The weekend, succinctly

{ Christkindl Market 2011 }

{ new addition: Rocking Horse for Baby Max's 1st Christmas }

{ new addition: Little Red Riding Hood, German style }

{ glockenspiel }

{ 2011 gluhwein boots }

{ holiday party + The Fella's mentor }

{ 2010 Renegade Arts and Craft Fair }

Weekend notes:
 
:: Baby Max had a big weekend, out and about town for the first time! For fun stuff, too, not like doctor appointments or going to the Apple store with me to fix my computer. But he didn't really know how fun it was, since most of the time he was tucked under the quilted carrier cover despite the "warmer" temps in the 40s. Oh, the carrier cover wears like one giant potato sack but it gets me a seat on public transit once people realize there's a baby in there!

:: First, there was a jaunt over to the Christkindl German Market at Daley Plaza as is our tradition and now Baby Max's. Every year we love to collect one or two special ornaments from Germany or Poland––handcrafted wood or painted blown glass––that you wouldn't ordinarily find anywhere else. I love the market so much I went back today with Max for hot potato pancakes and warm (non-alcoholic) gluhwein served in a boot. Best $13 ever spent!

:: In the spirit of the holidays (and of Mommy and Baby getting out of the house), Max donned his new Christmas onesie from Grandma for The Fella's work holiday party in the 'burbs, minus the matching Santa hat which hasn't arrived yet. It wasn't very p.c. of him, considering the host family is Orthodox Jewish, but it was the only festive outfit he owns!

:: I also checked out the Renegade Arts and Crafts Fair at the old fieldhouse in my neighborhood. This fair happens twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. The winter edition is a favorite holiday tradition for me and a great source for handmade and artisan gifts! Never mind that it makes parking in the neighborhood a nightmare! Plus, I love the mulled apple cider and interesting food options like coconut curry soup and bread pudding! Although it was rainy this year, last year at this time it was snowing which made for a magical winterscape not unlike a snow globe shaken up.