E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 03 + 04

Time for the big day! Mel is fortunate to have some incredibly creative friends. From the flowers to the stage the ceremony was going to be held on, to the draperies around the room to the graphics on the tables and entire army of friends were there to make this day special for everyone. It was incredible. I helped with the table settings, which were something I've never seen. Mel had resourced all the antique plates (some of us even had specially picked out ones), the flowers were stunning, and their friend Sue designed the cards that Emma and Toby wrote personalized letters on talking about what that guest meant to them. They did this for every single person -- I've never seen anything like it. What a special touch. Afterwards, I headed back, Brian ordered falafel and chicken shawarma, and we got to rest a bit before getting ready for the big day. Hudson was supposed to fly in that morning, but woke up devastated to have gotten food poisoning and needing to cancel. We were all heartbroken, but it was nothing he could have controlled. He and Cole had roles in the wedding, so Cole stepped up and took over Hudson's usher job, and guest book responsibilities. Finn was the officiant. He was funny and sincere. He did such great job. At the end of the ceremony a second line band came to escort Emma and Toby to cocktail hour. The Bomb Squad (what the high school friend group calls themselves) was there, as well as the Bubble (the Oak Park group). Other friends of our from Oak Park were there -- even someone I used to work with that Toby's family is friends with but our friend group didn't know. I also got to spend time with Ed, who is a mutual friend of Leif and Mel's but someone I've known since high school, making him the person I've known longest in the room,. That's so crazy. We had a great BBQ dinner, and afterwards, danced the entire night. Seriously, I personally didn't sit down once. It was amazing. What a fun party. 

The following day, Hudson had to pass through Chicago on his way to training in Phoenix, and he was feeling well enough to catch an early flight and come to the brunch Toby's parents hosted. Such a great surprise for everyone! I hate that he missed out the night before, but so glad he was able to see most everyone. I also got to take a couple photos I missed the night before -- with Ed, and one with the bride a groom. The funny thing is, as we were getting ready to leave for the brunch, I put in the directions and it ended up that our rental was on the same block as Toby's parents. So that was convenient. Anyhow, we are back home now. It was great to see Hudson for a couple of hours, but now he's busy training for the next couple of weeks. Cole left this morning for Minneapolis after a really fun month together, and just let us know he arrived safe and sound. I'm feeling a little sad, missing our kids and my friends -- but also beyond grateful. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our lives. Other people comment on it all the time, and truly it is something unique and very special. Emma is one of our favorite people. The first of the Bubble kids to tie the knot. We couldn't be happier for them. What an incredible weekend. 

E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 01 + 02

We've been looking forward to Emma + Toby's wedding for awhile, and can't believe it's actually over. Seriously, it was the most amazing time from start to finish. We are exhausted, but also, never wanted it to end. Since almost everyone was traveling from other places, the weekend was jam packed with celebrations. Cole and I drove up Thursday morning. He dropped me off in Chinatown for Emma's dim sum bridal shower, then drove into the city to visit Zoe. Emma and Toby live in NYC, so don't have a ton of space. In lieu of gifts, we all made flowers to represent Emma. I've known her since the minute she was born, so dug through my archives for photos over the years and made a rose. The entire bouquet turned out terrific. Such a clever idea, and I think Emma was very touched. Afterwards, I went to Penny's house, my home base for the night. We relaxed a bit, then went over to Leif and Mel's apartment to give them a gift our group had made them -- a vinyl record that we also put together for Emma and Toby as a surprise. We had some snacks and ate their leftover pizza. Having a few quiet moments with them was perfect. While we were there, the kids were all celebrating with a bachelor/bachelorette party. Cole was also staying at Chris + Penny's. It was funny hearing him and Mia coming home from their night, giggling away. The next morning, Mia, Penny and I went to Core Yoga, then picked up pastries, while Cole left to visit his North Central friends. In the afternoon, Brian came to the house, then it was time for us to check in to our rental. We stayed near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. After living in a different area of Oak Park for years, it was kind of fun being in a new area. We got to walk around a bit, then Chris + Penny came over and we went out for dinner at Amerikas, a perfect choice. It was so delicious. Can you believe all we've done, and the big day isn't even here yet? So much fun. 

Moments 01 26 :: Week 03

When we bought this chair years ago, we said it was off limits for the dogs. Look who has decided that it his new comfortable space. 

Four other gym friends and I got to celebrate our friend Lauren's 30th birthday! Crazy to think I've known her since she was younger than Hudson. She's a pretty special person, and such a loyal friend to those who know her. We are lucky. 

It was Van's 5th birthday on Sunday. To celebrate, Brian and I took him to do what he loves best. 

It's really fun watching him do what he's meant to do in the fields. Even if I still refuse to pheasant hunt myself. 

It was a really gorgeous day. We were lucky to be able to get out.

Once we were back home, we got to celebrate this mighty hunter with his birthday crown and some cake, of course. 

On Monday, Cole and I took this guy out on a field trip - 4-year old Jupiter. We are both obsessed and thinks he looks like a meatier Stormy. 

He was really timid at first, but warmed up really quickly and was just so much fun to hang out with.

I have a feeling he's going to be a really snuggly, faithful companion to whoever is lucky enough to adopt him. Such a sweet guy. 

Beautiful winter skies. 

Moments 01 26 :: Week 02

Van and I came across some deer on our walk. Alway a fun sight to see. 

First field trip of the year was with this sweet girl, Mocha. She's 5-years old, super friendly and curious -- and already adopted! I'm so happy for her. 

Hudson is back in St. Louis after a few days training in Dallas, officially an employee of Go Jet and doing some more training. A benefit of them being based in St. Louis. It's still a grind, but must feel good to be home for a bit. The next few months are going to be super busy for him, but it's also very exciting. 

Took Gretel swimming. Her back legs are really losing muscle, so this is so good for her. Plus, she loves it so much. I'll need to take her more often. 

Forgot to post the last book I read. Finished on Dec 31, right in the nick of time for the new year. It had disturbing topics and trauma, but was really good. 

Folly Beach :: Day 07 + 08

Sadly, it was time to leave the place we love so much. Half of this trip was spent driving. Thank goodness we love a good road trip. We decided to take the van, and Brian drove the entire time. I'm not sure how he does it. Leif + Mel and Brian + I woke up early the morning we were leaving to see the sunrise. It's something Brian loves to do. I have to be honest, in all the years going, I've never gotten myself up to do it, preferring sleep over sunrise. But it was pretty magical to soak in. On our way out of Folly, we stopped by Lost Dog Cafe for coffees and a breakfast burrito before hitting the road. Of course, we needed another stop at Buc-ee's. You can never have enough beef jerky. We made it to Lexington, and met up with the gang for dinner at OBC Kitchen. How fun is that? It was really good, and so fun seeing our friends on last time before parting ways for a couple of weeks. We all had such a great time. The next day we made our way back, excited to see the dogs and Cole who did a great job holding down the fort for us.