Moments 12 24 :: Week 04

Morning sparkles. 

I went on a cookie baking extravaganza last weekend. I'm still figuring our oven out, so wasn't totally thrilled with the results (the bottoms are cooking too fast) but they still taste pretty good. Clockwise from top left: Marzipan Sprinkle Hamantaschen, Molly Yeh | Passion Fruit Thumbprint Cookies, Cup of Jo | Buche de Noel Cookies | Speculoos Buttons | Lemon-Turmeric Crinkle Cookies | Rum-Buttered Almond Cookies

I talked Hudson into going for a walk to the Lake. It's so beautiful no matter the season.

A sandy snowman.

Boxing Day soccer watching. Unfortunately, our team stinks this year, but at least we were in good company.

Me and my guys. 

A foggy walk. There's something about this weather I absolutely love. Although, the dogs feet are always dirty.

Scenes from Christmas

The past two days have been absolutely amazing. Of course, having our own kids home is the highlight. This is the first holiday season that Hudson hasn't had school break, so we are enjoying every moment we have with him. Christmas Eve was spent at the Kramers. Besides our crew, they invited Mel, Leif and Finn. Pam always has the most amazing spreads. It was so fun. Christmas morning was quietly spent at home. I even talked the family into going for a walk before our next celebration, which was Christie's house. She's several days with her kids around, their partners -- and both of their puppies. Who happen to look alike and are a mere month apart in age. We couldn't believe it. By the end of the night the babies were pretty zonked. It was adorable. We are feeling pretty lucky to be able to have this time together. It's been so much fun. 

Moments 12 24 :: Week 03

It's been a few weeks, but made it for a walk to the beach. Ice has made it so I can walk down one way, along the beach, then up another. Even when it's gloomy, there is nothing like the water. 

We went to Mel + Leif's for dinner on Saturday. We walked over to the market to pick up some supplies, like fresh scallops and oysters. It was so relaxing and of course, tasted amazing. 

Sunday was cookie baking. It's been several years since we've made it. Cole even joined me. Christie's dog Bluey cracks us up. What a silly guy.

Success. We cranked some cookies out, that's for sure. Honestly, it was really exhausting. 

Cookie baking crew. Missing is Emily and Amy, who had to leave early.

There are three deer in this photo. Van and I ran into them on the corner near our house eating pumpkins by the side of the road.

My year in books. I really wanted to read at least 12 this year. I started off so strong, but ever since summer, read a couple pages before falling asleep. I need to carve extra time out to read this year. Ther were some good ones in this mix though.

Poor Cole. On Tuesday, he got his wisdom teeth removed. It's been nice having him around though. First, he was home a week before all of his friends. Then, this. We've been spoiled. Of course, he's still swollen and skiing with his homies tonight. But having him around has been nice, that's for sure. 

A few months ago I joined the Rancho Gordo Bean Club. These Christmas Lima Beans are so pretty. They were delicious too. 

It snowed! First real snow of the season. So pretty.

Moments 12 24 :: Week 02

My cute old lady. She used to be such a spaz, but is just downright adorable lately.

The homemade vanilla extract that has been going strong for eight years. I just keep adding rum and vanilla pods. We gave this as a gift Christmas 2016.

This was ridiculous. Pepperoni fried rice. From Molly Baz's cookbook More is More. 

Saturday night we had dinner at 3 Brothers. Honestly, why don't we eat here more often? It's so good. 

Plus, we were in the best company. What a great night. 

Our holiday assortment from BonBonBon arrived! Cannot wait to dig into this one. It's so much fun getting their seasonal mixes. 

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On another note, Cole is home! I picked him up on Sunday, which was a few days earlier than even I expected. He's been busy finishing up projects, but didn't have to be at any classes was able to be home. It's been so nice having him around. Especially before all his friends get back. Because you know we won't ever see him then. He and Brian even went to a concert (Cage the Elephant), and he joined Brian at his last MIAD class for the semester. It's been awesome. 

Moments 12 24 :: Week 01

The day after Thanksgiving, we all headed over to Leif + Mel's for Leftover Day. So glad the tradition continues. Just look at this room filled with our friends. It makes me so happy. 

Cole, haha. 

It's a day filled with movies, leftovers, and pizza. One of the best days of the year. 

Finn did a great job picking the movies, per usual. 

Another one of Cole's friends was at the Packer game on Thanksgiving, but got dropped off at Leftover Day and spent the next couple of days with us too. 

The "kids" recreated this iconic camping photo. Love the memories they all have together. 

The next day with hit the Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree. 

They even got a photo with the man himself, Santa!

After sniffing all the trees, and having an absolute blast, we found the perfect one. This guy who was working insisted on getting in a photo even, since we were having so much fun. 

Analyzing the perfect ornament placement. 

Our helpers did a great job, and the tree was trimmed in record time. 

There she blows. As JP said, it may not be the perfect tree, but it's perfect for us. 

Realized we didn't snap a single family photo the entire weekend. It was so much fun, and all of us had a great time with Cole's friends. They are a great group of guys. 

Yummy cookies we picked up at a Swedish store in Red Wing, MN at Cole's soccer game a few weeks ago.

My Spotify wrap-up. Not too bad. I definitely need to listen to more music though.

I had a hair appointment and parked right by Cathedral Square, which is always decorated with a bunch of trees by different schools and organizations. It was fun walking around afterwards.

A pretty view from a walk Van and I took. It's hard to fit in before it gets dark lately. 

Brian was off today, and arranged for pedicures for us. Cute. It was a fun little lunch date.