Chicago

We headed out very early one morning and were halfway there before the kids had fully woken! It was a reassuring practice run for our big airplane trip at Christmas, as they entertained themselves contentedly for eight hours. Why Chicago? Jack invited Josh to give a talk at the uber-high-security Argonne National Labs, and the rest of the time we caught up with great friends (Jack and Kat, above; Seth and Laura, below). Our kids thought that Dylan and Hayden's backyard was the best ever, with good reason.

I'm sure Seth was saying something witty, as Heather and Laura looked on indulgently and Josh tried to understand. You know, the usual routine!