Whoosh, I probably should have broken this up because what a fun week it's been! The day after Thanksgiving, we drove to Oak Park for our annual Leftover Day. Hudson drove separately. He headed back to St. Louis a day early thanks to the snowy forecast for Saturday. Boo.
This year, the Frigs hosted. They had the perfect set up. Two TVs. Two huge sofas. Football on by the food. It was so cozy and fit us all perfectly. This year's movies were Roofman, Dead Poet Society and Super Bad.
Yes, we really do eat leftovers. Honestly, they really are so much better the next day. Plus, this gang really knows how to cook.
After a couple movies, we switch to pizza. How hilarious are these huge ones? We could barely maneuver them down the stairs.
The movies and food are great, but it's so much fun having everyone home for the holiday and catching up. The kids now span from Arizona to New York City and everything in between.
Love getting together with my girl gang too. I really wish everyone could experience this type of friendship. And the fact that it spans generations now too, is pretty fantastic.
Of course, hanging out with my guys is also a highlight of this fun weekend.
A bunch of turkeys running away from Van. The weather forecast was right. Sad Hudson left early, but also glad he did. And, the good news about not making the Final Four for Cole was that he got to stay through Sunday when the roads were at least plowed.
On Saturday, we picked out our Christmas tree! It was a bummer not having Hudson around, but I'm excited for him to come home for the holidays to a decorated house.
Of course we needed to take advantage of every photo op.
The fire is huge, and always feels fantastic.
Because it was so snowy, the crowds were not bad at all. That was kind of nice. Plus, it realy did make it feel festive.
Brian and Cole disappointed in the fraisers this year. Plus, they were crazy expensive. We ended up with a hybrid that might be one of our favorite trees yet.
Of course, we couldn't pass up the tradition of a Jameson shot.
We started another tradition last year - oysters and Schlitz at St. Paul Fish Market. Unfortunately, they were closed for inclement weather, so we cozied up at Hollander, which was actually perfect. Beer (negroni for me) and mussels. Yum
We also finished decorating the Christmas tree!
Look how beautiful she is.
I mean....I'm fine with snow, but our leaves hadn't even been picked up. It's going to be a mess when this melts. Which, doesn't look like it's going to happen soon. It's been freezing out.
Can't believe how early this weather hit us this year.
On one of my walks with Van, we saw a deer cross the road, then spotted the owls we hear all the time. Pretty cool.
Well, this was a nice surprise! Taking dogs out on field trips has been the most rewarding, fulfilling thing I've started doing this year. Plus, the foster community is so supportive and inspiring. It's pretty incredible.
I'm officially of the age where I could care less if I look like a crossing guard while walking. We don't have many sidewalks, and I'd rather look like a total nerd than get hit.
Brian and I had the best Wednesday night! We stopped by MIAD so he could drop something off. Then had dinner at the bar at St. Paul Fish Market in the Milwaukee Public Market. And last, saw Murder Girl at the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. So fun.
Spotify's unwind came out, and two conclusions can be made. 1) I need to listen to more music. 2) Hudson has moved too far south. Clockwise from top left: Me, Brian, Hudson, Cole.
