Kopp's was our first stop on the way to the Door. Nice start.

Garfield Park

 

Hit it with the Mercs, McMahons and brought Ava along for her first trip. It is looking pretty good considering the massive damage from this summer's hail storm.

Nutcracker on horseback

 

Christmas Day Self Portrait taken with new Nintendo DS

 

No portrait was made after the battery died. SUCH sadness.

Marron glaces under construction.

It takes four days to candy chestnuts. Given that they sell for $5 a piece we figured it was worth a try.

Natalie takes Sarina on her first trip to Milk & Honey.

Elliot's new Adidas sponsorship leads to a 10 - 3 victory over Dad.

Octopus pasta sauce under way.

 

We had big success with our first try at octopus pasta sauce. Even Grandma B agreed. We also made homemade pasta, boiled shrimp and cracked open some fresh oysters. Feast #1 complete.

Christmas thug and family hit the Christkindlmarket Chicago

 

We had dinner at the snooty 7th floor food court at Fields. Great views!

Cupcake w/red frosting

Heading downtown

Gross

Christmas Cookies

Bean and Grandma B led the charge on this one. Nata was locked in E. B. only dabbled.

Pattern queen

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LP Zoo lights feat. Aunt Bean and Gma B

Redmoon Theater time

 

The Winter Pageant was called The Teeny Lounge Presents this year. It was very entertaining for the grown ups. It could have used a little more in the way of visual spectacle (or a slightly shorter run time) for the kids though.

Rook trophy!!!

Cindy lou who who was no more than 2

Museum of Science and Industry Fieldtrip

 

Elliot's class took a field trip today. Nata and Jules met up with them and raced cows apparently.

Will it ever snow?

We missed Mom

Sheetcake made from scratch, baby.

Papa bear

Chilitos!!!

Daddy Hobbit with Star Wars xmas windows at work

Holiday block party at Rainbo

 

Natalie and Elliot drew the giraffe taped to the backdrop. Nata was rightly concerned that it might be "too boring" without a giraffe,

Sweet treat while Mom recharges

Snowman Event at LaSalle II

 

It was one of Julie's finest events. Lots of help from Larry and Sue made it possible. Many parents and kids decorated snowmen on the lawn of the school. The weather turned very nice and we even got some sun. Nata went caroling, took a ride in a horse drawn carriage, and hung out with her future principal. Elliot played tag and got super muddy.

Neither a Schuerr nor Dickinson snowman was made but lots of fun was had.