Sunday-New Year's Eve - December 29-31

Sunday - yucky day of rain, rain and more rain.     Dreary and foggy, too!    Oh well, a good day to hunker down and play games and just chill.

Lots of good eating too, as Brooke made ham and bean soup (awesome)!

Connor, Liam and Brady making grilled cheese

and then we made and ate sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies.

Electronic monopoly and the guys.... Davis was the winner

Another delicious supper prepared by Annette (chicken pot pie) and Brooke (Italian Wedding Soup)!

Foggy, rainy day at Lake James

More euchre at night - very strong competition going on...

Maeve and Uncle Ryan taking a break from the cards

Monday - all slept in and then Mark and I were off to Morganton and The Grind for coffee/latte and shared a muffin.    We ran a few errands and then drove to Black Mountain - love this charming, quaint little town nestled in the mountains between Asheville and Lake James.     It was an absolutely gorgeous day, enjoyed a very good lunch at Veranda and I browsed some shops while Mark went to the hardware store.    Stopped in Marion on the way home and back to the lake around 3:15.   

Liam, Connor and Brady having cereal and checking their phones

 Gorgeous tree

Connor, Brady, Liam and Luke playing cards

I did some laundry and Mark, Michael, Drew and I were off on a pontoon ride to visit their friends Rick and Danielle.    Philip, Annette, Ryan, Luke and Maeve later came in their pontoon.   We had wine/beer/snacks and the guys played corn hole.    We girls visited inside and played Maeve's new Penguin game which she absolutely loves,

Boating on December 30th

Back home and Michael and Brooke prepared another yummy dinner of hamburgers/hot dogs and all the fixins'.   Liam and Connor are having fun and so good to see the cousins enjoying each other.

More euchre and revenge tonight!!!

Maeve and Uncle Ryan taking a break from cards

Grandpa and the girls watching the popcorn "pop"

 

And then a cupcake break

New Year's Eve - another bright sunny day but cooler than yesterday.    We had a little photo session with the grandkids.    Luke, Blair, Maeve, Connor and Grandma made rollo pretzel treats.   Grandma  did some laundry, and everyone scattered to do their thing here and there.

A favorite family treat 

The uncles + Davis versus the cousins

Cousins won 2 out of 3

Another spectacular day at Lake James 

Mark and I are babysitting tonight while the adults (Michael, Brooke, Philip, Annette, Ryan and Drew) go to a party here at the lake.

Davis, Brady, Liam, Connor, Luke, Maeve and Blair, Grandpa and me are going to celebrate new year's eve with pizza, cookie cake and a slumber party at Michael's!!!

Luke, Connor, Maeve, Brady, Liam, Blair

ready for some

"Happy New Year 2020" cake

Tomorrow, Mark and I are on our way to Fort Myers

    Bye bye 2019

From our family to yours....

Drew, Jinx, Connor, Davis, Maeve, Blair, Brady, Liam, Luke

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Saturday - December 28

A beautiful sunny, warm (66) day in North Carolina.     I did some laundry; Luke has been hacking away with a croupy cough, so Annette took him to Dr. and he's now on prednisone.

Blair played with Maeve while Mark, Philip and I played Wheel of Fortune on the big screen.    Philip won.

This afternoon Mark and I moved over to Michael's.    Ryan returned from his trips and now staying  at Philip's.     Michael and Brady went to Charlotte to bring Liam and Connor back for a week.

We all went to 5:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo and then to Las Salsas with Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents joining us).    Great food and a whole lotta chatter.    Sooo good to have our IL grandsons here with their cousins and all of us.

Davis, Brady, Luke, Liam, Connor

Played euchre afterwards at Michael and Brooke's with Annette, Philip and Michael beating Ryan, Brooke and me 2 games.   

Friday - December 27

Annette, Blair, Maeve and Grandma went to Morganton for some "girl fun".....we had 11:00 appts. for mani-pedi's (girls) and pedi (Grandma).    However, the place was packed and after waiting for 45 minutes and no time soon would it be our turn, we left!

Called a few other places, but everyone very full today (I thought ladies would get this done BEFORE Christmas, but???)

We had lunch at McDonalds, stopped at Claire's as the girls had gift cards - they were in their glory.   We then/tried a few other places and our last stop was successful.    What an ordeal.....

Waiting patiently

Still waiting...  

And finally, success!   Pretty nails and toes

Shopping at Claire's with gift cards they got for Christmas - every little girl's dream shop!

Luke riding his pinata which he says he'll open in April on his birthday??? 

The girls are building with Grandpa 

We all went to Michael and Brooke's for dinner (leftovers) - Ryan has been been to work with a few trips for FedEx.     Michael is ailing with same crud that Philip has.    He's on antibiotic and prednisone.    Played 3 and 5-handed euchre with Brady and Annette, the winners.

All are excited cause tomorrow Liam and Connor are flying in for a week!

Enjoy your weekend...

