It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Well it is already mid-December, can you believe it?  Things are as usual very busy, and I can't believe how fast time has gone by.  

Alex and I have done a few festive things this holiday season.  A few weeks ago we went with two of my friends from the school I teach at to the Festival of Lights downtown.  On the way there we rode the train and had a pleasant surprise because we got to ride the Holiday Train!  It was awesome!  It totally puts you in a better mood.  It is all decked out in holiday decor, Santa is on the train, they play Christmas music, AND 

you get a candy cane!  Best "L" ride ever! haha

This is a picture of Katie (my friend from Purdue and UNO) at the festival of lights. 

When we were home last for Thanksgiving I got to spend some quality time with my BFF Brandy!  Yay!  Our moms, her sister Sara, my grandma, and the 2 of us went down to Edinburgh for our 2nd annual shopping trip.  We had a blast and spent a lot of $$ (I bought a lot for myself, but I got Alex a few nice things as well).  

Last weekend I went with friends from school to the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights.  It was fun to walk around the zoo see it all lit up.  Unfortunately, I also started to not feel so well that weekend and came down with strep throat.  I'm feeling a lot better now, still coughing a little,  but nothing like it was!  It was one of the worst soar throats I have ever had!  I had to go see the doctor for the first time up here and he put me on some antibiotics that are doing their job nicely. 

Alex is in the middle of his finals schedule.  I think they are going alright for him, he hasn't said too much otherwise. However, he has started a little superstition for himself and his beloved Bears.  He is growing out a beard (I'm not sure yet how I feel about this) in support of the Bears and their QB and Purdue Alum Kyle Orton "KO".  He says he is not shaving it unless they lose because if they lose they ruin their chances of making it to the playoffs.  KO has a beard so Alex says he is sending him "neck beard vibes".  Yeah... I'm not so sure about this either.  I believe though during the game Thursday when they went into OT, Alex was rubbing his beard the

 whole time for good luck.  I guess it paid off that time.  But anyways... here is a picture for your enjoyment!

We're coming home on Saturday after a detour through LaPorte.  I hope everyone is enjoying their December!