First Snow

First Saturday of December.
First snow.
And oh, was it fun!

Doing what he does best...eating parts of trees.

Wet and very cold!

So sleeeepy.

After baking cookies and watching football on a cozy Sunday afternoon, we're charged and ready for the week to begin!

LJB

November Adventures

Fabulous Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Jane's and Uncle Lonny's.

Dinner out with my husband on my birthday at El Nuevo Mexicano.
Skype chat with Jessica. :)
Birthday FONDUE with the family Saturday night.

And endless time with Winston, who is now 9 weeks old and already bigger and naughtier!
Gone are the days of a puppy who sleeps all day.
Despite his biting fetish, he is still a really great dog. He has already learned to ring a bell when he needs to go out!

A few photos from recent days...

And into the first week of December!

Anticipating the Christmas season as we enter Advent.

Awaiting Jessica's return home from Rio in just over two weeks!

Enjoying each day as it comes.

LJB

Meet Winston.

He's here! Winston is 7 weeks old and he came home today!

We are in LOVE.

First Bath! [he hated it]

Welcome to the 21st Century

Alas, the Volvo has died.

And we are the proud new owners of a Subaru Forester!
This is our first vehicle made in the 21st century.
No creaks and clunks.
No leaks, nothing broken.

Only 5 digits on the odometer.
Smooth. Fast.
Amazing.

Sixty-eight Degrees

Today is the most beautiful November day in the history of November days.

68 degrees. Sunny.

So, why not ride bikes to the beach?

And play frisbee?

And eat ice cream for lunch?

Hoping you've enjoyed some time outside today, too!

LJ+JB

The Weekend

Back to the work week after a crazy, but fun, weekend!

Saturday morning we woke up way before the sun and crabbily made our way to the Brown line. We headed to Grant Park for the start of the Hot Chocolate 5K! I ran the race with my mom, Uncle Eddie, and cousin Bekah; Dad bested us all and ran the 15K. We warmed up quickly and enjoyed the morning view of the skyline as we ran along the lake.

And the finish line greeted us with delicious chocolate fondue and hot chocolate!

Afterward John and I enjoyed a cup of coffee with Mom and Dad and a sneak peak of the Macy's Christmas tree! We just happened to show up during the lighting ceremony...very cool.

After enjoying a nap that afternoon, we headed to the south side to visit Gram and Gramps Hoekstra. Our evening was complete with Aurelios, games, ice cream, and great company. Thanks, G&G!

And on Sunday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Mom and I enjoyed a relaxing pedicure together and then a delicious dinner with the whole fam at Cafe De Luca. YUM. I am so thankful for you, Mom. You are a huge blessing in my life.

And now back to the not-so-fun stuff. School work this morning and work in the ER tonight!

A Halloween Surprise

I came home last night at 11:30pm to cobwebs on the door and a rock star of a husband. I worked all weekend and missed Halloween...or so I thought.

So, we ate candy and caramel apples. And we watched ELF. Until 1am. Because we're young and hip. Right?

Happy November.

LJB