The Botanic Garden

I was in heaven. The air was misty, the sky was grey, it was quiet.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is world-renowned for it's plant collections and displays. We visited in November when the leaves had fallen and only evergreens and winter berries brought the color. To me this place was magical, it was spiritual and beautiful. It's hard to explain how much I loved being there. I only hope I can visit again someday.

I didn't take enough pictures. Not nearly enough.

December the 25th, 2009

Its always hard coming home to a cold lonely house after two weeks of holiday bliss with the family in Utah. We loved our time there, we ATE, danced with the babies, slept, flew helicopters, got ready for a new baby, looked at twinkle lights, went snow shoeing, skied Solitude and built snowmen. I don't have pictures of everything but here are some of my favorites.

Brown paper packages tied up with string. . .

Um, could they get any puffier? Heavenly I tell you, heavenly.

Notice the snowman slash snowblobman in bottom left corner. The snow was not sticky that day.

Feasting on our Christmas Eve feast. Thanks Mother and Dad.

Wake up Matty! It's Christmas!

The perfect thing to do on Christmas morning, putting together a really cool toy.

Look at all those great faces, sheesh we are a cute family. Love you guys!

Sisters.

The Clason girls, we need to take more of these pictures I think. Miss you guys already.

Hooray for H and Claire!

No words.

Snow shoeing around Silver Lake at Solitude. The best idea ever, thanks Matty.

Great picture yeah? The perfect day.

Hey Liz, hey Matt. Thanks for smiling.

Dan the Man.

I hope everyone had a Happy Christmas and an Exciting New Year.

This Weekend, Steal A Million

My friday night movies have become few and far between but I have decided to post movies when I can, and not worry too much about the weekly idea. They will however always be on Fridays. Except for today, because I forgot to post last night, so you are getting it tonight instead. Hope that's ok with you all.

This is number 3 of Daniel's favorite classic movies. I also ADORE this film.

Starring

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole

Filmed in 1966, these two stars were at the top of their careers. Peter has the bluest eyes I have ever seen and Audrey's wardrobe in this movie is to die for!

This romantic heist comedy is about a woman who must steal a statue from a Paris Museum to help conceal her father's art forgeries. Meanwhile, a handsome young detective begins investigating these forgeries and ends up falling in love. . .

Let's be honest here, the main reason why this movie is on Dan's favorite list is because of this car

A canary yellow E Type Roadster Jaguar

Please see this movie, it will make you happy. I promise.

The Chicago Skyline

During the week of Thanksgiving, we road the train a lot.

We had fun sitting on the top level, watching all the little towns go by on our way into the city.

Dan got a popcorn treat in the station before we left that was mucho delicioso. I don't know why I look so scowlly, is that a word? I really was having fun.

Excuse me sir, you look like a smart, successful, Chicagoite, do you have the time?

One of the greatest things about Chicago, is that it's on the shore of Lake Michigan. The water was so blue and clear, and the air didn't smell like fish or salt, thank the heavens. BEAUTIFUL. We walked down to where we could get the best view of the city. WOW, did we get the money shots.

Um, my jump was way better then Dan's. Sorry babe. He thinks my finger points are dumb. I say, rock on.

We spent most of the day, walking and enjoying all the scenery around us. To make things even better, the wind wasn't blowing, there wasn't any snow and since it was Thanksgiving Day, there weren't many people out and about. It really was an amazing day.

Trestle Design

My dear talented sister Emily, has created a new design blog. She is extremely good at what she does, you have got to see the stuff she can do! Right now she has a new batch of Christmas cards available. Those of you who saw them last year know how awesome they were. Please check it out right now! And add her button to your page. More examples of stuff to come: wedding announcements, baby announcements, birthday invitations, shower invitations, and blog headers. Click below!

www.trestledesign.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving in Chicago

Well, it's about time I came back to the blogging world. I am sorry for the absence. A lot has been going on, including our trip to the windy city.

It was WONDERFUL.

Let me just say first of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to our hosts Jeff and Aimie. They were so wonderful to let us stay the whole week with them. It was so nice to be around family playing games and eating wonderful food.

We shopped, wandered around the city, visited the botanical gardens, and enjoyed the Thanksgiving Day parade. Gosh, it was fun.

First up, downtown Chicago.

That's Dan on the left, his little bro Jody in the middle, and Jody's friend Steve on the right

It's hard to describe how beautiful this city is. It was stunning. One of the greatest places was Grant Park, we spent a lot of time there taking pictures by the sculptures,

watching the ice skaters,

and admiring the incredible outdoor amphitheater. You might recognize this theatre from when Oprah did a show here last year. The pictures don't do it justice.

This is just a peak into our trip, I will post more this week, I promise.

PS

Friday night movies will return this week too.