Christmas Vacation- part 2

While in Chicago, I did lots of fun things. One of those was seeing White Christmas the Musical. White Christmas is one of my favorite movies and I loved the musical. It was a little different than the movie and left out some of the good parts but it still had the same feeling and theme. I snuck this picture when the ushers weren't paying attention!

While downtown, we also went to the Kris Kindle Market in Daley Plaza. We go just about every year and I always enjoy it, even though it is freezing cold outside!

After New Years, my mom and I came down to the city again and did some shopping at the old Marshall Fields (aka Macys) and then we ate lunch in the Walnut Room. This is one of my favorite traditions. I remember doing this as a child and I hope that one day when I have kids, I'm able to continue the tradition. We thought the tree would be down already but we caught it on its last day up!

On our way back to the car, my mom and I stopped in the Chicago Conservatory. It used to be the Chicago Public Library and I had never been in the building. They have a huge Tiffany dome that is gorgeous. I also got some good pictures of Millenium Park.

After 3 long weeks of fun and relaxation, it was time to go home. I was ready to be back in my own bed but sad to leave my mom all by herself in Chicago. Anyways, this is what I woke up to when I left last week. SNOW!!! It had all melted right before New Years and I guess Chicago didn't want me to leave without getting another blast of it. The snow caused my flight to be delayed about 3 hours so I got to spend some quality time in Midway Airport before coming back to Houston.

Part 3 of Christmas Vacation will be New Years!

Christmas Vacation- part 1

This year, I was able to go home to Chicago for break. I was there for 3 weeks! I had so much fun and really enjoyed living in denial that I had a ton of things to do when I got back to Houston. I started off my trip the Chicago by doing a lot of baking. I love to bake and most of the time (when I don't burn things), I'm actually really good at it!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are pecan and cinnamon sugar cookie things (I can't remember what they are called but they were yummy!)

I also made snickerdoodles- my favorite!

These are ranch oyster crackers- also a favorite

For breakfast on Christmas morning- semi-homemade cinnamon rolls

And then for dessert on Christmas- Peppermint Ice Cream!

Here are some pictures of my mom's decorations around the house. She has such cool stuff!

The Christmas Tree-

My Mom collects wooden Santas

Close up of the Santas

We even have Christmas night lights!

And finally, even Leo got into the Christmas Spirit!

Up next- the Kris Kindle Market, White Christmas the Musical, New Years, The Walnut Room, and Snow!!!

Happy 2011!

Another year has come and gone. Where did the time go?!?!? Well, this past year flew by for me with school and life in general. I've had a great Christmas break and have enjoyed the holidays a little too much. I'm really not wanting to go back to school in 1 1/2 weeks. I have lots to blog about and will get to that maybe sometime this week but I wanted to post the Christmas card that I got made for FREE from Shutterfly. I didn't mail a lot of them out because I had already done regular Christmas cards. Plus, I think it looks a little funny with just pictures of me. Anyways, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year! I'm really excited for 2011 and my 30th year of life!