has a heavily treed lot so we had to learn to avoid the tree trunks coming down the hill. Mimi & Pops got in on the fun, of course!