Moments 11 23 :: Week 04

So many leaves! Our leaves are always the latest to fall. Fortunately, the landscapers came, but now there are more again.

Hudson got home Monday. Cole on Tuesday. Love having both our guys home.

Cole played the Nicolet HS alumni soccer game. 

The next day, Cole, Hudson & Brian all played the Turkey Bowl at Bavarians. So fun. 

Thanksgiving was spent in Oak Park this year. The whole gang was here. So special, especially considering these are the states where the 16 of us comes from to gather: Wisconsin, Illinois, Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri, Louisiana, and New York. 

This is what it's all about.

Mel always makes everything so special. Just look at that tablescape. 

So much great food too. 

I thought I was being good, but next thing you know, this is what my plate looked like. 

All of us. 

And another.

My gosh, these kids are all so cute. We are all so crazy proud of all of them. They such special people. 

We spent the night at The Frigs, and were able to watch one movie for Leftover Day. Thankfully, it was Barbie, which I've been wanting to see for awhile. So much fun. The tradition started when the kids were little. It's so fun seeing these adults all piled around still. By the way, do you like our shirts? We all have them. Such a fun traditon. 

My people. Love these ladies -- and feel so lucky whenever we are together. 

Moments 11 23 :: Week 03

Cole's soccer team made it to the DIII Soccer Championship. Brian and I were fortunately able to travel to Platteville to watch the team in action. 

Unfortunately they lost 1-2. At one point in the season they were ranked 4th. They had the potential to go very far, so it was a bit of a bummer. But always fun to get to see our guy, even if it's only for a couple of minutes. 

Brian and I had a great time exploring the area. Before the game (which was at 8:30pm by the way), we drove to Potosi and stopped by the brewery. 

On Sunday, we had some time to explore Galena. 

We haven't been since the triathlon days in 2011. Such a fun little area.

Brian even suggested we climb the top of the stairs. It was such a gorgeous day. 

Meanwhile at University of Minnesota, Hudson and the SLU Club Swim team had an event. Hud even qualified for Nationals again, which was a bit of a surprise to him this year. Very exciting. His roommate qualified in the same event. The third roommate qualified for several. 

On Friday I hosted my annual Beautycounter pop-up. It's always such a fun day. I just wish I had more time to catch up with everyone. 

Moments 11 23 :: Week 02

We were invited to attend Feed Your Soul with Emily & Craig last Friday. Craig's sister runs it, and Emily's company was a sponsor. It was a super fun event with live art and performances. 

Such a perfect space for the event. We had a blast. Even if it did take us a couple days to recover. 

My first go at Fire Cider. Such good stuff for some extra immunity boost this winter.

Someone got new goggles for hunting. He wasn't a fan -- but Brian tested them out in the fields on Monday and it saved it eyes, that's for sure. The grasses and still super high. You should have seen how scratched up they were after the hunt that day. (We didn't know goggles were a thing. It was actually the professional guides at the club who mentioned them after we mentioned how torn up his eyes got last year). 

Cole's soccer team didn't automatically qualify for the NCAA Championships this year thanks to an unexpected loss in the tournament. Fortunately, they were granted a spot and play this weekend. He's so excited. Should be a fun time. 

Moments 11 23 :: Week 01

Friday night fish fry with Hudson when he was in town. He left us on Saturday already to visit friends in Madison and go to the Madison / Ohio game, but I'll take it. Loved having him around. 

Not sure why we don't go out for fish fries more often. It was delicious. 

On Saturday we were invited to a Halloween party. I made these spooky rice krispy treats. 

We were able to go last minute, so pulled out the banana costumes from years ago. Maybe some day we'll be better about it. I never want to dress up but always have fun when we do. 

This house on Oakland goes nuts on the holidays. Christmas is just a crazy. Fun to drive by. I can't imagine setting them up and taking them down though. 

Begging for trick-or-treaters. Brian set out the van and a fire. We actually ran out of candy this year! It was refreshing seeing so many people out and about. 

On Halloween, it snowed. Like, stick on the ground, legitimate snow. Here's a camoflauged Van. 

In an upset, the NCC Cardinals lost to Carthage in the semi-final play offs. It's really a bummer, considering what an amazing season these guys have had. Loved spotting our guy as a winner of the short-sided tournament the next day. (His roommate is the second from right seated). The soccer season didn't go as planned for him, but he's really having such a great time with these guys.