The last 10 days in December, 2013

The last 10 days in December were fairly eventful, but not at all stressful.  It was great.  I took pictures of the highlights.

  So, here we go:

First pictured: baking and decorating cookies at Olivia's house.  Olivia and her mom, Cynthia, are relatively new friends of ours that we know through choir.  Well, the girls have been close with Olivia for a couple years, but only in the last year have Cynthia and I started getting to know each other better.  She's a neat lady, and I enjoy her company.

Olivia

To the bakers go the spoils.

Olivia's work.  None of the girls appreciated any minimalist advice, or warnings that "less is more" that I had to offer.

We didn't go up north this year, but the north came to us when it came to gift-giving.  This piggie poster is from the Rothrocks.  They may not be kosher, but they are way-cute hanging on my wall. :)  I also got a neato red and black key fob made from paracord.  In a pinch, I can use it to hang from the side of a building...or tourniquet a bleeding appendage...or fashion a lean-to.  I am SET. 

The girls got sparkly tshirts that they LOVE.

Steve was a bit perplexed by the calendar, but VERY excited at the key fob.

My folks also got him some Wigwam socks and a knife (aka Woobie), and I received a lovely silver necklace.  Here is the video of the girls receiving their gift from my folks:

It was a bummer not to be with our Illinois family this year, but it was so good to stay home and relax after a very, VERY busy few months.  We moved to a new home in the middle of November, and that move was sandwiched between two major road trips (Florida in October, northern Illinois in late November).  Despite it being a stinky choice, we made the right call.

Anyway, one of the places we went during the last 10 days in December was the Aquarium Restaurant in Opry Mills Mall.  It was funny how everyone just stared at the giant aquarium in the center of the restaurant the entire time.  I would look around, and everyone in the restaurant was just mesmerized by it.  

That's one big fish.

Then, just yesterday, we went hiking at the local forest preserve.  It was about 50 degrees.  In December.  I love it!

There's a Squatch in these woods...

We visited Guitar Center to pick up some earplugs for Moo (when she plays the violin too long, her left ear starts to ring, even with a mute on...just her luck).  We always stop by the bongo display while we are there. :)

Steve took a bunch of time off from work so that he could dress up in a fancy apron and cook for the family. LOL  We actually did try a new recipe for jalapeno poppers--TWICE!--during the last 10 days in December.  :)

And, Moo published a children's book for her little cousins during the last 10 days in December.  She is so proud of herself.  It is really quite sweet.  You can read it yourself here:  THE LITTLE BLUE FLYING FISH.   Once there, click on the book to open and read it.