Boggio's Orchard

This past Sunday one of my good friends from high school, Mal, came down for a visit.  She and her husband live in the suburbs and she is always awesome about going out of her way to come out to Mendota whenever we're in town.

Posing with the pumpkins

Mama and Mara

For this visit we decided to do something different and headed to a local orchard.  Mara still really isn't at an age where she can take full advantage of all an apple orchard has to offer but she still likes to look around and take it all in.

This cutout was just her size

We got there a little after lunch and started to check out everything they had to offer.  There was a corn maze, apple picking, a petting zoo, peddle cars, hayrides and a corn sand box.  We took a few pictures in front of the pumpkins and then headed for the petting zoo.

We both had to get in on the action

I figured Mara would enjoy looking at the animals.  The donkey and camel came up to us immediately and I think Mara was a little intimidated by their size.  We then moved inside to some of the smaller animals.  They had bunnies, goats, chickens, sheep and an alpaca.  Mara was most mesmerized by the goats.  I think this is because they were practically climbing the gate to get at her!  (I think they're used to little ones feeding them with food)

Mal and Mara checking out the donkey

To top off the day we headed to the corner store.  As we entered the building we were immediately drawn to the bakery and the smell of their apple cider donuts.  We both walked out with half a dozen.  I also picked up some pumpkin butter, raw honey and caramels.

Mara preferred puffs to the donuts. 

Overall it was a great day.  It definitely kicked off the fall season and as always it was fun to hang out with Mal and catch up a bit!  As always we seem to pick up right where we left off.

Chicago

A few weekends ago Mara and I headed into the city to visit with one of my best friends, Arthi.  We were so excited to be able to go into Chicago and visit her.  With life so busy these days, it's rare that we get time, yet alone two whole days, to hang out together.  

When we arrived we quickly got settled and headed out into the city.  It was a beautiful morning and we wanted to take full advantage of it.  Mara was in awe of the city and everything there was to look at.  She sat contently in her stroller just taking in the sites as we made our way to Millennium Park.  

Loving the splash pad

Checking out the other kids

At the park we let Mara get in the splash pad.  Although she was too small to run around with the older kids she had a blast just sitting and watching everyone.  She eventually figured out she was surrounded by water and started splashing with both her arms and legs.  By the end of our time there she was crawling around and just loving all the commotion.  

Taking it all in

After the splash park we headed to the landmark that Millennium Park is known for...the Bean!  Mara was less than impressed by the huge sculpture and I don't think I got one picture of her looking into it.  She mainly wanted to check out all the people around.

Mara is less then impressed

We swung into Panera for a quick lunch.  Mara devoured her mac & cheese while making some pretty interesting faces at Arthi.  I was so happily surprised by how fast Mara warmed up to Arthi.  She didn't have any stranger danger and was "hamming" it up for her immediately.

Shopping was on our agenda next as we headed to State St.  We ducked into Old Navy and picked up a few tops for all of us.  When we left the store the sky was looking pretty black.  Thinking it would be just a quick shower we stopped into another store.  

A few minutes later and the rain just getting heavier we decided to call a lift and head home.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing in their apartment.  Mara loved looking down at all the cars zooming below.  She also loved hiding behind their curtains and playing peek-a-boo.

On Sunday we decided to head to Lincoln Park Zoo.  I wasn't too sure how much Mara would get into it and I was pretty much right on target.  She was pretty much zoned out the entire time despite us pointing out the animals and getting pretty close to some of them.  

A male lion lazes in the shade

After a short lunch she came alive for a brief second as we passed by the flamingos.  I don't know if it was the pink colors, the flapping feathers or the squacking that got her attention but she did pay attention finally.

The flamingos

Checking them out

Arthi and Mara

After the zoo we decided to get manicures and pedicures.  Mara did great sitting in my lap for the majority of the treatment.  She quickly passed out and fell asleep in the Ergo as I finished drying my nails.  We stopped in for some ice cream before heading back to the apartment for the night.

Another bean shot

Getting stuck in Arthi's couch

Overall we had a blast!  It was so nice to be able to visit with Arthi (& Vik!).  I loved being out in the city and getting to explore some of the gems that it has to offer.  

I Am So Thankful

This morning I woke up to an incoming text message from one of my fellow mamas back in North Carolina who just happens to be walking through this deployment thing as well.  She was simply asking for prayer.  It just warmed my heart to read through all the other messages that had already come through in response offering prayer, a ear to listen, encouragement and even a laugh or two.

And I was just awe struck by this amazing network of people He has placed me in as my little family walks through this deployment.  I know for some being close to their families during this time is key.  I'll be the first to say that this time up with my family has been amazing but there is something about our community in North Carolina that I long for.  Our church, our friends we've found there, those who "get" the whole military thing. :)

Deployment is hard beyond what I ever imagined it to be but being among these ladies everyday has made it a whole lot easier.  Some of these ladies are military wives, some are not.  Some have walked through multiple deployments and for some this is their first.  Some have littles too, while others are expecting their first.  Some won't see a deployment in their time in North Carolina and others have seen too many.

