Tree lighting, yard work, and sewing-oh my!

Yesterday was a first for us - we finally attended the tree lighting ceremony in our town. Downers Grove is a charming town with a cute downtown, and also great schools, parks, and services. 

Santa came to help out!

Ta da! The HS marching band performed, there was carol singing, Norman Rockwell would’ve approved.

The rest of the day was Christmas shopping, sewing (for me) and yard work (for Scott). Long weekends are the best!

Thanksgiving 2018

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are grateful that Emily and Matt hosted Thanksgiving this year!  Emily is an excellent cook, and made the entire feast:  turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, glazed brussel sprouts, crescent rolls, charcuterie platter, and pumpkin cheesecake bars!  All I had to bring was an apple pie. 

This retro picture (c.1980) is my wonderful father-in-law, Don Hudson. Don't you love those '70s touches in the background? Orange coffee pot, green can opener, copper canisters? Don has been gone over 30 years, but his good looks live on in my husband.

We had fun recreating the old photo above.  Different time, different kitchen, but you can tell it's not 1980 anymore!  Insider note - after staging the photo, I stepped in and carved the turkey! We had lots of fun with food, babies, and football, of course!

Collin and Austin's wedding!

We were able to attend my niece, Collin's,  wedding in Fairfax, Virginia, recently.  It was held in a beautiful, historic town center - very sweet and charming.  My brother is father of the bride.  He did very well!

The wedding ceremony was officiated by my nephew, Nathan (Collin's brother).  

My family knows how to let loose and party! Daughter Hannah, niece Sarah, Hannah's husband Danny, and niece Lizz.

We are so enjoying being grandparents! Here is Lily the pumpkin.

Ella and grandma at the wedding brunch.  Good times!

Thanksgiving week!

I am thankful the my eldest daughter volunteered to host Thanksgiving this year!  Emily is an excellent cook, so I am looking forward to tasting her delicious meal.  Not to mention, I will not miss making most of the food and hosting the gathering this time! 

She asked me to bring my skillet apple pie.  The pie is delicious, here is the story:  (I told it before but I don't care!)



Is that not the most beautiful pie?  Made by my aunt Marilyn (may she rest in peace).  Crafted from her homegrown apples in a black cast iron skilled, with a lovely layer of brown sugar and butter in the bottom, what's not to love?



Marilyn and Gordon lived on the family farm in Wisconsin.  So beautiful and peaceful there, we loved to visit them.  Now that Marilyn is gone, my cousin Julie moved up there with her son to live with Gordon.  



I am thankful we decided to visit Marilyn on the farm.  A wonderful recipe for delicious pie, but even better, special memories.

Happy thanksgiving!