Jeff and I are knee deep in moving right now and (call us crazy) we’re having the best time! We gained possession last weekend and spent Sunday afternoon taking loads of boxes back and forth between houses. Jeff put together the new light fixtures and we prepped the house to begin paint and carpet which began Monday. Stay tuned on if our excitement continues but at least for now, our hopes remain high.
Thanksgiving weekend was a blast. We hoped all over the place beginning first with Bloody Marys & Mimosas (and donut holes) at the Kingmas. For the last three years they’ve opened their home on Thanksgiving morning and it’s a fun time catching up with friends while the kids play or watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From there we headed south towards Schoolcraft only to get side tracked in town at the American Legion for just one! (wink) drink before continuing onto my folks house for dinner later that afternoon. Friday we shot back north to Rockford for dinner with the Kladders and Saturday we joined the crew from Calvin at the Van Vels house for Friends Thanksgiving soup and salad. I made a new garlic bread this year and it seemed to be a huge hit because the pan was gone. We ended the weekend with Jeff’s Mom out for lunch after church and by the time we got home we were cashed! I failed terribly at taking photos throughout the weekend but a friend actually captured a few group shots from Friends Thanksgiving.
Speaking of meals, a few weekends ago our neighbor friends, the Bordolis, hosted a traditional Italian dinner party at their beautiful new home. Each summer they visit family in Italy and return with stories about the wonderful meals they have there. At our dinner, the Bordolis treated us to incredible food and the unique experience that goes with it. The only thing missing was the view of Lake Como! Also, Kari allowed us to all have two glasses each instead of just the one they are allowed with family - usually you have to drink both your water and your wine from the same cup. Thanks, Kari!
Natalie hasn’t decided what she’d like this year for Christmas but I’m not worried yet because we aren’t scheduled to visit Santa until next week. Plus, Amazon Prime saves all. When I asked Thomas what he would like he told me, “Snacks.” I’m highly considering wrapping up a bag of goldfish. We did see Santa from afar at the Art Van Santa Parade earlier this month and watched from the best view - the conference room at Jeff’s new office on Monroe Center. We picked up the ingredients for Mimosas and donuts from Robinettes and had a great time hanging out with his co-workers and their families.
I shopped local last week first at the Uptown Shop Hop with our neighbors that was capped with dinner and drinks at Terra (that Kale Caesar Salad - my fav) and the shopping continued at the UICA Artists Market hosted out at Steelcase. Shopping was extra fun this year because of the new house. But my shopping wasn’t all selfish; I also picked out a few gifts for friends. And bonus, we got to visit with Santa at Shop Hop at The Dailey Method!
We had our first round of holiday parties last week: I potluck’ed with my Steelcase team at the office and on Saturday we had the 5th Annual Rosewood Progressive Dinner Party with neighbors. It was the biggest attendance we’ve had to date and the hosts truly outdid themselves with all the food and drinks. It was a little bittersweet for Jeff and I as it’s likely to be our last unless they toss us an ‘outsiders’ invite in 2020. That said, over the last five years we’ve built some pretty strong bonds with our neighbors and it’s safe to say that the additional three blocks between us isn’t enough to sever those ties - I’m still going to ladies weekend at Crystal Lake whether they like it or not.
Broadway Bar happened last weekend too! Jeff and I stepped up our game this year and wore matching onesies - I found them at Meijer in the family PJ section and regret not getting the kids a pair. They were festive and fuzzy and it’s possible they show up again at family Christmas later this month. This years crew consisted of golf friends from Watermark and without prescription there was a trend of couples costumes! I also regret all the deep fried food I ate but was very happy about my karaoke performance at Kales Corner later that evening.
Our evenings the rest of this week will consist of more trips between houses leading up to Saturday when we plan to move over all the big stuff. We should be all in before the holidays and Jeff has visions of still getting a Christmas Tree this year. Like I said, we’re all amped up and ready to go! Wish us luck!
POSTSCRIPT
Hibachi Grill - We took the kids to Fuji Yama the night before Thanksgiving (biggest bar night of the year - woot woot!) and it was a huge success. Adding this to the family dinner spot options moving forward.
ON DECK
We’ll be at Meijer Gardens for both the Family Holiday event as well as to see the live reindeer over the next couple of weeks. All of their events are listed here.
The Watermark Women’s Association is hosting a Holiday Party next week 12/18 and if you’re interested in finding out more about our group it’s the perfect time to check it out. That event information is here.
Grace Church Preschool is hosting an Advent Christmas Program on 12/19 at Grace Church. Natalie is playing the role of Mary this year and I’m probably more excited than she is.
Natalie and I are going to the Mommy + Me Barre class at The Dailey Method on Sunday 12/22 at 3p. She’s been asking to go to the gym with me for a while and this is the perfect opportunity!