Holidays

I know - it's February!
Well, I'd still like to tell you about our holidays because we had so much fun this year with Penny and being home for a few weeks. 

P saw all her grandparents and was of course, spoiled rotten as any little one should be on their first Christmas!

Before we made the trip home we had a small Christmas at home with our felt tree and lots of wrapping paper!

Penelope loves jingles bells and got so excited when they were ringing.  She couldn't contain herself.

Some of the gifts this year included matching strawberry hats for P and me, fun stuffed toys, books, and if you look further down you'll see Gorman, a puppet animal that Nolan gave Penny for story time.

I made cookies this year when Nolan and Penny left for NV.  Shortbread snowmen, salt carmels, and my mom's famous espresso logs! Because of school, I stayed behind while Nolan and Penny flew to NV.  I was on my own for a whole 4 days and didn't sit to enjoy it much as I cooked/baked/cleaned my 4 days away.


When I arrived in Nevada, Nolan's family had a fun holiday party to Christen their new home in Sparks.  They'll be so close when we finally make our way home this year.

 Lots of gifts

Packing all the essentials

 I flew into the sunset!

 Penny and Grandpa Terry

 We were lucky enough to spend some time with my brother and his wife, Alicia who just had a little girl in October.  It was a joy to see the two cousins together!

 My Dad's side of the family!

In Las Vegas we visited Nolan's family who had 2 polar bears mounted and a gigantic great dane who LOVED Penny!

 

 

 Finishing the Holidays with some fun sparklers and our new little girls!

The Elf on the Shelf

I so wish this would have been a part of my childhood!  I am extremely jealous of all those kids out there that are experiencing this Christmas Magic!

 

If you’re unfamiliar with Elf on the Shelf – please view this video on their website.  You can find the Elf at Target or online – which is shipped from “The North Pole!”  How cool is that!?  When you give your elf a name, his/her magic is “activated” so he/she can report back to Santa during the night.  The fun comes when the children find the elf in a different spot every morning because maybe your elf spend the night ice skating in the freezer or had a snowball fight with your other holiday figurines!

Here are some fun photos I’ve seen recently, that make me so excited to share this Elf Magic with our children.

 

Who knew the elf could be naughty! haha

 

 

 

 

This one is so stinkin' cute - please view here for this one: Magic Elf Seeds!

Where the kids are instructed by Santa to plant "magic seeds" aka: cookie decorations in sugar before bed and wake up to cookies that "grew" overnight!

Twas the Night Before Christmas -

Well, it's technically two nights before Christmas and I'm beginning to feel all giddy inside!


Nolan and I heading to Nevada tomorrow (hopefully!).  I am so excited to spend Christmas with family this year.  Last year we were saving money for the wedding and I didn't think it was a huge deal to just go solo for the day - well, I changed my mind.  It was pretty miserable to fly solo for the holidays.  Everyone was gone from work and the house was empty all week.

Now that we've paid for the wedding and  have received some travel vouchers due to our multiple flights over the summer we are heading home for Christmas - Yippee!  We'll be home to open stockings with our parents, we'll be home to see our nephews rip open their gifts, we'll be home to provide comfort to Nolan's sister during her recovery, we'll be home to give hugs and kisses!

But before we leave Chicago, we're getting in the festive mood.  Last night we hosted a friend's dinner - a roast, raviolis with homemade pesto, croissants, broccoli, Grandma Norma's 7-up jello, and homemade apple pie.  There were 5 of us and it was a pretty special night.  We've truly begun to make good friends in Chicago.  Tonight we're heading over to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see the Zoo Lights.  I am really excited to see all the animals!  Best yet, the zoo is free! 

I'll post some photos soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL GOOD NIGHT!

Why, HELLO Delicious!

As I sit at my desk I can almost smell the dozen boxes of sweets our office has received in the last week.  

The sweets are from Fannie May & Harry and David & a place I've never heard of before - FRETZELS!

I had to share this little jewel with you because as I opened the box I was immediately filled with joy!

How much do you enjoy pretzels?  Now what about if they were dipped in chocolate and then in M&Ms or crushed Butterfinger ?  Yeah - Delicious!


If you are hard pressed to find a great gift for those hard to shop for people - try out Fretzels.  Seriously.

