Moments 12 23 :: Week 05

Foggy Christmas Eve. walk. There were about three days of fog, which I personally love. But even I am missing the sunshine. Or snow. Not very festive, this weather.

Brian's been off a couple weeks, which has been so nice. He's been able to relax, plus we've gotten to do some fun things, like go to Deep Lake Future, an immersive art experience. Here are some photos from the exhibit. 

We also went for a quick visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is always one of my favorite places. I love taking photos of the work that catches my eye that day. It always changes. 

We also saw the Art, Life, Legacy: Northern European Painting in the Collection of Isabel and Alfred Bader exhibit, Darrel Ellis exhibit, and 50 Paintings, which is works created in the past 5 years showcasing recent trends. Here are some highlights from the later exhibit. 

Holidays 23

It was a busy, but wonderful, Christmas this year. A HUGE thanks to both of our sisters who hosted. We spent Christmas Eve. in Racine. The ugly sweater contest was a huge hit. Even if I did crop the winner out and had to bleep someone else. Ha! Christmas morning was nice and calm. Alarm clocks were set for 8:30am and we were all spoiled with gifts. After breakfast we even fit in a family walk. The weather has been crazy warm. Such a difference from last year. Christmas was spent at Christie's new house, which is absolutely stunning. We had so many laughs and such a great time. Loved getting to spend time with both of our families. Such a great couple of days. 

Moments 12 23 :: Week 04

Had dinner with Lora + Bill at Goodkind. Need to make this happen more often. It's been so long since we caught up, and it was great.

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The guys. Mel + Leif were supposed to join us, but Mel is still recovering from the plague that has been going around since Thanksgiving. It's brutal.

Spotted so many turkeys on my walk with Van.

Hudson came home from school, just in time for cookie baking. Love having these guys home.

We made: Tiramisu Snowball Cookies, Neapolitan Checkerboard Cookies, Yum Balls, Rainbow Rave Cookies, Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Cookies, Toffee. Not pictured (but seen above): Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. 

Brian, Hudson, Papa and our friend Brad had a very successful pheasant hunt. 

Tired guys, post hunt. 

Gretel didn't go. We'll get her out to run around and chase some birds soon, but her poor old body just can't handle it as well. Plus, her brain tells her to go, go, go, so it's not a great combination. Such a pretty girl.

Hudson has been spending a lot of time studying and making lesson plans since he's working on getting his CFI. Brian and I spotted him at the new coffee shop in our area. What a fitting photo of him. Speaking of learning, both boys officially are through the semester and did well. We are so proud of both of them. One semester down for Cole, only one to go for Hudson.

Brian and I stopped by a wine shop we've been meaning to visit for awhile. Nonfiction Wines is a natural wine shop that we've only gone to once before. Recently they opened a larger location that has seating too. I love the idea of natural wines, but they really can be hit or miss for me. I had a delicious glass that we ended up buying a bottle of. Plus, how cute is this shop?

Dinner with these friends - a tradition since 2008. We even made it happen before the end of the year this time.

Moments 12 23 :: Week 03

The dogs are getting in the holiday spirit thanks to Granny!

Loving this little setup. I'm a sucker for small trees. Plus a leftover brain cactus from Halloween. 

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Not much new to report. It's been a busy week before most of the P4 gets to wind down for the rest of the holiday season. Cole's been home a few days which is so great. Hudson comes this weekend. So excited. 

Moments 12 23 :: Week 02

Van Duke basking in the lights of the Christmas tree.

Gretel in her favorite spot. 

Lamb farm on my favorite street.

Could not be excited. After a year of waiting, Sarah -- next to me -- found a space for her gym. She's an amazing coach, and I love being part of it. Coming early 2024. 

On Thursday I went to Oak Park. Mel made us an amazing dinner, and it was so fun hanging out and catching up with. The next day we went to the One of a Kind show at the Merchandise Mart. This is an annual excursion for them, but my first time. So many amazing goods. Loved these pebble plates. I ended up with a couple of them. Gorgeous.

End of the day photo. We were all so tired. And Mel had such a bad cold. I'm afraid I may have gotten everyone sick at Thanksgiving. The good news is, they will all be in tip-top shape for the holidays. At least that's what I'm telling myself. Whoops

Moments 12 23 :: Week 01

On Saturday we had our annual Christmas tree pick out and trimming.

These guys make me smile so much.

This guy too. 

All decorated. Good news, it was the first year we mutually agreed on a tree. So pretty.

Our pretty girl. Can't believe she's 9.5 year old already. 

Need to listen to more music in the new year. I was surprised by Cage the Elephant. Must come up on my mixes a lot. Hermanos Gutiérrez is my favorite to just chill out to.