Moments 12 18 :: Week 04

After a ridiculously fun Christmas, it's unfortunately been a bit of a struggle for some of us! C woke up with a crazy stomach bug, and was a mess the entire day after Christmas. So sad! Besides feeling like poo, he was signed up for a really fun soccer camp and had to miss the entire first day.


He made it to the second day, but only for part of it. So far, the last two are looking better, but he's still not 100%. Meanwhile during break, Brian got to take Gretel out hunting twice, H has had swim practice every day, and Brian, H & I got to have a really nice dinner date. We are keeping busy but it feels great to have a bit of a break, that's for sure.

Christmas 2018

Here are a few scenes from Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve. at Scott & Ali's. We've been switching off doing that every other year since we moved here, and it's always so much fun. On Christmas morning, Brian & I were awake before the boys. Such different times from a couple of years ago. I think all of us are missing the magic a little this year, which is a little sad. But that's just how it goes. After opening gifts, Brian and H were in and out all day tending to a brisket. It was worth it - it turned out amazing. Our entire family was over. How lucky are we that we get to do that?  And just like that, it's a wrap. It was such a busy holiday season this year! And today was no different. But what a wonderful time of year. I wouldn't change a thing, that's for sure.

Moments 12 18 :: Week 03

Annual holiday dinner with these guys. This tradition is at least 10 years old. I love it. This year we went to Buckley's. So good.


Looking pretty in her holiday collar.


This year was the first that Milwaukee hosted a German market. It's been here for four weeks, and we finally made it.


Wasn't too cold, but cold enough that the warming hut was a welcome break.


Us. Kicking off the weekend.

Moments 12 18 :: Week 02

Per tradition, my sister invited us over for some Christmas cookie chaos. It's always fun to get together and feels great to bang out so many different cookies. Typically we have cookies to last through the season, but with two teenage boys, I've got to say, we are actually going through them! Plus, H love the reindeer so we might be more of those. By the way, don't my niece and C look so similar? Crazy.


My friend Kim turned 50. These two ladies make my day every day.


Just a cute snuggle photo. Gah, they are cute.


We hosted a swim team Skettifest again this year. Such a great group of guys, which makes it an absolute pleasure to do. Feeding a bunch of swimmers is no joke, that's for sure.

Moments 12 18 :: Week 01

H had a sprint swim invite on Saturday and Nina & Papa came! It was a little hectic (it was so crowded they actually stopped ticket sales) but fun.


Brian and I went to Death Cab for Cutie on Saturday night.


It's a Christmas miracle! St. Nicholas still comes to our house. ;)


Another swim meet. Cool vantage point. H seems to have his events sorted out. Medley Relay (he's the breaststroke), 200 IM, 100 Breast and Freestyle Relay. He just gets better and better. It's so fun to watch that.


Just me and my dogs.

Moments 11 18 :: Week 05

Ready to decorate!


Finished. It's suddenly much cozier in here.


Hey look, I made this wall hanging. After a several year hiatus, I got a little crafty this year.


I mean, seriously, she's pretty darn cute.


Now that we moved the dog beds next to each other, I just can't stop taking photos of them.


Here we go! Swim season. H is the one getting a bit of a late start in this photo. Haha. He swam 3 varsity events (200 Medley, 200 IM and 100 Breast) and 1 JV event (200 free Medley). He started the season with a faster time in the breaststroke than he ended last year!

Our Tree

It seems really early, but per tradition, we picked out our tree today! Every year we toy with the iudea of going to a new place, but Monches Farm really has the most perfect Christmas trees and has the most magical setting. Plus, I'm kind of obsessed with the chickens that wander around, as you might be able to tell.