Moments 12 24 :: Week 03

It's been a few weeks, but made it for a walk to the beach. Ice has made it so I can walk down one way, along the beach, then up another. Even when it's gloomy, there is nothing like the water. 

We went to Mel + Leif's for dinner on Saturday. We walked over to the market to pick up some supplies, like fresh scallops and oysters. It was so relaxing and of course, tasted amazing. 

Sunday was cookie baking. It's been several years since we've made it. Cole even joined me. Christie's dog Bluey cracks us up. What a silly guy.

Success. We cranked some cookies out, that's for sure. Honestly, it was really exhausting. 

Cookie baking crew. Missing is Emily and Amy, who had to leave early.

There are three deer in this photo. Van and I ran into them on the corner near our house eating pumpkins by the side of the road.

My year in books. I really wanted to read at least 12 this year. I started off so strong, but ever since summer, read a couple pages before falling asleep. I need to carve extra time out to read this year. Ther were some good ones in this mix though.

Poor Cole. On Tuesday, he got his wisdom teeth removed. It's been nice having him around though. First, he was home a week before all of his friends. Then, this. We've been spoiled. Of course, he's still swollen and skiing with his homies tonight. But having him around has been nice, that's for sure. 

A few months ago I joined the Rancho Gordo Bean Club. These Christmas Lima Beans are so pretty. They were delicious too. 

It snowed! First real snow of the season. So pretty.

Moments 12 24 :: Week 02

My cute old lady. She used to be such a spaz, but is just downright adorable lately.

The homemade vanilla extract that has been going strong for eight years. I just keep adding rum and vanilla pods. We gave this as a gift Christmas 2016.

This was ridiculous. Pepperoni fried rice. From Molly Baz's cookbook More is More. 

Saturday night we had dinner at 3 Brothers. Honestly, why don't we eat here more often? It's so good. 

Plus, we were in the best company. What a great night. 

Our holiday assortment from BonBonBon arrived! Cannot wait to dig into this one. It's so much fun getting their seasonal mixes. 

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On another note, Cole is home! I picked him up on Sunday, which was a few days earlier than even I expected. He's been busy finishing up projects, but didn't have to be at any classes was able to be home. It's been so nice having him around. Especially before all his friends get back. Because you know we won't ever see him then. He and Brian even went to a concert (Cage the Elephant), and he joined Brian at his last MIAD class for the semester. It's been awesome. 

Moments 12 24 :: Week 01

The day after Thanksgiving, we all headed over to Leif + Mel's for Leftover Day. So glad the tradition continues. Just look at this room filled with our friends. It makes me so happy. 

Cole, haha. 

It's a day filled with movies, leftovers, and pizza. One of the best days of the year. 

Finn did a great job picking the movies, per usual. 

Another one of Cole's friends was at the Packer game on Thanksgiving, but got dropped off at Leftover Day and spent the next couple of days with us too. 

The "kids" recreated this iconic camping photo. Love the memories they all have together. 

The next day with hit the Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree. 

They even got a photo with the man himself, Santa!

After sniffing all the trees, and having an absolute blast, we found the perfect one. This guy who was working insisted on getting in a photo even, since we were having so much fun. 

Analyzing the perfect ornament placement. 

Our helpers did a great job, and the tree was trimmed in record time. 

There she blows. As JP said, it may not be the perfect tree, but it's perfect for us. 

Realized we didn't snap a single family photo the entire weekend. It was so much fun, and all of us had a great time with Cole's friends. They are a great group of guys. 

Yummy cookies we picked up at a Swedish store in Red Wing, MN at Cole's soccer game a few weeks ago.

My Spotify wrap-up. Not too bad. I definitely need to listen to more music though.

I had a hair appointment and parked right by Cathedral Square, which is always decorated with a bunch of trees by different schools and organizations. It was fun walking around afterwards.

A pretty view from a walk Van and I took. It's hard to fit in before it gets dark lately. 

Brian was off today, and arranged for pedicures for us. Cute. It was a fun little lunch date. 

Thanksgiving 24

What a wonderful Thanksgiving. Brian and I hosted, in what we realized was the first time in over two decades. Loved having the boys home, which we don't take for granted nowadays. Cole's friends are here with us, which makes me very happy. They are great kids. Both sides of our families made it. We got excited about our new kitchen, but realized, holidays are getting more complicated with the kids grown and in relationships. We may need to stick to Christmas Eve so we can accommodate everyone again. Thankfully, we don't need to worry about that for another year, and we loved every second of it this year. Lucky to have these people in our lives. 

Moments 11 24 :: Week 05

Hudson and friends spent a weekend in The Ozarks. They stayed at a crazy Airbnb right on the lake. He's been working like crazy. Loved it when he sent this photo.

Brian and I visited our favorite wine bar. It's all natural wines, which can be hit or miss in my opinion. We've always gotten great picks here though. And the vibe is refreshing and cool. 

Jacob is spending Thanksgiving in St. Louis with Darcy, his girlfriend. They were able to meet Hudson at his work and take a flight the other day. Love it.  

Cole came home on Tuesday with a couple of his friends from school. They brought Molly's cupcakes. So good.

The boys came on a walk with Van and me. Got to show them around the neighborhood and walk to the lake. Love that they are here with us. The Netherlands and Peru representing.

Cole played in the Nicolet alumni game. So fun. They also all played at Bavarians the next day. Even Hudson, who hasn't played since last year, and now has a sprained ankle. I think they all loved it though.