New Years Eve 2017

 In the past 12 years there is only one year that we didn’t spend at least part of New Years Eve at Jen and Chad’s house. This year, like last year, Makai stayed awake until midnight and even later. He had so much fun running around with all the kids and eating snacks and “partying.” I barely even saw Makai the whole night. This year was special because Herm and Tebbe were in town to celebrate with us! I miss them a lot, but am glad that they get to visit on a pretty regular basis!

Jen and Chad hired babysitters, like other years, and this year they also had two bartenders. It seemed unnecessary at first, but by the end of the night I was ready to kick in for babysitters and bartenders every year!

Halle helped her dad put his protective gear on so he could go in the backyard and act foolish while he popped the corks on the champagne.

At midnight Makai got ready with his sparkling apple juice. He took an early sip, though, and did not like it at all!

Midnight kisses.

And hugs!

Somewhere nearing 1 a.m. we had to drag this bleary-eyed, video-game-playing kid out of the house and home.

How fun to spend the new year with many old friends.

PS. If you were wondering, Dallas did wear The New Years Eve sweater!

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New Years Eve 2016

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This is the 11th year that we’ve gone to Jen and Chad’s house for New Years Eve. This year we celebrated in Jen and Chad’s new home, still in Roscoe Village. Makai made it all the way through midnight before he totally started crashing! Jen and Chad hired two babysitters who wrangled all the kids in the lower level and in Quinn’s room, much to Quinn’s dismay. All of the adults enjoyed cocktails and an enormous spread of food. I barely even saw Makai the whole night because he was having so much fun playing with the other kids. Jill brought some coquito that her coworker made, making this the second time this season that I’ve had this delicious Puerto Rican coconut eggnog. The first time I ever had it was at our office secret santa. So delicious! I really did not drink too much, though. I think two drinks all night. The effects of Wednesday were still too fresh in my mind. How fun to spend the new year with many old friends and several new ones.

fullsizerender-30fullsizerender-29Speaking of Wednesday, this was the last time we’ll see Trent, Loden, Ellyza and Sydney for a while. They are moving to Louisville in a few days. Trent and Loden brought over any booze they hand hanging around and didn’t want to move, including this giant bottle of champagne, which was almost as big as Sydney! I thought they’d never get to the end of it, but it was before 10 p.m.

fullsizerender-28fullsizerender-32Just before midnight Brian and Chad headed outside. Brian stood in the yard, wearing safety glasses, in front of the garage and Chad stood on the deck, shook up the champagne we’d be drinking at our midnight toast, and shot the corks at Brian. Kids, don’t try this at home.

Just before midnight we also enjoyed watching the Mariah Carey screw up performance three times in a row!

img_1416-1At midnight we had a family kiss to ring in the new year. As always, Dallas wore his same NYE sweater that he always wears.

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Weekend With Grandma, Papa and Jessica

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Dallas returned from Ireland last night after more than a week away. Before he left I was kind of anxious. I don’t think we’ve been apart that long in 11 years, let alone being on my own with Makai. I arranged to call in the reinforcements for the second weekend of the trip. But in actuality, the week was not bad. I had to make some adjustments (taking a shower at night, quick meals and not Dallas’s home cooked dinners), but we did alright. It was not nearly as hard as when Makai was a baby and I was on my own for a few trips.

My parents still came to visit, just because they always want to see Makai and he always wants to see them. Jess came with them because she had nothing better to do! Actually, Makai talks about Jessica a lot! I think her visit earlier this year had quite an impact on him. His daycare teachers even had to ask “Who is this Jessica? Makai keeps talking about her and saying ‘I love you, Jessica!'”.

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My mom works half days on Fridays and my dad is retired, so they drove down on Friday afternoon, stopping in Oak Creek to pick up Jess. I prepared a picnic while they were on the way. After I got my work done and they arrived, we went to pick up Makai from daycare and then headed to Haas Park. Makai played around on the equipment, we ate snacks and dinner, and played in the water. It was a fun night. When we got home, my mom gave Makai his bath while Jess and I make a chocolate chip skillet cookie! I had this Mrs. Field’s gift set from Christmas and never made it, so we gave it a go. Turned out great, with ice cream and whipped cream!

