If School Doesn't Kill Us

Final reports and final exams have been upon us...the end is in sight, December 15. Thank God.

Somehow, we have still made time to eat, see family, and get into the holiday spirit. Highlights include mom's Christmas concert, Born to Reign, at Immanuel Bible Church, lunch at Schmidt's, and dinner at Super Chicken (yay, no allergic reaction and delicious Peruvian chicken!). The national Christmas tree was looking a little small and plain, but probably looks more festive at night. Just a few more days until the tribe is reunited.

Chicago and Columbus Thanksgiving

Steven and I went to Chicago to spend a wonderful Thanksgiving with Laura, Clarkson, Sam, Nick, Emmie, Sue and Joe Hine, Julia Hine, Mom, and Chad. The dinner was amazing--Laura and Emmie out-did themselves. Located on the Gold Coast, their new home is amazing. Great views, great location. It is not far from the Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, and tons of restaurants.  Thanksgiving night, we went to Second City...hilarious. We then had a brief stop-over in Columbus. We gorged ourselves on porterhouse steak at the Hickory House. Julia joined us at the hotel--a too-short visit--and then we dropped her off in the morning in time for the pre-game festivities. It was nice to see Matt and meet Sarah! Congratulations, OSU football, on the awesome win, 30-27!

Rochester and Columbus Thanksgiving--YAY, Buckeyes!

Julia went to Rochester to see the Andreasen/Boheen family. Ironically, she had a brief layover at DCA. Her time with the family was lively--lots of discussion around politics and Arie. The sweetest pictures were of their newest edition, Isabella. Congrats, Cheryl, she is gorgeous. We picked her up from the Columbus airport on Friday. We went out for porterhouse steaks--so yummy--at the Hickory House, and then we watched The Ref (we sacked out, but Julia watched most of it). Then we dropped her off in time to connect with her friends before the big game. It was incredible--OSU, after two overtimes, pulled it out with a victory 30-27 over that "school up north." Apparently, it is not proper to even mention their name. It was so great to see her and spend some time with her (and meet Sarah!). Her apartment is incredibly neat and cutely decorated for the holidays; I should have taken pictures. Kudos on their cooking efforts; they made bolgogi!


 

Ice Skating, Sustainability Committee, and Birthday Party

Julia enjoyed a concert, "Moonlight," ice skating, Diaspora sushi, and a special dinner with the Sustainability Committee for USG. Most entertaining Snapchat from Julia (with the all-Julia group faces coming in a close 2nd) was the dinner of pea toast. Keep on cooking, sweetie. No judging here.

In DC, the highlight was celebrating Kathryn's 12th birthday!! Lisa and Tony hosted a delicious and fun party. It was good to see and reconnect with everyone. We're all so busy!