2013 Holiay Recap

2013 ended beautifully. In the short week between Christmas and New Years we were able to celebrate the holiday season with both the Suberlaks and the Greggs on the third coast and west coast. We enjoyed a white Christmas Eve followed by a sandy and sunny Christmas day. 

Christmas Eve dinner at Eataly Chicago with the Suberlaks

 Paul's brother was spending the holiday with his wife and her family on the east coast. Since it was just the 4 of us after Christmas Eve Mass we treated ourselves to Il Pesce, the seafood-centric restaurant inside the new 50,000 square foot Eataly. After a delicious meal we were able to shop around the 2 level store and get inspired about all things Italian. The new spot is right off of Michigan Ave. It seems the perfect place to rest your feet after shopping the Magnificent Mile, I'll be back. It was a fun way to spend a special night together.

The Cheese counter at Eataly - this is reason enough to go

Christmas Brunch outdoors at the Gregg's

Since I can remember my mom makes huevos rancheros on Christmas day. We (all the Gregg's) love it. Paul and I landed in California at 11am, less than 30min later, all my siblings their families and 5 grandkids (nieces and nephews to me) were gathered at my parents. I had the meal pictured above with a mimosa sitting outside in 75 degree weather. It was perfect.

We packed the days that followed with birthday parties and beach days. 

The whole clan at Charlie's Surprise birthday party

A walk on the tidepools 

 One of the days we waited for low tide and walked from Little Corona along the coast to Crystal Cover State Beach. It's probably a 3 mile walk along the pacific tidepools. It was so fun to go with my nieces and nephews who gasped at every starfish, hermit crab, lobster shell that we discovered. My mom and sister went ahead of the group in cars with all the beach gear. We met them there had burgers and shakes at Ruby's shake shack right on the water and enjoyed a full day at the beach - on December 27th! 

Days like this make me miss California

But it wasn't long til we returned to frigid temperatures. Spending New Years Eve with some of our closest friends made up for the 60 degree weather change. 

NYE with Rastetters, Gehls, & Driscolls in Milwaukee

 We went up to Milwaukee for the evening and went out to dinner with great friends at Odd Duck then onto Iron Horse Hotel to meet Paul's brother and his wife for a party complete with a balloon drop on the dance floor at midnight. It was a great way to start 2014. 

Under the disco ball at the Iron Horse

This blog was something I started in 2013 and as I update it with the last pictures from this year it reminds me how grateful I am for all the experiences we've had. It also makes me excited to see what's in store for the Subies in 2014!