Since the month of January is already flying by, I thought I should consider posting my holiday pictures. Proof that the new year did not include the goal of being a more timely blogger :) Near the end of December, I had a half day off work, and I couldn't think of a better place to spend it than the Christkindlmarket. The market is located downtown in Daley Plaza, and it is one of my favorite Chicago holiday traditions. Vendors come from all over the world to create an authentic German Christmas market right in the heart of Chicago. I was thrilled to visit on a weekday, as the crowds were much lighter, leaving less time standing in line and more time wandering with yummy food and drink in hand!
Oh how this place warms my Christmas loving heart! It makes the bitter, below freezing temperatures much more bearable :)
Big Christmas trees and latkes, two of my most favorite things!
While Christmas cheer is the first reason I go to the market, gluhwein is a close second. This hot, spiced wine has become one of my favorite holiday drinks since my parents moved overseas. It is oh so yummy, and the cute little boot mugs make it extra special to enjoy!
No day is too cold when gluhwein is involved :)
Sweet pastries and beautiful Chistmas ornaments are in every corner of the market. This was actually my first year to go inside the ornament house, as the crowds are usually too crazy. Additional incentive to go on a weekday!
A blurry but happy picture as we said goodbye to the market and headed for some shopping on Michigan Avenue. And a quick train snap of my purchase for the day... a fushcia beanie! I've never been able to pull off the beanie look, but my friend Christie was encouraging when she said, "If anyone is meant to wear a hot pink beanie, it's you!" Done and done :)
If you ever come to Chicago during the holidays, the Christkindlmarket is a must. And if its possible to go on a weekday, even better! PS: see past Christkindlmarket trips here, here, and here.
Fancy gown, check. Much coveted hood, check. Piece of paper proving I really did it, check!
It's pretty impossible to locate me in this picture, but I'm in the second row, near the top. I wasn't sure I'd be able to keep it together on graduation day; I was certain I'd be a big bawling mess. So when we walked out into the arena, with Pomp and Circumstance playing, I let myself get swept up in the moment, waving wildly to my family and friends, and of course, shedding a few tears. It was that magical moment I've been dreaming of for so long!
Matt snapped this picture from crazy far away, so its a bit hard to see, but this is me being hooded by my chair, Dr. Castillo. I have been so blessed to have such an amazing advisor. She embraces "girlpower" in every sense of the word, empowering her students to go out there and kick some major ass!
Blurry but oh so thrilled. In my best Elle Woods voice, "I did it!"
I finally earned those three little initials I've been working so hard for!
Hooray...I'm DONE!
The only thing better than achieving a life long dream is having your family there to celebrate the moment with you. I'm so grateful for my incredible support system; I never could have done this alone.
My amazing aunt and uncle flew in from Atlanta for the weekend. They're crazy fun and always up for a celebration!
My little brother, a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.
Four of my favorite Ph.Ds! I would not have survived graduate school without these people. (PS: You can see pictures from Matt and Miguel's graduation last year 
Despite crazy busy calendars, my brother and sister drove down from Dallas to watch me cross the stage. They had to head right back after the ceremony, but it meant so much to share this special day with them.
My best friend Steven and his boyfriend, Jesse, also drove in for the big day. Steven and I have been friends since high school, and he never fails to recognize the little things in life. He has definitely been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout this crazy journey!
Matt's parents also flew in from Arizona to celebrate, reminding me how lucky I am to have such thoughtful in-laws.
My dear friend, Norma, one of the best sounding boards and voices of reason I know. But not too reasonable that she can't grab a glass of wine and complain about ridiculous graduate school woes :)
My lifetime cheerleaders. Without these three people, I would never have survived or even dreamed this journey. They are unfailingly supportive, and I am beyond blessed to have such an amazing family.
My man, my rock. It is crazy to think that when we started graduate school six years ago, we didn't know each other, and now, as I finish graduate school, I can't imagine my life without him. He is without a doubt, my greatest graduate school discovery :)
I dont' think words can ever express how much these people mean to me. I think I said it best in my dissertation dedication, which you can read 
And for a little Instagram action, a quick snap right before the ceremony!
