Thanksgiving 2008

We typically spend Thanksgiving in Indiana with BJ's Mom, but we changed things up this year and spent the entire week in M'town with my family. True to form, my parents planned lots of great activities for us and the week truly flew by leaving us with great memories, fun photos and a little sad that yet another fantastic holiday is behind us. 

We kicked things off with an uneventful and easy drive from Chicago to WV and then began the week in earnest. We did some initial cooking and Turkey Day preparations and I even conquered a gorgeous banana pudding that got rave reviews if I do say so myself (me in the kitchen - big deal, so I get to brag just a little). :)

Our great family friends Bobby and DeeDee hosted our family plus their own for a very festive Thanksgiving dinner and everyone had a marvelous time. Their granddaughter Eva Claire is one of the cutest kids ever and she kept us all entertained throughout the evening.

And of course, no Thanksgiving holiday would be complete without sports, and boy, did we get our share. First of all, the televisions in my parents' house were forever tuned into one game or another and we attended the annual "Backyard Brawl" the day after Thanksgiving this year. They play at Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) and we had a fabulous time even though my fam was disappointed that the Mountaineers didn't pull through with a win. Next year!

We wrapped up the week with a lovely spa day at one of my new VERY FAVORITE places - Nemacolin Resort in PA. Mom and I joined Margaret (another terrific family friend) and spent the entire day being pampered - it was bliss. We headed home for one final (and very yummy) dinner and then called it a week. 

Mom & Dad - HUGE thanks to you again. You made it the best holiday yet. We loved every minute. Oh, and a special thanks for all of that food you packed for our journey home too. Our extra lengthy drive was a little better since we had yummy snacks to distract us. You have to love parents who still make you a PB&J just shy of your 30th birthday. Thankful indeed! You can see more holiday documentation here (just in case you can't get enough of us - haha).

I hope everyone's holiday was just as terrific. We returned to a winter wonderland here in Chicago and much to my delight, the holiday decor is out in full force. I plan to take it all in this weekend, along with more than my fair share of errand running. Be sure to keep checking back for more holiday fun. We've got LOTS planned this year.

Mom, Beeg & I at the WVU-Pitt game

Back in Chicago - first day of getting all bundled up - brrr!
Winter wonderland back in Chicago!
Dad & April - self portrait on way home from dinner
We LOVED this wine wall at a yummy restaurant in M'town
Nemacolin Spa & Resort - isn't it lovely?!
Beeg in I in the box at the game.
Matt and I at the game...
Self photo at Thanksgiving Dinner
DeeDee - our lovely Turkey Day hostess
Cute little tables set up for dinner
My prized banana pudding - isn't it awesome?! :)
Lovely snowfall on our first day in M'town

Thanks and a Blog-cation

We completed the looong and (today anyway) grueling trek back to Chicago today. What is normally a pretty straight forward 8.5 hour(ish) drive, was a traffic laden, 10 hour journey through every variety of nasty weather. Boy, am I happy to be home.

The trip was amazing and I promise more details (and photos) later, but wanted to check in since I (blissfully) and (a little regrettably, ahem) neglected all things online for the last half of our trip.

My newsreader is hopelessly backed up, the blog has been without updates and now that I'm back into it, I realize I actually did feel a little disconnected due to my spontaneous break from (most) things digital. I can't decide if that is a good thing or not...

In any case, it was delicious time with family and, as always, I'm a little blue this evening. Don't get me wrong...it helps that I'm snuggled on the couch with a fur baby on each side, enjoying the warm glow of my holiday lights and knowing that a warm cup of tea and another chapter (or 2...3?) of book 2 of this vampire series I'm now addicted to (who knew?? i really don't like vampires or anything sci-fi) will follow this post. But, goodbye is never easy. Even when it is temporary. Even when the time between this visit and the next isn't super long. It's just good stuff to spend time with those you love most, and when you live far away from family, that together time is infinitely sweeter. And flies by at warp speed. I seriously cannot believe it is already over.

