Moments 12 25 :: Week 03

We had a little shopping to do last Friday, and stopped at Non-Fiction for some bubbles and chips with creme fraiche and caviar. Delicious.

It was absolutely freezing out last weekend, and this is Gretel's favorite spot. She actually whines for me to turn it on for her. 

Sunday was our annual holiday dinner with Shelly/Andrew, Ali/Scott and Mel/Leif. We've been going to Palmers the past few years, and always look so forward to it. Since it was on a Sunday, we had an early reservation, which was perfect. 

Yes, that is hanging bacon. And it was delicious. 

Now, call me crazy, but I'm typically not a steakhouse fan. It's just so expensive and rich. It's not something I crave - except this one day a year. I had a filet and baked potato. We also shared some yummy sides, like lobster mac and cheese. 

These guys -- and Scott -- even had room for grasshoppers afterwards. I'm not sure how they did it. 

The gang. A tradition since 2008. 

On Monday, Zeus and I went on a field trip. A gym friend had the day off of work, so she and her boyfriend met us out on our adventures too. How sweet is that? Zeus loved the attention. We went to Home Depot, Petco, and even though it was cold, fit in a little walk. 

Oh, we also went to Starbucks for a pup cup. He loved it! 

The sunset after my walk the other day. 

Brian and I signed up to do an Illuminated Hike at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. We didn't know what to expect, but this place is basically in our backyard and we don't use it enough since we can't walk our dogs there. It was really gorgeous. We even did the loop a couple times because we thought it was so beautiful. 

It had been raining earlier in the day, so a lot of the snow melted. We had a perfect little window of calm, mild weather. After the hike, we hung around a fire drinking hot chocolate and talking to really nice strangers. It was such a fun thing to do. 

Thank goodness I found these chickens at Costco again. He's obsessed.

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In other news, Cole is home from college! He arrived super late last night and had to drive through a blizzard. We are so happy to have him home for a bit. 

Moments 12 25 :: Week 02

Winter positions resumed. Gretel would crawl into the fire place if she could. 

Night out with Andrew/Shelly, Leif/Mel. Love the festive winter season. 

We went to see Thievery Corporation. Ran into our neighbors and another set of friends. Always fun. 

Disco ball and plant reflections. 

I took the sweetest little bean out on a field trip on Monday. I know I say this all the time, but I want her. Daisy was so teeny tiny (well, 42#, but pocket pittie), gentle and well mannered. She's a perfect dog. 

Moments 12 25 :: Week 01

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. 

Thanksgiving 25

What a wonderful Thanksgiving. The days of getting this group together are becoming rare and will be even harder to do in the near future. We are so thankful we got to spend the holiday with our sister's and their families, and have so much to celebrate: the boys being home for the holiday (our first time together in our home since Christmas!), Hudson starting a new job soon, Maia + Caleb's engagement, Mackenzie + Patricyk getting married, buying a house and expecting twins all in a year, Cole's stellar soccer season, Jacob + Darcy moving to California in January. Such exciting stuff. I felt a little off my game this year, but the food was decent and the company was fantastic. What a perfect day.