Holidays 2022

What a fun holiday it's been! It started Thursday with a neighborhood holiday party. Even though I'm out walking the dogs all the time, we really don't meet a lot of people in our hood. It was so much fun. The next night, we met our roommates from our trip to Portugal in May, Alex and Melissa, in Cedarburg. They were in town for a couple days visiting their families. I'm so glad they still have Wisconsin roots. They are fantastic. 

Everything was going so well until Christmas Eve. When our power went on and off and only 20% of our power was restored. WE Energies came out and didn't find anything. Let me just say, finding an electrician on Christmas Eve. is no easy feat. Brian ended up calling four different companies and not one has called back, even today. It was only 6 degrees outside and the thermostats weren't working, so he ended up staying behind, while the boys and I went to Grandma's house in Racine. We really missed him but our brother-in-law ended up totally saving the day. He got on the phone with one of his emergency connections and by the time the boys and I were back home, Brian was eating Chinese food, drinking a Manhattan and watching Elf -- with the electrical restored. Matt was definitely our hero this season. 

Fortunately, Christmas went without a hitch. Van had to wait patiently for the boys to wake up, but we had a really great morning. That afternoon we went over to my parents. Missing was Jacob who was in St. Louis with his girlfriend. But we gained Maia's boyfriend, two of Luis's kids and Christie's French Bulldog. It was a very fun day. I know so many people who had flights cancelled or came down with some sort of sickness. I was just so thankful we were all healthy and could be together for most of it. 

Cookies

Didn't get photos of all of our cookies we made this year. Usually we have a cookie baking day, but it was spread out the entire week this year. 

Pictured: Checkerboard Cookies | Matcha Amarettis | Toffee | Cran-Pistachio Cookies | M&M Magic Bars

Not Pictured: Rum Balls | Yum Balls | Super Chocolately Buttons | Limoncello Macaroons

Moments 12 22 :: Week 04

A known fact is that Brian is typically a bit of a grinch during the holidays. But this year, he decided to surprise us with lights. We love them. (Just don't look at the exterior painting we need to do -- hopefully this spring. Trying to decide if we stick to the traditional John Randall McDonald color or update it. Clearly we didn't figure it out this year). 

Hudson is home, and came bearing donuts. It's kind of turned into a little bit of a tradition when he comes home. I like it. 

That same night it was the gym holiday party. Both the boys came. Can you spot them?

On Sunday, we went to Emily & Craig's wedding. We've known Craig for years. Emily is Cole's girlfriend, Zoe's, mom. Small world. 

It's been brutal cold, but nothing would stop this crew from a little pheasant hunting. 

Moments 12 22 :: Week 03

Devoured this one while traveling last week. Really good.

Cutie patooties. Even if that IS a sock in Van's mouth.

This week was Member Appreciation week at the gym. Our awesome coaches did paper plate awards for the members. 

This is mine. Really funny because it's true! Of course, rescuing the goose a few weeks ago added some fuel to the fire, but I think it's hilarious. 

California :: Days 5 & 6

Last day of the showcase! Cole had an 8:00am game so we had to leave the hotel at 6:00am. Getting to drive with the most amazing desert sunrise made it totoally worth it. After the game, we drove to Hermosa Beach. First stop, Fishing with Dynamite for lunch. I had heard about this restaurant from Brian for years, and was excited to get to try it. He wasn't kidding about the Peruvian Scallops. So yummy. Afterwards, we drove over to Greg & Yvonne's! It's been YEARS (almost 14) since I was last there, and it was amazing. They have the most special, comfortable place, and we felt so lucky to get to stay there. First, we took a long walk along The Strand to Hermosa Beach, and watched the sunset from the pier. Then Greg picked up Brazilian food from Panelas and we sat outside on their magical porch. Greg is an early bird and gets to work before the sun comes up. Cole & I were exhausted, so it worked out just fine that we went to bed super early. We fell asleep to the fire going. It was lovely. 

The next morning, we walked The Strand to Manhattan Beach and had breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. We also picked up sandwiches for the plane. Then, sadly when we got back it was time to leave. We traveled through Denver, and were flying out of the terminal our friend Alex has a restaurant (Mercantile). We weren't particularly hungry but split a sandwich (and I had a glass of Portugese wine to remember our lovely vacation there last spring -- he was one of our roommates). And then we flew home and that was the end of our travels. Honestly, the whole entire experience was so awesome. The showcase was like nothing I had ever seen. So many coaches and so much talent on the fields. Seeing our friends and getting to show Cole the beach was icing on the cake. The whole week was amazing. 

California :: Days 3 & 4

Had a little bit later of a game (10:15am) which felt great. Despite Cole's hip, it was an awesome day for him. Super exciting actually. There were SO many coaches watching games this entire weekend. I've never seen anything like it. So cool. After we got back, we walked over to a Thai restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner, then Cole met up with team and hung out. There was a Festival of Lights parade that they walked over to. So fun. The next morning we got to sleep and relax. Cole did some homework while I walked over to the Museum Trail for a mini hike. I was so not prepared with my Vans on and purse so didn't get too far, but it was pretty awesome. After I got back, we did a little shopping then headed back over to the soccer fields. One of Cole's teammates were playing in the All-Star game so a group of us went over to watch. That night we had tacos and hung out in the room since the next morning was another early one. 

California :: Days 1 & 2

Cole and I were in California for MLS NEXT Fest. First stop on the way was In-N-Out. So good. The U19 and U16 teams stayed at the Marquis Villas. Just check out our room. So funny. We had a huge bathroom, kitchen and comfortable beds. Plus the most amazing views from our balcony. That first night, we stopped at the grocery store and ended up making pasta. We were so tired so it was perfect. The next morning was an early game, and the fields were about 35 minutes away in Indio at the Empire Polo Club so we were up bright and early. The facility was insane though. Super impressive. And while the team didn't win, they had a great game. Unfortunately, Cole ended up straining his hip that first game and could barely walk the rest of the day. He made it through the weekend, but not at 100%. Hopefully a little rest will help. Anyhow, since the game was early, we picked up sandwiches at Sherman's and hightailed it to Joshua Tree National Park. I cannot stop thinking about it. What an amazing place. What a great day.