Day 235 - 1.1.11 - NYE @ Bar DeVille (2011)

Day 234 - 12.31.10 - NYE @ Bar DeVille (2010)

Day 229 - 12.26.10 - Family Christmas Part Two

Christmas continues with the Bransen clan... including our newest niece, Miss Eleanor.

Day 228 - 12.25.10 - Merry Christmas

This year, it is a white Christmas to be sure...

Day 227 - 12.24.10 - Ginger Man Time

Nieces Madison & Jillian made some ginger bread men for Christmas Eve devouring... with a little help from G-Ma "Syllie."

Day 226 - 12.23.10 - Home For Christmas

Home in Elgin for Christmas. As David Brent would say, "This is a perfect example of the king of laughs he have 'round here..." This Ruduolph dances and sings... relentlessly... he had to be hidden from my nieces in a tall lamp...

Day 222 - 12.19.10 - 5 More Sleeps 'Til X-Mas

Shopping is done (100% online). Presents are wrapped. Calendar is being watched...

Day 218 - 12.15.10 - Only 10 More Sleeps 'Til X-Mas

Day 212 - 12.8.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 5)

Day 211 - 12.7.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 4)

Day 210 - 12.6.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 3)

Day 209 - 12.5.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 2)

Day 204 - 11.30.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 1)

The tree has been purchased...

Day 200 - 11.26.10 - Loving Leftovers

This year, Thanksgiving was held at the Bransen home, and my mom drove in from Elgin for the fantastic meal prepared by Lauren's mom. After the feast, Lauren and I drove out to Elgin to spend the night and spend some time at my childhood home. As the Bransen leftovers made their way to the fridges of various other Bransen family members, my mom, not wanting Lauren and I to miss out on the tradition of leftovers, made turkey, taters, and stuffing, just for Lauren and I to take home. 100% pure leftover gold. Thanks mom.

Day 199 - 11.25.10 - Happy Thanksgiving

The bird is the word. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Day 197 - 11.23.10 - Jumping The Holiday Gun

Normally, I'm against any sort of Christmas prep before Thanksgiving, but on Tuesday Lauren and I picked up some Advent calendars just to be sure our holiday chocolate supply was complete and pre-rationed. Looking forward to December 1st. I bet the first tasty treat will be a wreath... or a bunny... or a beach ball...

Day 138 - 9.3.10 - Around Home (Friday)

Friday is here. It is Labor Day weekend. Time to eat and drink...

Day Seventy-Six - 7.4.10 - Flaming Sparks Emitted From Cardboard Tubes

Happy Independence Day.

Day Forty-Two - Remember

Happy Memorial Day. Thanks to all who have given their lives for our country. To honor them, eat a hot dog, a hamburger, and a brat. Fly your colors. Remember those who have served and who are serving. Watch the film Taking Chance. It is on HBO right now...