Last Week in Moments

We went to Racine to visit Grandma. Before having lunch (Brian's sister and her kids joined us too), we stopped at the winter farmer's market at Milaeger's. So much good stuff there! Next time we'll be prepared // The boys had off on Monday. It was a brutal cold day so I stopped at Michael's to get some craft supplies and even had the teenager make a nebula jar. We also made kool-aid candy dots, which were a big hit as you can image


This is quite possibly the most terrifying photo I have seen of myself. H's response when I put this Korean facial mask on was "That's not even cool, Mom." It was pretty scary, but my face loved it // C had his choir concert, and the mic caught him giggling during his performance. Typical


My dad was in town. He's officially retired, which is crazy. To celebrate, we went to Balistreri's for dinner. We were happy to get to see him // I totally bought this bottle of wine because of it's label. Isn't it amazing?

Last Week in Moments

Finally, Gretel got spayed. And microchipped. It actually happened and I cannot believe it! It only took 4 rounds of appointment setting and canceling to get there. We thought she was going to be spending the night, but we were able to get her. She was totally groggy and sleepy. It was kind of nice. We've been needing to walk her on a leash and not let her run around this week. Needless to say, she has spent a lot of time in her crate. Poor thing just doesn't know how to slow down.


Brian and H wanted to go skiing. C has never been a big fan, but decided to give it another try. I'm so glad he did. He completely loves it. And now, he's bummed out that he didn't sign up for ski club with his brother. Oh well. He's got three more years.


Brian and I had a 4-hour pass that expired, but the boys kept going out so they could ski under the lights. It was really cold out, but such a great day.


Thanks to YouTube, C discovered giant gummy things and has been obsessed with them. He bought himself a vanilla cola bottle around the holidays, and was crushed when it was delivered but had Red 40 in it (Red 40 makes him throw up). He gave it to his brother, then ordered the Root Beer one, which doesn't have Red 40 in it. Wednesday was a short day, and they celebrated by finally being able to bust open the obnoxious confections. I mean, seriously, look at those things! They have been good about rationing them, thank goodness.

Last Week in Moments

We made churros and hot chocolate for breakfast. It was absolutely delicious


The taking down of the Christmas tree is always bittersweet to me


The look I got as I was leaving the house the other day. What you can't see is the shaking she was doing too. So spoiled

NYE with Friends

To me, the best way to spend New Years Eve is with my family and incredible friends. We never really make plans, but if something special happens, great! This year, Chris & Penny asked what we were up to and decided to visit us. I cannot even tell you how excited we were. Especially after they had guests at their house up until the minute they left to travel North. Brian & H planned a fantastic Spanish themed menu.

- Jamon and Manchego with Tomato Toast
- Shishito Peppers
- Ribs
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Croquettes 
- Paella

And of course, plenty of gin & tonics and Cava. We had also planned on making Potatoes Bravas and Churros with Chocolate Sauce. But my gosh, were we stuffed! And tired. We did make it until midnight, but gave a round of hugs and headed immediately for bed. What a perfect way to celebrate a fantastic year.

Last Week in Moments

Brian organized a soccer game with some friends on Boxing Day. The adults played on one side, and the kids organized their own game. I'm thinking there might be a new annual tradition // The crew. Our nephew came and played too. He spent the night which was great. We took him out to Cafe Hollander and had a really great night


Santa brought the boys a new Kracie kit // Brian and I snuck out one of the days and visited the Milwaukee Art Museum

MAM

I had such a nice day with Brian today! We left the boys at home and visited the Milwaukee Art Museum. We hadn't been there since the grand re-opening, and it is truly is spectacular. One of my happy places was completely modified. Ultimately, it's a good thing, providing for a lot more uncrowded exhibition space. But I'll miss it. The collection overall is amazing. Because the boys weren't with us, we had more time and got to see some of the older pieces that we usually overlook. Loved it. My favorites are still the modern pieces, but the older ones are absolutely crazy. The Larry Sultan exhibit was also going on. Pretty cool. Afterwards, we went to the Milwaukee Public Market with the intention of grabbing some oysters. The whole place was a madhouse, so we ended up for oyster lunch at the Harbor House before doing some NYE grocery shopping. Such a great day.

New Jersey Visit

Our friends Kim & Jesse were in town (aka Southern Wisconsin and Illinois) for the holidays. We were able to spend some time with the boys on Boxing Day, but missed out seeing the girls that day. When Kim mentioned they were going to a trampoline place and wanted to find out if we could meet them, we couldn't pass up the chance to see them again. We <3 these guys. Hopefully we won't have to wait 1.5 years to see them again!

Christmas Day

The boys got us up at 7am Christmas morning. I know they were up much earlier than that, but we set the 7am rule a long time ago. Thank goodness. We opened presents from Santa and enjoyed a morning relaxing at home before heading out to Christie & Tim's in the afternoon for an amazing Italian-themed Christmas dinner.

Christmas Eve

We have just been having so much fun this holiday season. Our annual Christmas Eve. appetizer party was at our house this year. Despite the looks on everyone's faces above when I surprised them by taking their photo (ha!) we had a great time. The evening was spent with the Schwebels and Ali's family, Nina, Papa, Grandma, the Kramers, Terri and the boys, and our friends the Kochs. It was such a great night.

Last Week in Moments

Our gingerbread house ... complete with dog peeing on the witch // Annual holiday dinner with Andrew/Shelly and Scott/Ali. This year we went to Eddie Martini's. We've been doing these dinners since 2008. So much fun


Lazy Sundays. Even crazy dog Gretel was happy to participate // Christmas morning

Last Week in Moments

We had a big party weekend, and I think I was recovering until Wednesday. Friday night was GMR's holiday party. Marcus was the DJ, and Red Moon Theater featured a couple table ladies. So much fun. The next night was Mike & Kristyn's annual party. Thanks to uber and super fun people, we didn't get home until 2am. I don't even know myself anymore // The next day, the boys and I went to my sister's for our annual cookie baking day. So much fun and so productive. I love it


Gretel has officially been driving me crazy. This is pretty much how she is all day every day. A total nut ball. Poor Storm // My favorite Thai Zucchini Soup were the best left-overs ever

Last Week in Moments

Due to some abnormally warm winter weather, Brian and I joined some others out for a motorcycle ride where we crashed the Santa Rampage. Maybe one of these years we'll join them on bicycles


St. Nicholas came to our house


The 7th & 8th grades had their winter music concerts. Here's the 8th grade choir, with H front and center. They did such a great job

Last Week in Moments

So sleepy after all of our Thanksgiving festivities // Our finished Christmas tree


Received a whole box of photographs of the boys over the three years each of them spent at their Montessori school. Such great memories. Both boys still say those are some of their favorite years. P.S. It's pretty obvious which child has always been more serious...


Advent season has arrived! And the boys were pretty excited that I made them calendars again // Troublemaker! This one has decided that she is now going to eat dog beds