December 26

We had a wonderful Christmas with all of us (Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve , Grandpa and I) sleeping in - imagine that with 2 little ones in the house?    But it was after 8 AM till the little ones came down the stairs to see what Santa brought!    We adults appreciated that!    Ha....

Santa was very generous and after enjoying those presents, Annette had prepared a delicious breakfast and we ate in their new basement kitchen.     Opened presents - oh my.....so much neat stuff and oohing and aahing!

We went over to Michael and Brooke's around 2ish for more presents and good eating.    Played lots of cards and just a delightful day!     Big ham dinner at night.   Scott, Leigh, Caroline and Cooper went home.    Played more euchre with Bob and Judy.    Philip has been under the weather past few days with horrific cough - been to Dr. and going again this afternoon.   He has bronchitis and now on new meds.

We enjoyed a leisurely "day after Christmas".   Played toys with the kiddos, Mark went to town to get a haircut and other errands.     Luke put together (all by himself) this Star Wars ship from us.

Awesome Luke - he loves Legos like his cousins Davis and Connor..

Here are some of our Christmas memories....

Treats for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve

Daddy and Luke seeing what Santa brought 

Oh my......Maeve is in for some surprises this Christmas morning 

Sweet little family

Grandma and Grandpa with the munchkins 

Grandma is giving a stroller ride to Maeve, Camilla and Montana Faye 

Gorgeous tree

Lots of euchre with the Chamberlains and Blisses

Drew, Michael, Brady, Pat, Philip, Mark, Brooke, Reindeer Ryan, Annette, Bob

4 and 6-handed! 

Our little girls loving their new American Girl Dolls

"Blaire" for Blair and "Camilla" for Maeve

Cousins Blair and Caroline

Gorgeous sunset over Lake James

Played euchre with Annette and me beating the guys 3 out of 4 games.

Anne and boys are back home after spending Christmas in Galena at Chestnut Mountain Resort.    The boys loved skiing (more than snowboarding) and a good time was had by all!

Here they are on the slopes....

Connor 

Liam

The Campbells at Chestnut Mountain

     

Christmas Eve - 2019

MERRY   CHRISTMAS   EVE

We are staying with Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve for a few days.   Lots of fun with these little ones and their excitement for Santa coming tonight.    Grandma gave them baths and shampoos till they squeaked!    Annette worked away making goodies in the kitchen, Mark, Philip, Michael and boys cut down some trees and we played Candyland.

Annette and I and kiddos

went for a walk late morning - it is absolutely beautiful.    The air is so fresh and piney and an awesome 66 degrees.

We are going to 5:00 Mass and then celebrate Christmas Eve at Michael and Brooke's - the Blisses (Brooke's parents, brother and family) will be there and a good time will be had by all!

We know Patrick is with us throughout this holy season.

  Maeve wishes everyone a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Monday - December 23

Happy "Heavenly" Birthday, to my Dad who would've been 102 today!    

We had cloudy skies for traveling till we got close to Knoxville and then the rain started and been coming down all day and night long.    Fortunately, it;s been mostly a steady drizzle.    We arrived at Michael  and Brooke's around 2, unloaded the gifts, had a cup of coffee (peppermint mocha for me) and then off to Philip and Annette's.    Unloaded more gifts and our clothes.

Annette, Brooke, Luke, Maeve and Blair went to a cookie decorating party from 2-4 - had a fun time with friends 

Tonight we all went to Michael's for pizza and euchre.    Fun to be together and the kiddos are so excited for Christmas coming!     

Friday-Sunday, December 20-22

Hello from Richmond, KY where we arrived around 4 this afternoon after a busy, fun weekend....

Friday - Patrick died exactly 3 months ago tonight.....our hearts remain very sad and still seems so surreal.

Mark and I checked out of Eastland Suites at 10 after he made one final trip to storage and dropped off one last bin.    We sure enjoyed our 5 weeks here - the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating.    We met Bob (brother) and Linda in LaSalle at Uptown Grill for a delicious lunch and nice long visit.    Linda and I browsed a few shops, we said our good byes (we'll see them in FL in January) and were on our way.

Bob, Linda, Pat, Mark

Next stop was to visit Judy, Mark's grade and high school classmate and a friend of both of us from 4-H.   Judy's husband Duane passed away this past June.    We cried, laughed and reminisced.   It was a really good 2+ hour visit and hopefully we'll be together again in 2020 at Judy and Mark's 55th class reunion.   

Mark and Judy 

Onward to Dixon and the start of the Chamberlain Christmas - pizza party with mostly siblings and a few nieces and nephews.    We have the party room at hotel for 2 nights.    After supper, we played cards and games.

Saturday - Mark and I had a card to mail so drove to downtown Dixon, mailed card and stopped at "Books on 1st" for coffee/latte.   We walked around Mark's hometown - some nice shops and felt like we were stars in a Hallmark movie - here's the scene....strolling past the shops with our coffees, Christmas music coming from outdoor speakers, the light poles and stores all decked out in holiday greenery and ribbons, etc.    The only thing missing was snow!   