The weather was absolutely perfect. Literally, we could not have asked for a more beautiful evening. Our seats were amazing, and thankfully we got there just before the first pitch was thrown.
I'm so grateful Matt and I get to have so many cool Chicago adventures together. We've only been in this city for two years, and it really does feel like home already.
It's not a baseball game without beer, right? Unfortunately, I am not a beer drinker, though on occasions like this, I always wish I was, so I could get in the game day spirit a bit more!
Even though I'm not a beer drinker, I'm pretty sure the guys made up for it ;)
Wrigley Field, a totally unique baseball experience. No jumbo tron, no fifth deck, no dot races. Just baseball.
Our friends Benge and Gisele were able to come along, and since they'll be leaving the Windy City soon, it was fun to share such an iconic Chicago experience with them.
I cannot go to a baseball game without getting a soft pretzal! I have a similar rule with cotton candy, though clearly the people at Wrigley didn't get the message, as there was no cotton candy in sight! I'm gonna have to talk to "my people" about that :)
Go Cubbies!
Looking at this picture makes me realize I definitely should have sized down in this gingham button up. Ick. Too much fabric.
At this point the score was 7-0 White Sox, so we turned our attention away from the game and began our lookout for Hillary Clinton, who was rumored to be at the game. Shortly after, she leaned over the railing of one of the boxes above us, giving the crowd a nice big wave. Near the end of the game, her boss flew over the field in Marine One, and I may or may not have waived and yelled, "Obama, I love you!" (If you're wondering why so many big wigs were in town this weekend, NATO was happening in Chicago, so the city was a bit crazy.)
Hooray for a night at the stadium! Though our team didn't come out on top, we still had an absolute blast! A huge thanks to Kathy and Mike for the tickets; we are forever grateful for all the fun you gave us!
When it comes to sunnies, we clearly believe that bigger is better :)
We managed to snag prime grilling real estate, right along the water.
Aww, these two love each other...as long as they're not playing Settlers of Cattan :)
It's not Cinco de Mayo without guacamole.
Sans sunnies. Unfortunatley about ten minutes after this picture, we were forced to bundle up in hoodies and sweatshirts, proof Midwest weather can't ever make up its mind!
We've been friends for nearly 14 years, and we still laugh like little high schoolers when we're together :)
My midnight man :) PS: wondering about my crazy tiger shirt? I snagged it a while back at Savers, and though part of me thought I'd lost my fashion mind, I couldn't resist bringing it home with me. Layering it with 
Richenda, me, and Jordan snapping a quick pic before running off to change into our extra comfy clothes :)
Annnnd with that, we're in our sweats, ready for a dance off and another glass of champagne!
I hadn't seen Richenda since 
2011 was an exciting year for us, as we celebrated lots of fun things (a permanent job for Matt in Chicago, an internship match for me), but its also been a year of challenge as we've had to adjust to living 2 hours apart the past six months for my internship. But I have a feeling 2012 has some fabulous things in store, and I'm so excited we get to experience them together! Happy happy New Year to all my lovely readers; may 2012 be your best year yet!
Our big happy AT family! PS: we did a gift exchange at the party, and the gift I brought was that cute leopard cape on Kathy in the front. I really wanted one for myself, but I showed restraint and stuck with the one :)
I'm not sure I could ever have a white Christmas tree, but Kasombra's tree was so pretty; I loved it!
Pretty sure Matt snapped this picture as my gift was "stolen" away from me. I had initially scored a super cute bracelet, but I knew it wasn't going to last. Someone snatched it up, which allowed me to "steal" a Starbucks gift card. Perfect considering 
Terri and Kathy, two of my very favorite people in the whole world! My AT family has taken such good care of me, even as I've moved on to finish my Ph.D. I am forever grateful for them and so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of women!