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For lunch on Saturday we went to Parson’s Chicken & Fish. My dad had passed by here many times on his runs and walks and always wondered about it. I hadn’t been there since last summer, so it was time to go. Plus, it’s pretty kid friendly and it was a hot, but not scorching day, to sit outside on the patio. We ordered family style: hush puppies, fried fish, grilled chicken, slaw, mac salad and a slice of Bang Bang‘s key lime pie for dessert. Oh, and let’s not forget the dark and stormy slushy. It was so delicious. My mom had a margarita and said it was the smallest and strongest she ever had. Then ordered another. Fun lunch! 🙂 Makai loved the hush puppies and the fish, specifically dipping the fish in the tarter sauce.

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After Makai’s afternoon nap, we headed over to Jen and Chad’s house for their annual Retro on Roscoe party. We stayed and visited for a while with Jen, Chad, Ed, Jill, Brian, Kristin, Jeremiah and Joy, who turned out to be a master bubble blower. All of the kids were jumping around trying to pop her bubbles!

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We headed over to the Retro on Roscoe festival where we walked around a lot, sampled some polish food and some amazing bacon sausage. There were so many people there and so many kids and dogs too. Makai pet several dogs. And we ran into his friend from daycare, Avery, and his parents. Makai and Jess had fun with a lot of free giveaways like sunglasses, frisbees, a ball, bracelets, tons of stuff. We considered going into the kid area, but realized Jess was probably too big and Makai was probably too small.

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On Sunday morning we went out for breakfast at Cozy Corner and then walked to Palmer Square. Makai had to pick up every stick along the way. Eventually we were all holding sticks. We had planned originally to go to the farmers market, but the forecast showed rain. Of course, since we stuck close to home, it didn’t rain at all. We spent a long time at the park and then my parents and Jess took off when Makai went downstairs for his afternoon nap. Great weekend, grandma and papa and Jess! See you soon!

Jessica’s 10th Birthday

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Jessica & Ashley

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Mom, dad, Ashley and Jessica playing bocce ball.

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Pier Jumper soda by Big Bay Brewing (Shorewood, WI)

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Steph, Mom, Jess, Richard and Amanda opening gifts from Japan.

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Steph, Mom, Jess

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Stephanie and her boyfriend Joey.

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Richard and Brian putting together a telescope that Jess got as a gift.

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Jessica, Joey, Stephanie, Nick, Karen

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Elderly Shorty

Over the holiday weekend I went to Oak Creek for Jessica’s 10th birthday party. We grilled out and played yard games. The weather wasn’t as great as it could be, but it wasn’t terrible either. Jess requested brats and hamburgers, so my brother grilled those up. Dallas went to our friend’s lake house the day before and made up a bunch of Korean kalbi ribs. He gave us one bag to grill up and everyone seemed to like them. Jess got a ton of presents from Dallas and I, my parents, Brian and Sheila (and Ashley and Jason) and Amanda’s parents. I hadn’t seen my family since we went to Japan and had a bunch of little gifts for them. Some souvenirs, lots of candy and crackers, oragami sets, bonsai tree, some kokeshi dolls. Good to see everyone! Happy birthday, Jessica!

Doug & Naoko’s Labor Day Party


Yesterday we went to Doug & Naoko’s annual Labor Day barbecue. Dallas and I hadn’t seen the Chicago suburbs family since New Years Day! Actually, Aunty Gail was at our wedding, but everyone else… it had been a long time. I don’t know how 8 months flew by, but it was good to see everyone.


Heather & Tyler, Rachelle & Eddy

It was not so long ago that Heather’s kids were the youngest in the family. SO not the case these days. Her oldest Chris is the same age as my niece Stephanie: 15. Her younger boy Mitch is 12 (I think?). I remember saying something to Chris about “when you were 9 blah blah blah.” Then thinking “9? no way!” But it’s true. I have known those kids, this family, for more than 7 years now.

