Christkindlmarket

Arianna asked me to chaperon her on her class trip to Chicago's Christkindlmarket. I was excited to have been asked and enjoyed the day in town with Arianna and her classmates.

Since 10 parents volunteered to chaperon the kids, each group was small. In my case, I escorted Arianna and her friend Megan around the stalls setup in Daley Plaza. Both girls were anxious to see all there was to see and spend what money they'd brought with them. As a result of their fast and furious pace - and reluctance to stop and 'watch the birdy' - not too many photo opportunities for ol' Dad.

No matter. A great outing I'll not soon forget.

Ornaments galore! And not made in China, either.




Arianna pauses for brief moment, while Megan forges ahead to another stall.




A stop to learn about bee's wax candles. All the shop keepers were friendly.




Wood carvings, nut crackers, and colorful ornaments put smiles on young and old alike.

2nd Thanksgiving

Although Bruce, Laurie and the family were not able to spend Thanksgiving with us, Laurie and the girls drove down for a couple days after the holiday. Since Aunt Myra and Uncle Lester celebrated Thanksgiving with Linda and Michael at his sister's house on the Fox River, Myra and Lester invited us all over to visit today. It was a relaxed afternoon visit, with more than enough food. Nice to get together with everybody this time of year. Especially nice that Laurie, Jane, and Alana were able to join us.

Happy Thanks Giving!

A holiday unlike those we've celebrated in recent years: alone, merely our household. The Lawrences decided to dine with Linda and Mike, who accepted an invitation from Mike's sister; the Carrs are with friends and neighbors. Although Bruce, Laurie and the kids had entertained driving down for Thanksgiving, since Bruce had to work next day, it was impractical. Perhaps they'll come for Christmas.

So, we left the turkey in the freezer and roasted a hen, which Bruno stuffed. To make things interesting / fun, each of us contributed to the feast: Arianna found an ambrosia recipe (to emulate Aunt Myra's holiday dish) and I found a recipe for butternut squash and maple syrup.

We ate in the dinning room, all helped with cleanup, and later watched one of our favorite holiday movies: Miracle on 47th Street (in glorious black & white). All in all, a simple but enjoyable day.

Dress Up

"Is this the little girl I carried?"

Busy evening

Circumstances precluded our completely celebrating Sharon's birthday yesterday. Who really knows why, but after Arianna's final volleyball game of the season, we presented Sharon with a few gifts.

Arianna readies for the serve . . .




Arianna and team between serves . . .




Arianna and team look up . . .




Arianna serves . . .



The photos don't capture the story of a lack-luster season of new players. The team only won 1 game. Despite that the girls got on the floor every week, showed team spirit and did their best.

After the game, we opened birthday gifts and enjoyed cake.

Arianna's card used the idea of prime numbers to extol the virtue of another year's birthday.




Both Sharon and I thought this was one of Arianna's most creative cards.