Regardless of what any of our current status looks like I am constantly humbled and appreciative every time one of us seems to struggle.  The others rally around offering help and prayer.  It's these ladies I know I can cry to, laugh with, express my frustration, look to for distraction and turn to when I am at my wits end.

He always knows exactly what we need.  He knew I needed this kind of support while Josh was away.  He knew I needed these ladies around me.  He knew that I would be able to do the same for them.  He knew that we would surround each other.

He always knows exactly what we need.  And for that I am so thankful

Jess's Wedding

Last weekend Mom, Mary, Mara and I headed into the burbs to attend one of my college roommate's wedding. I was so excited that the timing worked out for me to attend.  I was really looking forward to seeing some of my Augie friends and catching up with everyone again.

We checked into the hotel and had a little free time to get settled.  Mara made the most of it crawling all over the hotel room.  It's hard keeping her contained these days.  I got ready and headed downstairs to the ceremony.

The location was beautiful and the weather was perfect, right on the lake.  The ceremony was short but meaningful.  There were a ton of fun details that were so Jess and Adam.  I especially loved their "unity painting".  I give Jess a ton of credit for painting in her white dress.

Ceremony location

After the ceremony we moved to the patio overlooking the lake for cocktails.  It was so nice to finally be able to give everyone hugs and see what they have been up to these years.  I think it's been about four years since we have all gotten together!  I was especially excited to see that Jo had flown all the way from Sweden for the event.

Around 7 we moved into the hotel for dinner.  The dinning room was just as spectacular.  After many speeches we enjoyed dinner and I headed upstairs to put Mara to bed.  Little miss had ideas of her own and decided she wasn't ready quite yet.  So instead we opted to go join the party.

Congrats guys!

Everyone loved meeting her and I think she loved all the commotion.  She happily clapped after all the specialty dances and flashed everyone her beautiful smile.  Eventually she did tucker out so we headed back upstairs for bed.

I sneaked back downstairs for the remainder of the party.  We enjoyed a late night snack of McDonald's hamburgers and danced the night away to classics from our high school years.  I have never heard so many oldies (but goodies) at a wedding before.

So good seeing this lovely lady again

Soon it was midnight and I was beat.  I said my goodbyes and headed back upstairs.  It was so amazing to see everyone again and to be able to be a part of Jess and Adam's day.  These people were such a huge part of my life in college and it's nice to see we can connect again years later.

Happy wedding day Jess and Adam!  Wishing you guys many years of happiness.  Love you guys!!

Mara getting into her toys 

Arthi's Wedding

The last part of our trip was spent at one of my best friend's wedding.  I met Arthi at the University of Michigan and she stood up for me at my wedding.  I was so excited that both Josh and I could make it to every part of her wedding weekend.

Circling the Eternal Fire

The weekend started off with Vik and Arthi's Hindu ceremony.  Although the day was cold (think snowing in May) we had a great time.  I have never attended a Hindu ceremony and loved learning all the rituals and traditions that went along with it.  I got to dress up in Indian clothes and loved all the beautiful colors and jewelry that went along with the day.  Every detail was gorgeous and both Josh and I loved being a part of it.

The bridesmaids

After the ceremony we ate a delicious lunch.  It took both of us back to our Kenyan days and delicious Indian food.  It was so good!  Wedding games followed lunch and it was fun watching Arthi and Vik compete against each other.

From the Hindu ceremony we headed to the rehearsal.  The second ceremony would be a Catholic mass which required a bit of coordination.  After a quick run through it was off to eat!  We had dinner at a great little pizza and pub place.  Arthi and Vik opened the floor for toasts and advice and we had a great time hearing everyone offer up their thoughts.

Selfies in the limo on the way

Saturday was the big day and we woke up bright and early to get everything situated and ready.  Arthi looked beautiful in her dress. It was so classic especially with the lace veil.

I can't put into words how beautiful the day was.  Arthi really had every detail planned to the tee.  Everything was just so romantic.

Beautiful bride

After the ceremony we all piled onto the trolley and headed down to take a few pictures.  It was so much fun to just let loose and relax after the long weekend.  Not only do they (Arthi and Vik) know how to plan a wedding but they know how to plan a party!  Josh and I had a blast.

The night continued with great food, good drink and lots of dancing.  Again I am so thankful that we were able to be a part of her day.  Words cannot express how much I love that girl and I was so happy to be able to support her in my small way.  Congrats Arthi and Vik!  Here's to many more happy years to come!  Love ya guys!!

I'd do it all over again with this guy any day!