Visiting the Vastines

Bright and early Friday morning, we headed to the northern suburbs of Chicago (3+ hours away) to spend time with the Vastine family.  Each year, the Vastine boys and their families spend a few days of the holidays together.  The kids especially love spending time with their cousins.  They are 12, 12, 11, 10, 9, and 8.  Everyone has a buddy, so it works out very well.

The day we arrived, we were able to spend some much needed time with Mike, Chris and Jerry's best friend from high school, his wife Amy, and their precious new son.  It was so nice to finally meet little James. What a sweetie!

Later that evening, the kids went to Jump America.  This place was great!  There were trampolines, dodgeball areas, foam pits...they were in heaven.  While the kids had their fun, the adults went out for dinner.  Yes, I was mocked for being a bit panicky about leaving my kids unsupervised at Jump America, but apparently only the nerdy parents stay.  Um yes, that would be me...queen of the nerdy parents and proud of it!  But the kids did in fact survive, and we had a great dinner at an Irish Pub. 

Brothers!

On Saturday, we went to Chris's sister Jeanne's house to visit with her family and Chris's mom.  His mom recently moved back to the Chicago area from Colorado.  We were thrilled to see her.  It had been   much too long since she had seen the kids.  

The Vastine boys' kids with Grammy V.

These are grandkids who could be there.  We were missing 11!  

Chris has eight siblings.  Chris and Jerry were the little blessings in the family who arrived eight years after the other six kids.  George and Joan found out they were expecting twins the day before they were born, and Joan was 39!!  I would DIE!!!

Amy and Jake waiting patiently for their family photo.

Chris's family

Tim's family

Jerry's  family

Loving on Grammy

My nephew Ryan and Grammy.  We could pretty much take Ryan home with us and no one would question it.  He looks just like Chris!

Jeanne's family

We started the tradition of matching pajamas years ago.  It evolved to t-shirts, and this year they got sweatshirts.

The boys!

And the girls.  Good thing they have each other!

On Sunday, there was gingerbread house building.

And, gingerbread house eating. :)

The kids also enjoyed decorating their own cookies....also a tradition.

We cheered on the Bears! 

And, we played Catch Phrase.  We LOVE to play this game together.  There is obviously lots of laughter.  That is, in fact, laughter.  Laughing so hard until you cry.  Love it!!!

Relaxing with his brother.  I don't know...I think Chris has missed him.  They are sitting awfully close.  LOL!

Thank you Jerry and Amy for a great visit. It's never long enough, but I'm sure with all the craziness it was long enough for you. ;)

Up next....New Year's Eve!

Until next time,
Wendy