At the barbecue, I met the two newest members of the family. Tyler is Brad and Amanda’s baby and is one month old. Eddy is Doug and Naoko’s youngest and is 8 months old.


Aunty Glenna, Cory, Caroline, Naoko, Rachelle, Aunty Laura, Amanda, Heather

Many of the ladies of the family. Aunty Glenna is celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary with Uncle BB today and is a brand new grandmother. Cory is moving to Vail in a month or two. Her husband Chris is already there. Caroline is pregnant and due February 10th. Naoko has 3 sons – Tommy is 5, Kenji is 2, and Eddy is 8 months. Me, newlywed. Aunty Laura is expecting her second grandchild in February. Everyone thinks it will be a boy. All of the kids of that generation are boys (except 1? Kate?) Amanda just had baby Tyler a month ago. Heather likes to hold babies (holding baby Tyler in this photo).


Sal, Brad, Danny

A bunch of the guys golfed all day. Aunty Gail was with them too. I heard she was the best golfer of the bunch. Probably the most sober too. Coincidence? After golfing I found a bunch of the guys standing around by the grills. Typical. Danny will forever be the designated grill chief now. They know he worked in a vegetarian restaurant, right?


Caroline, Aunty Laura, Aunty Glenna, Cory, Heather, Tyler, Amanda (hiding behind flowers), Aly, Aly’s boyfriend, Naoko manning the stove

From the grill area I took this spy cam photo of the kitchen. I think only Aly saw me!

In the living room Ghostbusters was on. I thought this was a perfectly innocent movie, but the kids started getting all riled up saying there were ghosts in the basement and running after each other acting like ghosts. Some parents were worried their kids were going to have nightmares. A while later the TV was switched to college football.

Another shot of the living room. I can count about 10 kids in this photo. There were even more at the party. See what I’m saying about Mitch and Chris not being the kids any more? In this photo of my first Labor Day BBQ at Doug & Naoko’s there are 3 kids. Joey and Marietta’s two girls and baby Vince (Matt & Jen). If you add on Chris and Mitch, that’s 5. That number has at least tripled, I think. Well, and it’s not all family. Doug and Naoko’s friends have a lot of kids now too.

Even though there were 8 kids on the couch, Dallas and Sal still caught some ZZZZs. Not when Charlotte (Sal & Kim’s) took a liking to Dallas though. She’s the girl laying down on the right side of the photo with the navy and striped dress on. I was sitting out in the screen porch and every time I looked into the living room she was climbing on his shoulders, putting a stuff animal on his head, sticking her fingers in his face, etc. Once she was even giving him a back massage. Who’s this girl?!?! hhaha. Dallas said that Charlotte was calling him Uncle Joey for a while. Because he looks so much like Joey, a tall white blonde. See the 5th photo down, here. When Kim told her to tell Dallas goodbye as they were leaving she said “Bye, Alice!” So funny.

All in all another great barbecue. Noako put out some delicious food, as always! Great to see everyone again.

Doug & Naoko like to have a Labor Day party every year. Here are some photos from years past:

2005: we played a lot of horseshoes
2006: Jordan brought fresh smoked salmon from Alaska. He’d just been on a trip there.
– 2007: No Party? Or just no photo or post?
2008: Lots of kids. First year I noticed that?
2009: Also celebrated Aunty Gail’s retirement. One more photo from that year.
2010: Doug & Naoko have a new house

Dallas’ Surprise 30th Birthday Party

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Amy, Dallas, Rachelle, Naoko, Cory :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Abby, Todd, Damien, Kris :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Birthday Cake From Dinkels :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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We won’t talk about who ate the crotch piece! :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Dallas, Steve, Christina :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Allison Warms Her Feet :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Chris, Jen, Katie, Christina :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Festive Ed

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Abby, Dallas, John :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Carolers :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Caroling Happy Birthday :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Carolers :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Christina & Killian :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Doug & Naoko :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Trent, Chad, Todd :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Lots of Irish Car Bombs :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Lots of Irish Car Bombs :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Lots of Irish Car Bombs :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Dallas, Joey, Danny, Doug :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Danny, Doug, Naoko, Joey :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Joey, Dallas, Doug :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Trent, Chad, Limey, Brian, Ed :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

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Rachelle & Dallas :: The Village Tap, Roscoe Village, Chicago

Friday night was Dallas’ surprise 30th birthday party. He was so surprised. He really had no idea. I was so grateful that everyone was able to keep it a secret for so long and not slip up. I don’t think I’ve ever planned a surprise party before and it was hard and stressful, but worth it when I saw the look on Dallas’ face when he walked into a room of people who were all into it.

