Votive Candles

Reindogs 2008

Went to the Reindog Parade at the Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend; unfortunately the super-cold weather this year cast a chilly pall over the proceedings. Most of the poor little dressed-up pups were so cold they were either wrapped up in their owner's arms or walking on the snowy frozen ground with miserable expressions on their faces. I did get a few shots that I liked, though.

It is true, about owners and dogs looking alike; these two long, lean loners fit together perfectly!



Two little angels, swaddled


As my friend Robbie said, "His face shows the excitement in his heart." Poor sweet thing!


I love the look on his face here too.


Princess Fussy Britches

Christmas Lights: Excessive Done Right

Now THIS is Christmas overkill!

I love this house. The attention to detail and the complete sets of everything is just astonishing. These are all old plastic figures, the kind they don't even make any more. These people have all of them.

Like the trains above. And a choir. (Did you know there were two fat sopranos? I didn't.)



The whole Disney ensemble.



The manger, complete with heralding angels. (Also note the chapel, nun and abbot on the far right. So cute!)



And lots of toy soldiers.



Oh, yeah, and Santa on the roof!



Altogether, it's pretty overwhelming.



But I still love it.





P.S. If the photos are cropped on the sides, click on them to see in full size.

Christmas Lights: Excessive Edition

This is one of the most overly-decorated houses I've seen. There are lights, giant blow-up creatures, Santas galore, but worst of all, there is just no theme. Unless the theme is "Too Much of Everything".



Um. Is that Pooh and Eeyore behind the tree on the right?



Oh God, it is.



The lighted-wire reindeer seem overwhelmed and frightened.



A polar bear, Snoopy and a seal walk into an igloo...

Tomorrow will be excessive done right. Come back then!

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Okay, I'm cheating a little; this is my sister's kitchen during a party, but it isn't technically Thanksgiving. I'm not there this year -- I'm hosting my own Thanksgiving -- but I'm pretty sure their stove looks just about the same today.)

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Happy Birthday Joe!

My nephew turns 10 on Sunday. Ten! Oh my gosh. I spent a weekend with him and his family last month, to celebrate his and his brother's birthdays. These are a few of his favorite things:


Trumpet Valves


His ceramic Yankee Stadium


The 1800s tractor all the males in the family love


This is how I know he's related to me. :) I had the same thing hidden under my bed at that age!


Joe and his trumpet. I love this one.

Happy Birthday, Joe!
Love,
Auntie Kristen

Go vote!

It's Election Day! Make sure you vote! I did!




I never claimed to be non-partisan. Sorry! :) My dad gave me this last weekend when I saw him in Arizona. It makes me giggle every time I look at it.

(Taken with my cameraphone at work. Which would explain the blurriness, haha.)

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins on my sister's back porch in Connecticut.

My 12th Anniversary Gift

This was the adorable box my husband gave me for our anniversary this weekend. I guess I can't get Tiffany earrings every year! :)

Stained Glass Faces

Kris was asking for a new photo. Can't believe it's been a whole month since I posted. Ooops! Here are two from the Glass Experience exhibit taken at the Museum of Science and Industry this summer.