Sunday, December 14, 2014

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

The annual Christmas traditions have begun! Decorating commenced the week after Thanksgiving. It really starts to feel like Christmas around here when the tree is ornamented, the nativity set is arranged, and the stockings are hung by the chimney (with care). Dan and I accomplished most of that in a few whirlwind evenings after work. I wanted to finish as much as possible before driving to Chicago for our 4th Annual Girls' Shopping Trip with my mom, Kelsey, Aunt Ruthann, and cousin Courtney. Girls' Weekend emphasizes over-eating as much as over-spending, so we started Saturday with lunch at the Macy's Walnut Room. After a borderline-unhealthy amount of shopping around the city, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Grand Lux Cafe. On Sunday, Courtney treated us to a tasty brunch before the long drive back home. Maybe we should re-brand this as our Annual Overindulgence Trip.

cozy birdhouse | chicago girls weekend 2014

Yesterday, Dan and I went to see the Christmas lights at the zoo. This has been our little tradition since we started dating; we even got engaged there 3 years ago! We've refined our technique a bit since our first visit (free off-street parking! less-crowded side entrance!), but we still always take the same route inside the zoo, starting with the Reptile House, ending at the Bird House, and always skipping the Insect House.

cozy birdhouse | zoo christmas 2014

This week I'm planning to continue the Christmas traditions of purchasing last-minute gifts last-minute, complaining about mall traffic, and frantically cleaning the house! I'm also starting a new tradition this year: stressing about getting my Christmas cards in the mail!

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