Surviving the Midwest Winter

This one goes out to my SHORTY - who is moving to Michigan for the next 2 months, because she is a traveling speech therapist.

I feel pretty fortunate that I've lived most of my life on the west coast.

I realize that I have been spoiled with sunny Northern Nevada weather.  It's cold during the winter and it snows, but generally it's easy to manage as the snow melts because of the consistent sun.  I have had to change my habits to survive Midwest winters.

After the first snow fall I wear my snow boots all winter.  Because I walk to the train everyday it is imperative that I have traction and warm piggies!  I refuse to sacrifice my toes to look cute, also I am clumsy and will fall!  This year I've fallen twice (in one day!).  Last week was the first snow, so I've sported my boots all week!  I also incorporate long underwear into my wardrobe on a regular basis.  It's dangerous to be waiting on the train platform with one layer and a -2 reading on the thermometer plus wind chill.

So if you ever are nutty enough to live in the Midwest during winter time you will need the following:

1. Calcium Chloride ice melt - It goes on your sidewalk but doesn't ruin your hard wood floor if brought into your home!
2.  Cuddle Duds long underwear - The thinnest long underwear and so warm!  Moisture wick away from your skin and stretchy for comfort.
3. A can of spray De-icer -  Especially if you own a vehicle in the winter!  It's handy to have if anything gets stuck!
4. Extend handle shovel - This is a MUST only if you have a vehicle.  The plows will no doubt block you in your parking spot the morning you're late for work!

So, that's my 4 recommendations for surviving the Midwest winter.

Now, what to do for fun when your visiting us in Chicago during the winter... think - most of these things to do are FREE!

1. Ice Skating in Millennium Park 2. Christkindl Market  3. Polar Express Train!  4. Santa in Daily Plaza 5. Eat under the Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy's 6. 12 Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl 7. Light Festival and Parade 8. Zoo Lights!

This doesn't even cover half the holiday events in the city.  Consider the other sporting events, theater, caroling, and holiday tours also!

Come to Chicago so we can go play but make sure you pack your long underwear! 

I've booked my weekend -

Saturday - Friends' winter wedding!

Sunday - Renegade Craft Fair!

I am excited to attend my friends' wedding and see how they put together their winter theme, it should be spactacular!  The bride is a crafty little thing and he is a music loving dance machine!  Tell me how much you love this: at her bridal shower she had everyone make an ornament for a Christmas tree she's displaying at their reception!  I've also caught wind that their introductions will be Michael Jackson themed!  Awesome?  I think so!

To extend my fun-filled weekend I am so excited for The Renegade Handmade Craft Fair on Sunday.  Renegade Handmade is a local shop in Chicago that sells only handmade products - talk about supporting small business!  They started the fair in 2003 and now have over 150 artists on site this year!  This is my kind of thing!  I am ecstatic to be attending!  One day I hope to be one of their vendors! 

The fair makes it possible to complete your Christmas shopping list!  

Renegade Craft says "those looking to shop handmade and support small business this holiday season will surely find something for everyone – from jewelry and clothing, to ceramics and stationery, with everything from bath products, housewares, posters, comics and plush objects in between – at this large-scale, free-to-attend art, craft and design extravaganza!!"

Happy Holiday Shopping Everyone! Next year come to Chicago!

Merry Christmas Eve!

I'd like to take this time to thank everyone who's shown there love this Holiday! I can't imagine having a better family or set of friends at this time in my life. You have all impacted my life and therefore my holiday by something small or large. I appreciate your emails and phone calls.

I find more appreciation this year than most since I am spending Christmas Eve alone. I never thought I would spend a Christmas alone, but alas, here I am in Chicago away from the fam on 12/24. It's not horrible I tell you, just unexpected. Due to Nolan's job he isn't in any better position than me. He is actually on a boat in rural Illinois, did I mention on a boat, in the cold... OYE! Keep him in your thoughts as he works through the most snow Illinois has seen in a December ever on record (that might be an exaggeration). He deserves all the best tonight as he bears the cold to bring home the big bucks!

Some other good news, Adam got a job, and has officially graduated college!!!!!! I couldn't be more proud of my older brother. As stubborn as he is I knew he wouldn't give up and I am excited that he can finally pay his own rent! Way to go bro!

Merry Christmas,
Camille

Love to you all!