NO-vember

 In the early days of this blog, I used to feel bad if I didn't update weekly. NOW, I feel bad for that poor girl from 2009. I don't feel true blog-neglect guilt until I'm down to a monthly post. Which is this post. 2019 me will be laughing her buns off reading this - we will be lucky to get a yearly update if I follow my current rate of decline. 

November has been a blur. But here are the highlights.

The first weekend I spent in Chicago with my mom, sister, sister-in-law, and brother. It was a fantastic opportunity to spend time together and indulge in a lot of retail therapy. We stayed in downtown Chicago one night and spent the other at their house in North Chicago. 

 

 Momma T and I - just boarded the flight! We were so excited to be getting away! 

 Having drinks on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building was awesome. I sat right on the window - my leg was touching the glass. I'm not at all afraid of heights (thank goodness!) and it was amazing to be able to look straight down the side of the building.

American Girl: This store is my happy place. I'm 30 and I still drooled over the Samantha doll accessories the same as I did when I was 8. Never grow up.

 a "little" retail therapy

 And some running therapy. 11 miles along base, beach, and trail (at triple the elevation I'm used to!) didn't do much for my IT band, but getting to hang out with my 'little' brother for a couple hours was great. I'm trying to talk him into running a race with me next year!

The next weekend was devoted to Christmas decorations. Now, many of you might be under the impression that Thanksgiving has to pass before Christmas can begin. I call you amateurs. Thanksgiving is a meal - a delicious one, true. In fact, it's my favorite meal. But once November 1st rolls around, Christmas season is GAME ON. We were late to the party this year and waited until the 2nd weekend to Deck our Halls.

 It turned out to be perfect timing, too - 3 inches of snow fell Saturday night. 

Snow outside+Christmas tree inside=Megan's Happy Place.

 Em's a Winter Beauty. 

 School Portraits 2014. I want to smoosh their cheeks and hug them tight. Let them be little forever, please. Wait . . . amendment: Let them learn to sleep all night and until at least 7:30 on weekends BUT also let them stay little forever.

 Paul took Lulu to a Newman Basketball game. She doesn't own any Newman gear (whoops) so we went for a color theme - Newman's colors are blue and red, so a patriotic tee is sort of the same thing right? Love thy country and the Jets.

Sweet sisters.