After Christmas and the New Year

 We were so happy to have the week between Christmas and New Years off to enjoy.

We headed to Midwest Retro in Dundee, Illinois.  Such a pretty little town, 

...and who doesn't love an old pickup truck parked outside?

 We have visited before but were never able to see the store in all it's Christmas finery.

 Charming, isn't it.

 Speaking of charming, my Prince!  

 Another bearded charmer.

 Lovely displays. My blogging friend Joy at Savvy City Farmer does all the styling.

 Love the way things are put together in lovely vignettes.

 Delightful shopkeepers, beautiful items, vintage and new for sale.  Plus they carry Iron Orchid Designs.  A swoon inducing line of stamps, molds and decor transfers.  I was good and a little

broke after the holidays but I did find a few bargains.

 These little glitter houses actually light up.  The plates and tin are thrift store finds.

 They are so sweet.

 They are all beautiful, with different botanicals.

 Yes, I do have this tin already, but I couldn't pass it up.

 The little cloche is from Elizabeth.  Love their sparkly reflections/

 We headed to the Lake for some relaxation on a sunny afternoon.

 The Lake was so calm.  No waves, no ice.  

 Just a little snow on the ground.

 Never tire of it's beauty and majesty.

 New Years Eve was celebrated with our girl.

 Every New Years Eve I make homemade pizza rolls.  This is the first year I taught Penny to roll an egg roll.  I was taught how at the worst job I ever had when I was a teen.  Guess you even learn things when you hate the job.

 Penny's were square, she did an awesome job.  How many 6 year old kids can roll an egg roll?

 That takes us to new Years Day.  We attended the Bonfire at Somme Woods in Northbrook.

 This girl loves the woods.

 Mom and Dad came in with the parade.

 The volunteers burn the invasive trees that threaten the oaks that make up this wood.

 It was a family affair.  All bundled up, and having a great time.

The fire really roars, and ten feet back you can feel the heat.

It was wonderful to have Kris, Doug and Penny join us this year.

Happy New Year everyone!

To cap off a wonderful holiday season we attended the wedding of our 

dear niece Amy and her beau Dennis, but that deserves it's own post.

Thanks for stopping by.

Enjoy this beautiful day.

Love, Penny