Moments 01 20 :: Week 05

Last Friday Beautycounter HQ sponsored Counter Conversations in Milwaukee. We got to catch up on our latest advocacy efforts, and I got to hang out with my friends. Win, win!


H swam in the Shorewood Invite. His events were 400 Medley Relay, 200 IM and 200 Breaststroke.


He was hoping to do a little better than he did (especially in the breaststroke), but he podiumed every single event! I'm telling you, a few years ago he never would have imagined he would be doing that. He did incredible.


Last home meet. Parent night. <3


On Thursday, I rode the train down to Chicago for lunch with a friend. It was so fast. I only had 2 hours. But I need to do that more. Basia and I have known each other for over twenty years. I checked in with her around the holiday season, and found out she had moved to NYC! Fortunately, she still makes it to Chicago quite often, so we decided we HAD to meet. So glad we made it happen.


She had made reservations at Blackbird. It's one of my favorites and it's been YEARS since I've been there. We both had the salad (ridiculous -- so good -- that's the before and after they cut it up for you), then decided to try a cheese and dessert. Chocolate opera cake with beet ice cream. Wow. What a treat.

Moments 01 20 :: Week 04

A scene from last weekend.


Still a ways to go -- but getting closer.


Schnugglepie. Just look at that nose.


My guys. Probably talking EPL Fantasy League soccer.


Prime spot, right in front of the fire.


So stinking cute!


Someone is excited to be done with exams.


This guy too.


We celebrated with ramen.

Moments 01 20 :: Week 03

It snowed -- and someone really loved it.


Sunday dinner and a trip to LeDuc's to bid my niece farewell. She left the next day for Rome, where she'll be studying for the next semester. So excited for her.


Really trying to read more. I tend to read around 11:30pm when my eyes can barely stay open, so it takes absolutely forever to finish a book. I only got through five last year! This is the first one of trhe year that I finished. So good.


It's been really cold the last couple days. I think Gretel really wanted to snuggle. Storm was not impressed.
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Other things going on:

• Brian has been in Japan all week for work. He's taking a couple extra days to go skiing. 
• I'm obsessed with the show, You. It's so creepy, and I cannot stop watching. Just what in the world is Joe going to do next?
• H has been absolutely killing it in swim. Last night was probably his biggest victory. His school only won two events at the meet, and his 100 Breaststroke was one of them. Not only that, he was up against a former teammate, and who H never could beat. H's time? 2:06:01 -- a new PR for him. It's too exciting.
• Speaking of H, he's been accepted into 7 universities. Still waiting on one. Unfortunately, he got accepted into his second major pick at Purdue, so it's not looking good for him going there. Oh, Purdue....
• C has been playing basketball, which is making him realize how much he absolutely loves soccer. Too funny. Only six more weeks in the season. 

Moments 01 20 :: Week 02

C got to play at the Marquette Dome for ODP. Always a treat.


Amazing sunrises!


H was invited to participate in a scholarship competition at Western Michigan. It was the first school he visited almost a year and a half ago, so interesting to see again now that's he's visited others. He's gotten into 6 colleges. Still waiting to hear from 2 others. Exciting times over here! And stressful. Lots to consider.

Moments 01 20 :: Week 01

Took advantage of the break and took the boys to Il Ritrovo for pizza.


Brian and I took a motorcycle trip up earlier in the year, but it was their first time there. It seriously is the best.


Since we dragged them to the Kohler Showroom, figured we might as well stop for ice cream at The Greenhouse at The American Club. Affogatos for three of us.


Took Gretel for a walk and stumbled upon a ridiculous amount of duck in the creek. She loved it.


Of course had to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum when Greg & Yvonne were here. We love it so much.


Just a few works that I was drawn to.


Sometimes they are different pieces.


Sometimes they are ones I can't stop staring at each time I visit.


My honey.


We stopped at Pandls for ice-cream drinks on the way home. Grasshoppers and a Brandy Alexander.

New Years Day 2020

Sadly, we had to take Greg & Yvonne to the airport this morning. After dropping them off, we met some of our friends for an "unofficial" Polar Bear Plunge. There's been talk about doing it for years, and this year, it actually happened. Well, it happened for 3 out of 4 of us. The boys had an absolute blast. Last night, The Gufs played as well. We didn't go since we had guests, but the Elsmos and Tillotsons were in town for the concert. They were meeting at Kopps, but we weren't sure the timing would work since we were plunging. Decided to stop in on our way back and were so excited to run into part of the crew. Looking forward to an excellent 2020.

New Years Eve 2019

Oh my gosh, we had another really great New Years Eve. I'm not sure how we get so lucky, but the last few years have been small celebrations with friends, which is just perfect in our opinion. Greg & Yvonne were in town from California hanging out with us the last few days. They left today, and I'm already sad. Was so great getting to spend time with them. On NYE, we did what we loved best and made dinner at home. Since we are still working on the jamon from Christmas, we decided on a Spanish theme. Started with Pan Con Tomate and Manchego (it never gets old), then had Spanish Garlic Soup, Spanish Salad with Oranges, Fennel & Red Onion, Paella and Flan (made by C). Delicious. Was so happy to ring in the New Year with them.

Christmas Cookies

Toffee (made by C)


Mint Thumbprint Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies (made by C)


Oreo Reindeer Truffles (made by H)


Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies (made by H)


Chocolate Sea Salt Rugelach (made by me)


Speculoos Buttons (made by me)


Cran-Pistachio Cookies (made by me)