Christmas in Illinois

 In 2010 we decided to spend Christmas with my family in Illinois.  We were able to take almost two weeks, and just enjoy spending time with them.  Before we left we had our first Virginia snow.  Sammy had a great time stomping around in it!

We took the train to overnight to Illinois again.  It wasn't so relaxing this time as last.  Samster decided to get up at 3am, and refused to go back to sleep.  Thankfully Peter and I took turns with him while the other slept.  But, needless to say, we were worn out by time we arrived at my folks.  My sister Jane brought her little cutie, Teddy over, and he and Sam got to hang out.  Sam had a very hard time sharing, (as the following pictures will demonstrate) but it was good for him! :-)

"but, I want both phones!"

waahhh, not gonna share!

okay, but I don't like this...

Below are some fun pictures of most of my family.  I didn't get any of Janessa and Justin or Jane and Jonathan (sorry guys!), but I think I got most of the others.

Judy and Jeanette

Trying Jeanette's glasses

Joanna and Judy, again with the glasses :-)

Joanna and Jeffrey

Sisters.  Don't ask me what Jeanette and Judy are doing here.

Aunties with their nephew.

awwww.

My "little brothers, Jeff and Jed.  Growing up!

Stud.

My mom and dad.

Jane, Teddy and Sam.  Jane's due with baby#2 in about 5 weeks!

We had fun visiting with friends, and just spending time with my family.  Sam had a great time getting to know his Cole aunts, uncles and grandparents better.

The trip home went much more smoothly.  Sam slept well on the train, and was mostly good.  He did manage to get the chicken pox from my brothers, but handled it very well.

For an update on baby LaRock #2 and Sammy's pox see the next post.  This one's getting long!