D. Family Christmastime in Chapel Hill

Our bags loaded with presents, we were off on Jude's 31st flight headed back to the States to spend Christmas with our families. We had a layover at London Heathrow, where the 3 hours passed in a flash going through the extensive security (thank you London for looking out for the US!) and then playing in the sweet indoor playground for families. 

We employed our new favorite airline travel tip (well for the next 4 months anyway) and split ourselves up in the plane, taking shifts playing with Jude and resting. The flight attendants were impressed with our setup and spread the word to share the tip with other families. 

Pete took Jude for a really long stretch in the middle of the flight and kept him happily entertained :) 

8 1/2 hour later we were in Raleigh, NC greeted by Oma and Opa and whisked off to Uncle Matt and Aunt Krista's house. We spent the first few days home adjusting to jet lag, finishing Christmas preparations and spending time together. 

Shameless advertising- If you are in Chicago, go to Pete's uncle's restaurant in Libertyville :)

Jude was so excited about the backyard and "Outside!" Poor, neglected city-living child. 

On Saturday, friends Tom, Girija and Esha came over for dinner. Born just two weeks apart, it has been fun to see them grow up together. 

Yummy Thanksgiving feast of turkey and all the fixings. 

Hosts with the most.

On Sunday, we celebrated our early Christmas as we would be spending the actual day down in Florida with Nana and Pops. Jude was up early thanks to jet lag and was so excited to see all of the presents under the tree. It was a bit challenging to distract him until a reasonable hour for others to wake! He started to "help" unwrap a few while waiting. 

Happy Oma.

Hugs for baby Addy.

Uncle Matt teaching fire safety.

Helping Opa feed George his treats.

Jude was definitely into presents this year. Mostly opening them, but also modeling them. 

All ready for school!

Pete asked for matching PJs with Jude. I made Jude's from the sleeves of the matching button down PJ shirt that came with the pants for Pete. 

Anything Peppa Pig related was a big hit this Christmas! Enjoying his new book with Opa and Oma. 

Trying out his new piggy back board with our stroller. Preparing for walks with baby sister in a few months!

New hat. 

On Monday, we got spiffed up and took family photos as a belated 40th wedding anniversary gift for Opa and Oma. Addy kills me in that dress! So stinking cute!

All dressed up, had to have somewhere to go, so we walked through Chapel Hill and chowed on some yummy burgers and shakes. We REALLY miss good burgers in the Netherlands. Dutch hamburgers are the consistency of sausage patties and just don't cut it. 

Monday night was a real treat. Opa and Oma babysat and we had a parents' night out. We met up with Tom and Girija who had arranged a private tour of Ponysaurus, a new brewery in Durham. Friend Gia was home for the holidays and joined us with bro Britton. So nice to see some friends on this trip home! Afterwards, we all went for Ramen in downtown Durham and had fun catching up. 

Tuesday, a babysitter came over to watch the kiddos while all of the adults saw the new Star Wars! Then is was more neighborhood walks, playtime with cousin Addy and all around good family time. 

Can't wait to see this happy girl again! Her personality has changed so much since we fist met her. Hard to imagine the changes until the next visit!