Holidays with the Danielsons

After a whirlwind 5 days in Michigan, Zach and I were grateful to be able to stay home in Chicago and host his parents for our Christmas celebration on that side of the family. We had a great time and even got to go party with other grown up kids while Spike stayed home with Granini and Grandpa Dave on New Year's Eve.

One night we met up with Zach's college roommate, Ben, and his whole family. Ben just got engaged a couple of weeks ago and we're thrilled for him. Ben's sister Hilary got engaged right around the same time as Zach and I, got married within a couple weeks of us, and had her first baby girl two weeks before Isaac was born! It was fun to get the babies together. I also found out the crazy connection between the Danielson and the Larsons: the grandpas went to seminary together, the dads and moms were good friends at North Park and beyond, and then we kids went to school together! There are pictures of Ben and Zach playing as little kids and now we have photos of the next generation together!

Spike was totally fascinated with Brooke, who was crawling all over the place. I've never seen him try so hard to crawl after something. I felt like I was raising a bully as Isaac desperately tried to grab Brooke and put her in his mouth! All those jokes about Isaac eating other babies are coming true! "Don't eat her, Spike!"

Here are the proud grandmas! Does Brooke look like her grandma or what!?

On Monday, Zach had to work. I had been wanting to go to the Children's Museum and thought the Danielsons would have almost as much fun as I would watching Isaac explore there. I was right! We had a great time and I found out that Isaac and I both get in free (because I am a teacher and he is under 1 year old)! Sweet!

Isaac and I watching the big kids "skating" in their socks on a slick floor.

The Museum had several play areas for non-walking babies.

So big!

Which monkey is more curious?

building

Spike in the baby pond

By far, Isaac's favorite room was the WATER ROOM. I've heard about this infamous place from other mothers, but didn't know how responsive my guy would be to it.

I could barely hold on to him as he dove from my arms in order to splash around.

The water was frigid, but Isaac didn't care a bit.

Isaac also loved scooting through the mirrored triangle tube with Grandpa Dave's help. Later he kept trying to give his reflection "kisses." Mmmmm.