oh america.

wow. what a week to be in the capital. 

little did i know when i moved here, i would see the president and vice president, view the white house at christmas, stroll around the gardens of the first lady, and be surrounded by so much history. 

i couldn't help myself by going to the parade on monday. i squeezed into a tiny spot so that i could catch a view of what felt like royalty.

i felt myself wrapped up in a crowd, chanting, "obama, obama"

something came over me- i felt truly like an american. and, i was joyful to be one. 

had to get a photo of this one. missing good old wheaton.

january.

january. 

i am not sure how i feel about you. 

flu. 

fun. 

not. 

however...

inaugural weekend in dc. 

fun. 

yes.

and not so cold weather. i think i like you east coast. 

picnics outside.  i can handle that. 

brewery tours. junk food. pizza. chili.

 did i say pizza? yes, lots of that.

parenthood marathons. oh, heart is pounding. cliff hangers.  

yes please.  

oh and (finally) welcomed into the 21st technology. 

the nyboers have... IPHONES. 

communication between the two of us has ended as we know it. 

just kidding. 

i suppose a little slow down is good for the soul. 

its no 12 dates of christmas, though. 

tea time

tea at the drake in chicago has been a dream of mine (especially around christmas!) ever since i first laid eyes on the location. (if you have ever walked into this room- you know what i am talking about.)

 i must say- there is something incredibly enticing about a room surrounded by people chatting, a harpist playing, cakes expecting to be eaten & sugar cubes waiting to be stirred. 

so alas, my dream was made complete on one of my last days in the midwest- we did indeed dine at the drake. i was embraced by so many dear friends that  I do not see too often enough. we had a wonderful time laughing, exchanging stories, and sipping on the yummy tea.

 (i suggest the pear and caramel). 

so proud of jill and jori hailing that cab.

2012. here's to you.

dear 2012, 

thank you for your constant pursuit of never staying the same- 

i no longer think i know what the term "comfort" means.

3 different addresses, 2 different jobs, 1 new husband. 

 thank you for blowing my mind and all the "plans" in my own head. 

truly, your plans have surpassed what i could ever imagine and have been far better than my own. 

here's to you. i'm beyond thankful.

love, 

cal

p.s. i won't be hurt if there isn't as much change in store for 2013. maybe just 1 life change would be nice.  

prayer. you blow my mind, Lord. 

 bridal showers to remember. 

a new last name. & a new family. 

                             

 yes, Lincoln is my new neighbor. 

 honeymoon. a dream.

 our home. 

our first meal at our new home. 

wake me. i must be dreaming. 

to think this picture was our engagement picture. taken one year ago. oh my, you blow my mind 2012. 

12 dates of christmas. date 12. complete

christmas day. our first. of many.

12 dates. completed. 

santa baby anyone?

someone's a little tired. and knows where to shop :)

 so a little ornament tradition. look familiar?! 

so i am rethinking the pies at our wedding after this wonderful cake.

---

p.s.  a pink champagne flavored cake inside. ummm... yum... i think i have had a piece every night this week. 

merry christmas. boy, was this season fun. full of memories, traditions & laughter.
(wax paper caramel fiasco, 6x8 christmas cards, 12 hour drives, homemade pop-tarts, everything peppermint, birthdays of 24th years, too little wrapping paper, new family traditions, celeb sightings, friends reuniting. wouldn't change it for the world.

as my mom and han would say, "oh you know, the holidays..."

from ours to yours. hope it was lovely.

12 dates of christmas. date 11.

christmas eve. 

from ours to yours.

love, the summers.

 
                     

I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams- bill crosby

for some reason, it seems like you should wear red on christmas eve. at least we did.