Monday - December 5

Met the neighbors for breakfast and then back home to meet Bob and Linda for a BIG day of "browsing" the shops for we girls.   We have our shopping done, so.........however, it always seems there a few little things to pick up here and there, stocking stuffers, and on and on and on....

We hit the neat specialty shops around town - so much fun and definitely did more than "browse".   Bone-chilling, damp day, though.....burr.....baby, it's COLD outside!     Met Bob and Mark at The Red Oak for some good comfort food at lunch time, said our good-byes and off we went for 5 more hours of "browsing"!    The guys did their bit, too, going to Farm and Fleet, post office to mail package to Ryan and few other stops.   And then home for naps!

The guys picked Todd (our nephew) up at the train station (came in from St. Louis) and we all had supper at Firehouse Pizza.   

Mark, Pat, Todd, Linda and Bob

Cleaned up our plates real good, eh?

 Then separated our bags and they left for home with Todd.   Mark and I are home and I'm thawing out, sorting thru my goodies and he's taking a nap!

Liam and Connor had supper tonight with Chuck E. Cheese.

Liam, "good ole Chuck" and Connor

Sunday - December 4

We went to 8:00 Mass and then Mark left for Mendota/Dixon to visit my Dad and his parents.   I was with my Monday Night Friends for our annual Christmas party - this year a catered brunch at Connie's lovely home in the country (12 deer came thru the yard while we were there)!    Always such a fun time with delicious food and drink, revealing our secret pals and then drawing for 2012.     This group of 11 gals have been going strong with 3 of us charter members dating back to 1972 which means next year will mark our 40th year of friendship and soooo much fun and laughs, tears and joy!    So, not sure what we'll do, but going to plan some sort of

 biggie event to celebrate!

Marsha, Jody, Ruth, Connie, Donna, Sue, Pat, Linda, Tamara, Brenda and Nadine

My very special MNF's

Mark and I were both home about an hour and then left for Anne and Patrick's for more good eating....my tummy is hurting......a really fun Sunday!   Although it was cold and dreary outdoors, so much warmth and happiness inside these homes today!

Saturday - December 3

Up early this morning and got lots done before Anne, Patrick and boys stopped by on their way to see Santa.

Best Buds

Grandchildren are so much fun and Mark and I enjoy our 5 grand "boys" so much.   After a very fun, busy week with the North Carolina guys, now a month of Liam and Connor!

I ran some errands and then picked Mark up at 11:30 at the airport.    We stopped at the Prairie Aviation Center where they were having a special "Top Gun" program.   Met some really neat folks.

David, Brad and Mark

It was supposed to rain off and on all day; but it was almost balmy (50's) and sunny.    We raked the last of the leaves (and a jillion gum balls with another jillion left to fall....ugh ugh ugh!!!)   Then got to the outdoor lights, big wreath, etc.    Looks good outside - still have to put the lights in all the windows.

Mark left West Palm early this morning and it was already 72 degrees - COLD weather and the "S" word in the forecast for us next week!    The rain has started!

Friday - December 2

A gloomy, dreary, blah, chilly day.   I sure miss the warm sunshine, but this cold air makes it seem more like Christmas.  People are out and about shopping (myself included), the mailbox is stuffed with catalogs and the cards are starting to trickle in.

I went to PEO this afternoon (meeting and dessert social) - good to see these gals as I've missed several gatherings this fall.    Wrapped a few gifts (caught up again) and just got a bunch of piddly stuff done around the house..............all in preparation for my hubby to come home tomorrow!!!!   YEAH!

Thursday - December 1

Twelve years ago today, Mark and I became grandparents for the first time with the birth of Andrew Michael (Drew) in North Carolina.    My oh my, how the years fly by...

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Drew hanging out on Catrina with his I-pad

I spent most of today in Mendota with Dad - he was very sleepy, but enjoyed a piece of kringle and a small chocolate crunch bar (he loves his sweets).   I met my sister-in-law, Linda for lunch and good chat.  

Talked to Mark a few times and his boat jobs are pretty much done - going to hang out with Philip at home tomorrow.

Went to see Liam and Connor and their neat Christmas decorations in and outside.   Missed these little guys.   Anne, the boys and I went to Bob Evans for supper and then I ran a few errands.

Three weeks ago today, Mark and I started out with Catrina leaving Norfolk - 2 big weeks of boating and 1 week with Philip and Annette (with NC kids and kiddies in between) made for a fun fall getaway.   We packed in a lot of miles during that time!