Christkindlmarket

{Chicago French Market}

{Lots of ewwing and awwing on all the treats...just look at this beautiful cookie tree} 

Touring the Chicago Lyric Opera House standing on the Porgy and Bess stage just hours before the sold out closing night show! What a sight!

This here is Miss Chantelle.  She intricately hand stitches each wig with real hair and brings the characters to life through dramatic makeup. What an artistic gal with a humble heart of gold! She just finished working on Mr. Channing Tatum on Jupiter Ascending

Macy's ceiling on the first floor! What an entrance!

The beautiful Macy's Christmas tree on the Seventh floor! 

WOW! 

Three stories high and beautifully decorated!

I don't think there was a bare inch of the tree that wasn't covered in something gorgeous!

Dancing lights, glistening star, music galore! It was remarkable!

They had the most fabulous mulled hot wine!  It was amazing!  Soul warming on a chilly afternoon with only a few sips.

Dinner
Weiner Schnitzle (seasoned lamb sandwich)
German Burger (pork & beef mix patty with fixings)
Double Hotdog and Ketchup Fries

Our bellies were full and we were happy!

Weiner Schnitzle

Say that three times fast!  
It's okay, we laughed too!

I love rustic handmade goodies and Christkindlmarket did not disappoint!  

Just look at all the German Wood Art!

Woolen Angels

Handpainted nature ornaments

I loved this metal heart! It was a favorite of mine!

I liked the more vintage and authentic looking German decorations...
call me old fashioned...

Chocolate covered goodness.
They were dipping strawberries and bananas.

Gingerbread Hearts galore!

My German Great Grandmother gave me a recipe that I am sure is similar to the Gingerbread cookies they decorate here...we loved the way they were decorated!

Spectacular views in Daley Plaza!

The Sweet Castle booth

They gave us permission to be nuts there...

What a view...

Destination:  Chicago / Christkindlmarket

 What an evening....goodbye Chicago! Thanks for all the sights, sounds and culture! You are beautiful in your own right but only once in a while...it's hard to beat our country life we love so dear. 

~deer~

Happy Thanksgiving!

My in-laws have a way of making something so simple...magical.  

Isn't it beautiful!

People don't slow down enough to enjoy a fine meal around the table anymore in my humble opinion.  I'm grateful my children enjoy this routine not just on holidays. 

I'm thankful for our family, our friends, and the life we've been given.  Now that our bellies are full my son and I are off to deer hunt. 

 Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hunting!

~deer~

p.s.  I snapped this shot before we left the woods...sorry I look a bit undone!  I was so proud of his patience and the quiet moments we shared in the woods as the squirrels entertained us.  

He is growing into a fine young hunter.  

So much to be thankful for even if he didn't fill his tag. 

Cantigny

 

 

 Destination:  Wheaton, IL 

First Division Museum ~ Cantigny Park and Gardens ~ McCormick Museum

500 acres of sprawling beauty. 
Everywhere you turned there was something new to take your breathe away.  We walked through the First Division Museum upon arrival and even had dog tags made on a vintage Graphotype.  The kids thought it was the coolest thing to see!   The museum itself is a tribute to all those who have served or continue to protect our freedom.  It's exhibits come to life and were very informative. 

Then there were the TANKS!  Obviously a hit with the little ones!  My husband and I were reading the information on how fast they could go and how much they weighed.  

Magnificent.  

We even found one with Snoopy (my husband's favorite character)

While strolling on the path we managed to perfectly time the beginning of one of the McCormick Museum tours.  The home was beautiful.  The reflecting pool had a mermaid statue rising out of it.  And the flowers.  Oh the ornamental gardens...they made my heart swoon!

All in all it was a beautiful, humbling day.  

If my husband and I ever renew our vows...

it will be here.

~deer~

Something Fishy

Kyra thinks the fish are up to something...
Better be good...she's got her eye on you!

~deer~