My Kind of Town

This past weekend we ventured to the BIG city of Chicago. After Matthew was done with his work, we had a great time visiting so many of the wonderful friends who made and will always make Chicago feel like home.

Thursday we ventured outside of Chicago and got together with an old roommate of Kelli's from college, Elizabeth. We got to meet her and Dave's new (2 month old) son, Henry David.

In case you were wondering what Ian was thinking about in the previous picture.


Friday we hung out with our good friends, Eric and Becky, and their children, Simon and Norah.

That night we joined Eric and Becky as we got together with members of our old Bible study group at their annual Christmas party. We had pictures, but Kelli thought it best not to include them. Matthew recalls Kelli calling him a drunken lush. Kelli recalls Matthew talking church politics with some new guy to the group all night. Well anyway, it was a fun time had by all.

Saturday we traveled outside of Chicago again to see another of Kelli's old college roommates, Miriam. Like Elizabeth and Dave, she and Tim have a newborn (their second), Henry David (no - they didn't plan their names that way).



Saturday night, we were blessed to join the church and school staff from where Kelli taught in Elmhurst for their Christmas party.

Ian amused the group by doing typical cute baby things like sticking a wrapped gift in his mouth and pushing it around the room.



Likewise, he was entertained by the white elephant gifts that were passed out. This one had fun lights and snow that flew up instead of down. He found it captivating.

Sunday we got to attend church in Elmhurst, and then we made our way downtown. Kristin is a friend of Kelli's from high school. When we get together with her and her husband Travis, it's always a blast.

They took us to the hot place to eat breakfast in Chicago. The restaurant was packed. But no problem, Travis passed them a $5, and we were in. Since we left Ian's bib in the car, we had to improvise so he wouldn't get messier than he usually does. He looked like he was going to hit the wild frontier and round up some cattle.

After we said our goodbyes and picked up a Giordanos deep dish pizza for home, we left the very windy city. The wind didn't seem to bother Ian however, he was fast asleep before we even got out of Chicago. No doubt having dreams of his exciting adventures and the wonderful people he got to enjoy.

Christmas is (almost) here!

We don't have reindeer on the roof or a nativity in the front yard, but the Leighty home is decorated and in the spirit of Christmas. So put on your comfy slippers, sit back with a nice cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and enjoy a little bit of Christmas with the Leightys.

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Thanksgiving 1-2-3

Thanksgiving for us is a lot of family and a lot of food. We bring you both.

Thursday was with Kelli's family. Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy decided to drop in too, which was great. Check out this food!

Dinner #1

Saturday, Matthew's family came over to our house. We cooked, played games, relaxed, and ate lots of food.

Dinner #2

Sunday we got together with the aunts/uncles and cousins on the Borchelt side at Luther Hall on the campus of the seminary. The Borchelt family is a blast so whenever they get together it's great fun.

Dinner #3

Thanksgiving Weekend

What a Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great time with family and lots of great food.

Bring on the food!

Ian is showing off his new teeth.

Ian got to hang out with some cousins. As family gatherings can go, these things aren't always pleasant. Case in point.

Here Ian and Joshua have a joyful meeting.

See Joshua smash his hand into Ian's face.

Finally, reconciliation is achieved and love overcomes all.

Or does it?

Bath time

Last night Ian was having fun with his bath. He's discovering the joys of water and the fun of splashing around in it.

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