Back to hotel and more visiting , lunch from Arthur's Deli, more games and cards.    Changed clothes and off to St. Patrick's for 4:30 Mass which was said for Mark's parents and sister Carol.    Then we enjoyed a bountiful potluck (including Italian beef and Chicken George).   The sides were prepared by the sisters and nieces who live in the Dixon area.    Sooo much delicious food.   Ryan was with us this year!     He drove in from Indianapolis where he's been flying in and out this past week. Annette's parents joined us, too and a great time was had by all.    We were 103 strong with around 33 absent.   Back to the hotel for more games, cards and visiting.   A very chaotic, crazy, loud, fun celebration!!!!

4 new babies born this year and 2 came to meet the family.

Riley, Samm and Tommy from Fairfax, VA

James and Kathy from San Francisco

There are always a few beautifully wrapped packages that go above and beyond.   This was one of this year's. 

Sunday - Mark and I were up and leaving the hotel by 7:15.   The sun was just coming up (this entire weekend has been wonderful weather - sunny and pleasant temps and dry roads)!    We shared the driving and traveled 496 miles stopping in Shelbyville, IN for lunch,    Steak 'n Shake is within walking distance tonight, we are tired and so...we took a little stroll over there for some Chili 5-ways (both of us)  really good.    Then for some yummy chocolate chip cookies in hotel lobby!

Anne was busy being a "Hockey Mom" over the weekend with 4 games (2 out of town - Springfield and Mt. Prospect and 2 in town).    She and the boys were missed at our big holiday gathering!

Blair spent part of the weekend with her Gram and GrandBob - here she's waiting to go on a buggy ride!  

 We have around 300 miles tomorrow till we are back with our little munchkins and NC kiddos!

Enjoy these last few days before the real 

"Reason for the Season"

Thursday - December 19

Burrrrr....Burrrr....baby, it's cold outside!     Mark braved the elements running a few errands and got our very dirty Big Red clean - more salt on the roads, but it was sooo nasty,     We took another load to storage and then loaded up more stuff in the truck.   The term "everything but the kitchen sink" could apply to us for all we're taking with us on our next venture.

  Holy moly....clothes, presents and stuff, stuff, and more stuff!    So thankful Mark is such a super duper packer as he can always "find a place for everything and everything in its place"!

We met Larry and Rose for lunch at Monical's - always enjoy catching up with them.

Rose and Larry

I got a manicure later this afternoon and Mark ran some errands.    

Lisa, my favorite nail tech

Ken and Sigrunn stopped in for a quick visit and good bye hugs.

From 2-7 today, it was Happy Hour at Starbucks and we picked up some 2 peppermint hot chocolates and 2 regular and went to the Campbell's and said our good byes......later, we took Connor shopping for his Mom for Christmas.     Anne had a hockey board meeting and we came on home.

Liam and Anne

Ate the last of the leftovers and watched another Hallmark movie.

These 5 weeks in Bloomington here at Eastland Suites have flown by - lots of fun times with Anne, the boys, 

and friends.    

Tomorrow we are off for a weekend of early Christmas gatherings in northern IL and then leaving Sunday for NC.      Taking a few days off from the blog.....
enjoy these last few days before the REAL

"Reason for the Season"

Wednesday - December 18

Another COLD day (14 when we woke up) but the sun shone all day....so that helped!    I did some laundry while Mark was lifting weights and then we dug in - took down Christmas decor and started packing up our stuff.    

Claire and I tried a new spot for lunch today - Mystic Kitchen opened recently and oh my......fabulous!    It also has a wine tasting area.    The decor and food were just top notch and look forward to going back in the spring.

Pat and Claire

See you in Fort Myers, dear friend!

So, back home and on with the packing.   We took a bunch to storage and loaded up stuff in truck that goes to NC.    We're on a roll.....cleaning out the fridge tonight (not quite all, but close).

Tuesday - December 17

A cold December day with just itty bitty spurts of sun (mostly cloudy).   We left around 10 for Starbucks stop and then a few errands.    Back home for a bit and then met Rhea and Earl for lunch at Jim's Steakhouse.    Always fun to be with them, catch up over delicious lunch and share stories of our families.    They have 3-month old boy/girl twin great grandchildren in Colorado - precious!

And then it was time for good bye hugs and all of us on our way.   

Rhea and Earl 

Back home and hunkered down with a cup of hot tea, warm afghan, cozy fire and good book.    Mark picked Liam and friend, Blaise up from CCHS and took them home.    Anne and friend, Patti (Blaise's Mom) are in Chicago suburbs shopping today.

Started packing up our stuff a little - we've accumulated quite a bit in the 5 weeks we've been here, so time to see what's what - going back to storage, with us to NC, FL, etc.

We picked up Culver's for supper and ate with the boys.    Anne had fun and good luck on her shopping trip and a great lunch at Cooper's Hawk.

Mark and I went to the Advent Reconciliation Service at St. Mary's.    Then to storage to bring back some empty bins - tomorrow the Christmas decor will come down and we'll do some serious packing.