New Years in Chicago

As we did last year, we flew to Chicago for New Years. It was pretty stressful to fly to O'Hare airport in Chicago, one of the busiest airports known for delays and problems. We decided we'd get an early flight from Kansas City so we'd get there early. I don't think we really thought about how early we'd have to get up to be on a flight that left KC around 6 a.m. When we figured up how long it would take to get ready in the morning, drive to the airport, check in and go through security, we realized we'd have to wake up at 3:15 a.m. Holy smokes it was early and we were all very groggy that morning, but both airports were not very busy that time of day and the flight in was very smooth.

We got to Chicago, picked up our rental car, and arrived at Connor's great grandparents' house by 9:30! That still left us with a full day of fun with them, although we all ended up taking a nap to get caught up with our sleep. We spent New Years Eve at Shawn's Uncle Roger's house but we didn't stay very late because Connor wasn't exactly in a partying mood that much past his bedtime.

Mommy and Daddy on New Years Eve. Connor didn't last past 9:30, it was an early night for us. We rang in the new year in our dreams:


We spent the rest of the time visiting with relatives and eating lots of good food. Great Grandma prepared a great feast on New Years Day, and we all ate a bunch except for Connor, who's been pretty picky lately.

Our flight back was very uneventful as well, which was a surprise. Last year, O'Hare airport was a crowded mess, but this year it was fairly empty. It was pretty straightforward checking in and we got to the gate with plenty of time to spare.

Connor was great on both flights. On the flight to Chicago he was awake the whole time and we had to work pretty hard to keep him entertained. On the flight back to KC, he fell asleep before we lifted off and slept almost the whole time.

Overall, we had a great time in Chicago! Thanks Great Grandma and Grandpa for letting us stay with you!

Connor loved the Cuckoo clock at the Great Grandparents' house:


As he did last year, Connor still enjoyed knocking down anything people set up. In this picture he's watching his second cousin Lauren's face as he destroys the magnificent tower she created:


When Connor was in bed Mommy and Daddy were able to play games with everyone:


Mommy and Connor on New Years Eve:


Connor and Uncle Chris:


4 Generations of Vernons (Daddy's arm is twisted funny behind him because he's hiding Connor's pacifier so Connor will smile nicely for the picture):


Shawn with Great Grandpa


Shawn with Great Grandma


Uncle Alex helped take pictures and unfortunately wasn't in many pictures we took. We do have this moody looking picture we took on New Years Eve where Uncle is enjoying some tasty Mexican beer: