weekending

It was Lily's last weekend home so we spent lots of time together. Yes, I already miss her, but she is ready to get back to the grind while not overly excited to leave the creature comforts of home, or the creatures. I mean look at that face!

These faces.

She had a good break. She reconnected with friends, had lots of fun and even more r&r, made some money, watched lots of movies, ate a gazillion berries (and half a gazillion Christmas cookies), enjoyed her first massage, had a couple quick trips to Chicago and went back with much more than she brought home in December as evidenced below. I should also add to the list that she did a bit of shopping too, hence the load. Three girls in one room makes for a well-stocked closet full of options.

Uncle Mark accepted a spontaneous invite for dinner Friday night. Lil's choice was nachos...good and easy. We played a few games and enjoyed some quality family time. We are really having fun with Blank Slate and the decades music trivia on Amazon. Saturday we were busy getting ready to move her back and getting things organized for our quickly approaching trip to Mexico. We took down both trees and put the house back together. I always miss the lights, but it felt good to return to normal. I'm happy to report that we didn't lose a single ornament even with three curious cats.

After a busy day, we were happy to head to the family room for a chill movie night. Lil's choice, a thriller of course, was entertaining. It was early to bed because we had plans for a last walk Sunday morning. It was exciting to wake to the sweetest soft flurries. The fresh, snowy air was delicious. So was a slice of the Sour Cherry Tart I made the day before that I enjoyed with my coffee. That's a shortbread crust btw.

We made a quick pit stop to meet Grandma and Grandpa for lunch in route to Madison. It was a spontaneous and smart decision. I may not have made the best choice for lunch. The Pickle Pizza was good, but so rich. I brought most of it home and it's still in the fridge. 

We pulled into Madison just before sundown on a gloomy day. Lake Monona was speckled with ice fishermen and the streets were abuzz with students returning for spring semester in the middle of winter. These months will go fast and soon it the days will lengthen on the isthmus, which is sort of magic as I recall.

We left Lily in a sea of Ikea bags and made a stop at Ted's to pick up some things he requested. I'll be happy when he's only living between two cities. That being said, he's fully immersed in life in the city again. Here is is at Ralph Lauren getting some new duds for his trip to London in a few weeks. The shopping spree was a generous treat from Uncle B and Aunt A who came to Chicago for the weekend.

This time next week, I'll be in Mexico. So far so good.