Operation Surprise Dallas started back in late September when Erin and I were going to a party at the Margaret’s house. Beforehand we had dinner at The Village Tap and sat in the back beer garden. I’d been to the tap a bunch of times and didn’t even realize that room existed. She said “I had my 30th birthday in this room.” That sort of planted the seed. Plus, Village Tap is only a couple blocks from our house so it’d be a perfect location.

I contacted Mike, the owner of The Village Tap and worked out an arrangement where we could have the party in the beer garden and everyone could drink like crazy for 3 hours if they each bought a $25 wristband. At the end of October I sent out an Evite to everyone to invite everyone to the surprise party. I purposefully planned the party for Friday night, even though his birthday is Sunday, because I thought it would be even more of a surprise. Plus, if he tried to plan anything himself he would be more likely to try for Saturday.

For a while Dallas was convinced I planned something.. for Saturday. He found out his office holiday party was on that Saturday and told people more than once that he couldn’t go because I was planning something special. I finally convinced him that I wasn’t planning anything for Saturday (it was for Friday!) and then I felt like a pretty crappy girlfriend. Even though the secret party was all set.

When we were in New Orleans last week, it finally hit him that this was a huge birthday. The big 3-0. And we had nothing planned. He was kinda pissed at me, I think, and sent his own email out inviting people to go out on Saturday to Riverview after his holiday party. And then began Operation Damage Control. I had to follow up with everyone and tell them to say they could go on Saturday but to remember that the party is really on FRIDAY! He was also mad because I’d been putting off calling Riverview to try to get drink specials for his night out. Finally I just made some crap up ($20/2 hours, draft beers and mixed drinks. He asked “does that include the Guinness on tap?” Uh.. sure.) So then he sent out an email update to everyone with the fake drink specials on the fake night. It was getting confusing!

This week Jen told Dallas that she and Chad couldn’t make it on Saturday because they had other plans, but said they still wanted to take him out, maybe he’d be interested in dinner on Friday? He said yes. Since Jen and Chad live right by us we picked a restaurant really close, and therefore close to the The Village Tap. We also planned on having Kristin and Cousin also came along.. so it would seem more believable when we casually suggested getting a beer at Village Tap after dinner. The funny thing is, Dallas contacted Kristin right away and asked if she wanted to come along so he was doing half the work for us. Anyway, he said “yeh, he’d go to the tap, but he couldn’t stay out late because he needed to rest up for the big night on Saturday!” So funny.

There are like 1,000 little things he did or I said or our friends made up that all added into this whole thing. Arrangements for who did what, the cake (from Dinkels, who are the bomb-diggity), people making crap up, people going behind his back reminding others not to blow it. On Saturday we.. ahem.. HE was so hung over. We laid around all day doing nothing. We spent a lot of time talking about how tricked he was and all the things I did and other people did to pull it off. I got out my laptop and showed him the Evite and emails with people. It was awesome.

Regardless of the surprise, I think that everyone had a great time. Dallas was super happy, but maybe that was because he had about 342 Irish Car Bombs. I was really happy to see so many different friends come together. Family from the suburbs who made driving and babysitting arrangements, people we see all the time, people we hadn’t seen forever, friends of Dallas’ that I’d never even met – the guys he plays basketball with every week and poker with on a pretty regular basis. It was a great time, but it went by SO FAST! Thanks to everyone who helped with planning and to everyone who came out to make the night special. Also, who else can say they had Christmas carolers sing them Happy Birthday and their favorite Christmas carol?

And Happy Birthday, baby! You’re almost as old as me now!