We packed in enough fun for 2 months. Thanks again Mom & Dad - as always, you were gracious hosts and we left feeling well fed, (very) well loved and recharged. It's always a pleasure. And a joy. And I miss you already...

I hope you all enjoyed a marvelous holiday surrounded by everything that makes you smile and feel grateful. Now break out the holiday decor (unless like me, you've been there and done that already) and let's try to not let December whirl by and give us all whiplash like November has, m'kay??

Nuff said. Enjoy the week ahead!

Winter Daze Begins?

We are having our first chilly/wintry day in Chicago - we've been SO lucky with weather so I'm not really complaining. I started the day with a run outside anyway...and actually enjoyed it. It was a little cold, but also invigorating. I'm making a commitment to myself that this winter will not be a repeat of last year. I'm in control...right? RIGHT?

My fabulous Mother-in-law has greatly contributed to my cause and she might not even know it. Want to know a fabulous way to spend part of a cold, winter-ish day?

Behold:

That's right folks. Courtesy of an early xmas present from the MIL, we are now proud owners of the Wii and Wii Fit! So far, my faves are the hula hooping, step aerobics and some of the yoga poses. Hubby and I have set our profiles (a little scary to see your "wii fit age," but no bother)...AND our goals.

Happy indoor playing!!

How Do You Define Excitement?

Click on the video to see how we do. :) This was taken on our drive to the park today. Enjoy!

We HEART the Park

Mom, this one is for you. We talk alot about the boys' favorite activity - playing in the park - and we often blog about beginning most weekend mornings by waking early and heading over to our neighborhood spot so the boys can get "first tracks." Well, we thought we'd give you a little taste of how we spend our time at the park - Jack is never happier than when he is chasing his beloved orange ball. And Cooper...well, he splits his time chasing birds, chasing Jack and eating as much grass as he possibly can. Enjoy!

I HEART LA

As most of you know, we made our first trip back to LA since we moved. I was there over a year ago very briefly for work, but this was our first actual time to go back for a fun visit.

It was so weird...total deja vu in the strangest sense of the word. We kept having to remind ourselves that we did not live there anymore...and of course then we were obligated to ask ourselves...and why is that again?? :)

We went for Copeland and Kelly's wedding which was at La Venta Inn in Palace Verdes - truly one of the most stunning wedding sites I've seen. It was simply gorgeous.

We called the Beachhouse Hotel in Hermosa Beach home for five days...oh yes, ocean front room, lovely balcony to sip wine and stare at the Pacific...and did I mention the jacuzzi tub?

The mornings began with a run...we had good dinners, visited with old friends, got aquainted with new ones and enjoyed all the old haunts that gave us such joy. For the record, Blue Plate still serves the best lunch anywhere...and the Santa Monica farmers markets puts all others to shame.

We missed the boys, but they had a great time with Auntie Jenna back in Chicago...when I returned, I was greeted by a lovely fall day. I'm enjoying it while I can...I know all too well what is ahead.

But for now, I'm remembering the sites and sounds and smells of LA...which, for better or worse, will always have a sizable piece of my heart.

I'm including a few pics from the wedding site, the view from our room and even one of the beautiful Chicago day I returned to on Tuesday. Happy Fall ya'll!

Flying the Friendly Skies

So, I actually DID attempt a couple of posts over the weekend with video footage of our guys at the park, but technical difficulties prevented us from sharing. We'll try again, don't worry.

The weekend was glorious with another dose of picture perfect weather and we spent all of our time outdoors playing, being active or watching the crazy aircraft ZOOM over our neighborhood as part of the Chicago Air & Water Show. I returned from Secaucus (who knew I'd become so familiar with that place?!) for work on Friday and then just enjoy lots of quality time with all three of my guys.

I'm very excited for this coming weekend - BJ heads to Portland tomorrow and I am going to join him on Friday. It will be my first experience at one of his events and my first time checking out Oregon, which I've always wanted to see. I plan to peruse the world's largest bookstore (or something like that), get in plenty of outdoor fun, and eat yummy food - maybe a little shopping too. Photos forthcoming, I promise.

Have a great week all!