Kohl's Christmas!

Every year Kohl's does a "Big Event." For several years before we were here they had a day at Great America (six flags). I think they might have rented out the whole park...anyway, definitely a "big event!" This year they made their Christmas party their Big Event. We were amazed.

Huge heated tents went up in the parking lots--they hosted many festive activities. To name a few: ornament, cookie, frame, and stocking making/decorating for the kids. Puppet shows, singers/bands, magicians, story-tellers, jugglers. They had kid-food and lots of great big-people food. They had a "Rockefeller Center" tent boasting this amazing ice sculpture. It also held a real ice skating rink! At the rink they had free skating, free lessons, as well as ice hockey and figure skating demos. Outside they were making snow to ensure the kiddies had a place to build snowmen and forts. (The 10 foot snowbanks from a previous storm were a natural draw for the kids.) A horse-drawn carriage was available to take you from tent to tent (or just a shuttle for those who didn't want to wait forever). Santa was even there--though we were too busy playing to see him.

It was a great day--On the way home Abby was bursting with excitement over what fun she had--we all loved it!

groupies

Saturday afternoon 4 friends and I went out on an all girls excursion. We hopped in a minivan, headed West, and soon showed Madison, WI how fun a bunch of Mormon Moms are! First we went bowling and I scored in the area of 88. Impressive, I know. We had some great entertainment in the next lane. She was blond, about 90 pounds, perky and probably 16. (and there with a boy) Every time she went to bowl she heaved/dropped the 8 pound "barbie" pink ball. Thud. Every time. We are pretty sure she still beat half of us with her stellar technique.

After the bowling we went to Applebees and ate up! Then we headed to a bar/lounge place (smoke free, how nice is that!?) to listen to The Lucas Cates Band. We had a blast!! We had some good laughs as we realized how much we stuck out with our hot cocoas and waters. We even had a few glorious moments out dancing!

Though a couple of the girls are devoted followers, this was my first time hearing The Lucas Cates Band. They are from Madison and do a bit of touring. They are really good! I loved hearing them live. Their instrumental solos were incredible. Really talented guys and great songs! Live music is the best. And watching a band like this is so fun with a bunch of girlfriends!


We hopped back in the car at 12:30am and I was back home in bed by 2:30! I haven't stayed out that late in a l o n g time.

One of the girl's husband gave her "permission" to see the band as long as she didn't come back a groupie. Well...I don't know...I think we're all planning on seeing them in Milwaukee in January!

Check out pictures at my friend, Emily's, blog!

the feast

2 cooking ladies (one who did a lot more than the other)
2 helping Daddies (who took all the pictures and didn't get in any!)
7 goofy kids
How many Nintendo DS's? (Thank you Kim, now my kids want them for Christmas!)

Lots of happy faces.

One amazing meal!!
One gallon of punch concentrate (this was my only job--bring punch. we did not know it was a concentrate recipe! eeeewww. just add water.)

Thanks Kim and Jason for hosting! We have so much fun with you guys!!

this morning

9 degrees.

Really?

phone notes

I remember when I was a kid and Mom was on the phone, if I really wanted her to answer a question I had, I'd write her a note and have her check the appropriate response.

Today I just received my first phone note. It's from Abby.

"HeP Me Pes MOM I CAN't recH ttHe MAGNit oN tHe fijG"

too much music

I just need a minute to complain. But first I will say that most of the time I honestly do not mind living in this apartment. In fact, it's been very nice to us.

But

A month or two ago two boys (early 20's?) moved in downstairs, directly beneath us. They are musicians. At first I actually found it cool when I heard them playing their guitars while I was downstairs waiting for the bus.

But

Not cool anymore. This guy can sing at a normal volume OR at screaming yelling singing volume. And has done so at both 12:45 am and 2:30 am. AND his voice is bad. Bad. Horrible. Off key. Scratchy.

And

He has a temper. Amidst some drumming/playing the other day (and once in the middle of the night) I heard occasional outbursts (yelling, swearing) of frustration when there was a mess-up.

And

During most of his songs he really only switches cords twice.

And

Did you notice "drumming" up there? Yep. Real genuine drums right below my living room.

Complaining over. Thanks.

First Snow

This morning we were surprised to wake up to two inches of snow! The energy in the house was palpable. I remember, those were the best mornings in the neighborhood when I was growing up. Good timing too, late last night Daniel and I had all the Christmas presents out--dividing them up, seeing what we needed, what we didn't. We were remarking how it felt like Christmas Eve! And lo and behold, it should have been!

Waiting for the bus...