It's hard to believe that this is the fourth Thanksgiving I did not share with Cosmo. We've missed having him around during family game nights, puzzling, watching football (and the first time in 5 years that Michigan did not beat Ohio State in the big game), and keeping my nephew Finn entertained.
I spent 15 days with my sister. For those that know us, that's a lot of "sister time." It's amazing we came away still speaking (and less fights this time). I joined Kristin and her decorators for The Festival of Trees. This is her yearly Super Bowl, so to speak. The event raises money for Crittenton Centers, who support children and families in need. I've supported the team this year in the shop (unpacking and building of the dreaded porch pots - which got a bid right away on opening night!). I once again helped with he move-in to the gala space and attended the event.
It's takes the work of volunteers not only to build all the wonderful trees, wreaths, and table top items, but also to put on the event.
We got another new shirt for move-in day. Now I have a collection of shirts that I no longer need to borrow any from Kristin!
Here are a few of my favorite items from this year's Festival.
And my favorite one of all is the wreath I purchased.
In between, we built another tree at local casino in order to try and "win" the charity $2500. Crittenton Centers is one of 5 charities competing for the donation and voting goes through mid-December. The tree theme: Sweets.
Once the big opening night event wrapped up, Kristin and I headed to Des Moines, IA to decorate a tree for their Festival of Trees and Lights. The theme this year was Jewel Box. Why? The tree is built by members of the Iowa Architectural Foundation. They pick a theme every year that has to do with buildings in Iowa. There are three jewel box banks in Iowa, hence the theme.
We understand that the tree was a top pick by one of their event's generous donors. Kristin didn't initially love the tree, but we all agree it turned out beautiful and she loved it in the end.
We drove back hone and I stayed at her place for the Thanksgiving holiday. And we built another tree! This time for a friend, colleague, and local Chicago business. This is how the magic gets made:
I got to spend plenty of time with Finn. I would feed him in the morning and give him treats at night.
Kristn and I also cooked our own Thanksgiving meal, as my brother-in-law went to visit his parents on the big day (yes, I can cook...Kristin, not so much).
Kristin and I also went and saw the movie wicked with Sandy and her daughter Sarah. And, we had drinks and dinner with decorator Heather and her friend.
I had to delay my trip home due to the early season snow storm we got. But th snow sure was beautiful. It gave Kristin and I time to record the opening of all of our advent calendars (a different post for a different day). And it helped distract us from Michigan losing to Ohio State this year (we'll get back to winning next year).
And I couldn't leave without playing at least a few games of Joker.
All-in-all, a successful Thanksgiving holiday. Now onto the rest of the holiday season. First up, the Walnut Room at the Marshall Field's store on State Street (I refuse to call it Macy's).
