Where the Week Went ~Trimming the Trees ~~And More

Our Christmas boxes came down 

from the attic two weeks ago. 

It takes some time to put everything in place.

So many precious memories accompany those decorations.

Hubby hung the garland on the front of the garage yesterday.

I will get a photo of that after dark.

He also helped hang the Seasons Greetings 

sign over the stairway.

My Jingle Bell wreath sounds 

just like Santa’s Sleigh!

This year I moved the tree to a spot 

closer to the dining room, 

this way I can see it when 

I am working in the kitchen.

Why do I put in all this effort to 

decorate when it is just the two of us?

I just love the glow of the Christmas Tree lights, 

especially in the evening.

Maybe you all remember this centerpiece 

that you can assemble with items 

you already have in your home.

It also gives off a lovely glow 

when you light the little candles

I always look forward to setting up my little tree 

on my bathroom vanity. 

It provides the perfect nightlight 

when I get up in the night.

There are a few sweet treats in the 

Living Room Coffeetable Centerpiece.

I must add some dark chocolates, right?

I like the Christmas Tree Lights so much, 

that I set up a tree in the downstairs Family Room too.

Hanging over the fireplace mantel, 

is the stained glass window from our old farmhouse.

Christmas picture frames show off a photo 

of our grandson...

..And photos of our daughters.

This one was taken 16 years ago, 

when they were both still living at home.

This cute little tin was a gift from a student a few years ago.

It contained homemade gingerbread cookies.

My personalized snowmen ornaments...

...It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Take care,

~Natalie

These Empty Nesters Return Home from our Week of Family Vacation

Hubby and I cherished the time we spent 

with our family all together.

Emily and Jake had an early flight, 

so we hugged goodbye at the airport.

Amy and Nick loaded their rental car and then 

we all said goodbye to the Airbnb.

Hubby wanted to shop for some clothes for work

 in the Maple Grove area.

We stopped for lunch at one our favorite places, 

the Claddah Irish Pub.

Much to our delight, there was live jazz music!

I also enjoyed the fish tacos.

Remember when we were kids, 

there was no air conditioning in our vehicles?

Yeah, I don’t know how we survived!

This was the actual temperature,

The heat index was 108 degrees!

About half way home, 

we were just tired of sitting in the car, 

so we got out to walk along the trail 

in the Appleton City Park.

It was hot, but it was just the break we needed.

\

Once home, it was time to pack up 

and return the borrowed baby equipment...

...And to store away the remains 

of our Fourth of July Celebration.

Amy and Nick were spending 

the rest of their vacation in the states with his family.

Emily and Jake were spending a week 

with his family at a reunion in Canada.

Baby Jack was adjusting to his new Pack ‘n Play,

Sleeping at his Grandpa Steve’s.

Precious memories.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

All Good Things Must Come To An End ~Our Family Vacation

Winnie the Pooh’s quote is spot on...

We were blessed to have time with

our whole family all together this summer.

Papa and this Nana cherished one more opportunity to babysit.

Baby Jack’s Daddy and Mama 

had a quick errand to run in the cities.

So we were in charge of his entertainment 

until it was time for an afternoon nap.

Staying at an Airbnb was the best idea.

There were three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 

so everyone had their own personal space.

The kitchen was perfect for a family gathering.

Nick was usually up first and went out for a run. 

I enjoyed my early morning coffee and grapefruit juice 

while I prepared a list for the supermarket.

We all enjoyed playtime in the living room.

The house was near recreational areas.

Lake Calhoun is now called Bde Maka Ska.

The weather was perfect to sit out on the patio.

Do you think Baby Jack is saying,

“What is my Mama talking about?!”

After a fun-filled week, 

it was time to say goodbye to this home away from home.

Let’s all do it again next year!

Take care,

~Natalie

More Highlights from our Family Time in Minneapolis ~The Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center ~The Utepils Brewing Co.

Our family stayed in an Airbnb that was within walking distance 

of several family friendly attractions. 

So many times we have driven past the Sculpture Garden 

and we’ve seen that very large spoon with a cherry.

This time, we saw it up close and personal.

This tree was filled with wind chimes.

I do love the sound of wind chimes, 

but pretty sure the neighbors would find 

this many chimes annoying!

Many children were enjoying this swing...

Our girls took their turn.

Baby Jack had his afternoon cat nap in his stroller,

while we walked around the Gardens.

It was a hot and windy day!

The air conditioning, glass of water, 

and cold beverage at the Walker Art Center 

was a welcome relief from the heat.

Jake and Emily have good 

college friends in Minneapolis.

We all met at the Airbnb and then 

walked to the Utepils Brewing Co.

This may have been Baby Jack’s 

first visit to a Brewery.

He does look a little bit concerned, 

doesn’t he?!

Our dinner came from a food truck, parked outside.

Quite delicious!

We enjoyed time with our family and friends.

Then, hubby and I had a peaceful walk 

‘home’ through the neighborhood.

Take care,

~Natalie