Grand Illumination In Oak Bluffs - August 18

Last Wednesday Eric and I went to the Grand Illumination (I'll explain) in Oak Bluffs. We got there early and went to dinner at Giordano's (Eric used to be a bar tender there, and we're pretty sure we got moved to the front of the line!). Oak Bluffs was packed, so it was a good thing we planned ahead. After dinner, we headed to the Campground to wait for the festivities to begin. On our way over we witnessed a stunning Vineyard sunset.

It was getting pretty dark by the time we got to the Tabernacle, and the band was just beginning to play. They played a million patriotic songs, so it felt a little like the 4th of July. 

The music actually went on for much longer than we anticipated, and it started to rain a little bit. But we held our ground because we didn't want to miss the Grand Illumination! Okay, so what is this Grand Illumination business? Well, all the owners if the gingerbread cottages (the cute little houses I've written about before) at the campground decorate with lanterns. And then, when it's time, they all light them at once! Yeah, it's pretty much just as awesome as it sounds! I'd never been before, so it was a real to-do.

Once the houses are all lit up, masses up people walk around snapping pictures and oohing + ahhing. It's really quite a darling tradition.

It rained on and off, so we took cover inside the Tabernacle for a bit. There were lanterns lining the edge of the entire thing, and they were so pretty up close and from a distance.

We ventured outside again, when the rain slowed. Some people went beyond their porches, and decorated the lawns with lanterns and candles inside paper bags (though the rain prevented most candles from being lit). 

This little boy was just about the most adorable thing. I only saw him for a split second, and I can't believe I got this picture. His dad was carrying him and when he saw this huge lantern in a tree, he reached out to touch it. My heart was melting. 

Eventually the rain starting coming down a little too hard, and we made a mad dash for the car. It was such a beautiful night! 

P.S. I didn't even have a tripod! 

Tree Trimming Party

On November 29th we were invited to a tree trimming party. It was the first I've ever attended, and it was adorable. It was hosted by one of Eric's analytics learning team members. (Analytics was held before the real school year started to give non-finance people a bit of a crash course and prepare them for the regular curriculum coursework.) I think it's great that he's still in touch with his 4 original team members.

Everybody brought something to share. There was a delicious cake with a melted butter topping (heaven), cheese curds (a Wisconsin delicacy), apples and caramel sauce, cookies, a traditional Indian dessert, egg nog, and mulled cider. There may have been more, but that's all I remember. It was so festive! Oh yeah, the hostess was also playing Christmas music and It's A Wonderful Life was on mute in the background.

We brought clementines and I made 2 paper crane ornaments for the tree (do you seem them?). Everybody helped decorate while we all chatted. It was really fun!

Are you getting into the holiday spirit? Have you checked out the Everything Little Miss 2009 Holiday Gift Guide?

*As always, click the pictures to enlarge!

A Miniature

When I was little, I was dragged to visited The Clark Art in Williamstown more times than I can count. While I didn't always enjoy the museum, I did love the sculpture of the ballerina - Degas' Little Dancer - that sits in the center of one of the galleries; seeing it was always the high point of field trips. The original was wax, but there were 74 cast in bronze [source]; it's one of the bronzes that I've grown to appreciate.

My family has a miniature replica that sits on a windowsill in the dining room.

I took this picture while I was home a few weeks ago. The lighting was just right.

*New holiday cards in my Etsy shop. Crane mobiles too!