Christmasing the House

So, it is now December 18 and we're just posting pictures about putting up Christmas decorations. We actually did this long ago (i.e., the day after Thanksgiving), but we're just now getting around to posting the pictures. Dem and I enjoy Christmas, but we aren't crafty, so there's a limited amount of decorating that goes on. It largely consists of the tree,

stockings, and a few Santa Claus ornaments here and there. One thing we have added recently is a manger scene, which Elliot dearly loves and puts together himself.

This year, Elliot decided he was going to remove the baby Jesus from the manger and cradle him as he (Elliot) slept. It was a precious scene from our precious little boy.

This year we will spend Christmas in Texas with Demaree's family. In fact, Dem and Elliot are already there. They went early (we were originally planning on leaving the December 22) because Demaree's grandmother Ola passed away after a long decline. We wish her the best in heaven and cannot wait to see her again, this time with a glorified body.

Elliot's Fourth Birthday

Yep, that's right all: Elliot turned four. It's truly incredible how times flies. It seem like a few weeks ago we were at Elliot's birth and took him home to begin our family. What a beautiful addition he is, full of life and humor and charisma. We thank God for him every day.

And in celebration of his birthday, we went to Fatcats, ate some cake and pizza, and bowled for a couple hours. Kid loves bowling, man. Not sure where he got it, but he begs to go every time we pass a bowling alley. Oh, and as you will see by and by, he loves angry birds. In all, Elliot had many of his friends to the party. Thanks to all those who came and made Elliot's fourth a great experience.

Thanksgiving

Ah, Thanksgiving. 7000 calories and a whole bunch of football. What could be better? Oh, having Erin, Lily, Meri, and Renee over, that's what. After intaking unheavenly amounts of foodstuffs and watching football, we moved on to playing Taboo (Dem and I won) and "Captain America." A great day with great friends it was; and what a blessing it is to have friends and family nearby.

And here are some pictures of the food.

And then there were some desserts (pumpkin chocolate bread pudding and pumpkin cranberry cheesecake and chocolate pie) not pictured. Mmm, so good.

Halloween

Halloween isn't an important holiday for Dem and me. We don't really dig dressing up in costumes or eating candy, especially candy corn. But Halloween is a big deal to Elliot. He loves dressing up, going to houses and collecting candy. Oddly, however, he doesn't really like the candy he gathers.

So, this year Elliot chose a Spider Man costume.

He ended up trick or treating with Marie and Lilly. The kids were so stoked to be out they ran from house to house. Elliot even had Spider Man boots which would light up whenever he took a step. So, when he would run there was this little trail of light emanating from his feet. It was super cute. Best part of the night: Elliot only ate an apple someone gave him; he didn't want any of the candy. What a good boy.

Susannah

Dem recently auditioned for the spring opera, Susannah, by Carlisle Floyd. She got the mezzo role of Mrs. McLean. She's also been signing quite a lot with the university quartet, which is her TA job. The quartet sings are university fundraisers and other promotional events. As always, Elliot and I are proud of Demaree.

Chicago: Post Wedding

So, the day after, Cantone's wedding that is. I had until 5 p.m. to sightsee before having to make my way back to Midway to catch the 7 p.m. flight home. After finding a parking spot in downtown Chicago (for which I paid a pretty penny), I made my way up to Michigan Avenue (i.e., the Magnificent Mile).

While on Michigan Ave. and on my way to Al's Beef for a dipped Italian beef sandwich, a guy came up next to me and offered me some cocaine. First time in my life that's happened. When I said no (and, yes, I said no), he moved on to the guy ahead of me, then the lady ahead of him, etc.

After the Magnificent Mile, I made my way back down Lakeshore Drive to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. I'm a sucker for this sort of things, and I couldn't resist buying a ticket. The artwork was, almost by definition, interesting. From live performances by Japanese artists, to surrealist exhibitions, complete with rooms that explore space strategically placing iron rods, toaster ovens, florescent bulbs, and other quotidian items around at indiscernible intervals. Honestly, the most interesting piece was an examination of broken concrete rods of all different circumferences and colors.

Leaving the museum, jaunted to Northwestern's law school and noticed an Edmund Burke quote I've never seen before.

The rest of my stay included working my way back downtown, checking out some parks, buildings, going to a very nice and well stocked public library, and eating Chicago mix popcorn (cheddar and caramel mix). Here are a few pics.

I caught the flight home with Andy and Olivia. They were coming back from their Fall Break visit to Chicago. It was nice to sit next to friends on a flight. Dem picked us up at the airport, and we all went home and slept. Great day.

Cantone's Wedding

For the first time in my life, I flew to attend a friend's wedding. I've driven to many (including ones twelve hours away), but never before flown. Thankfully, my friend was getting married in Chicago, so it wasn't like I was flying to Odessa, Texas where there ain't nothin' to do.

Anyway, the day (Saturday) started with a three-hour flight into Midway, followed by renting a Kia Soul and navigating Chicago's arcane tollway system (they don't take credit cards; amazing). And then there was the wedding.

After the wedding was, you guessed it, the reception. Started at six and went until, well, I'm not sure. I left around midnight. In that time, I was able to spend some time catching up with old law school friends and meet a slew of new people. It was great to see Cantone and his new wife, who, by all accounts, is incredible nice. In all, it was a great day.