26 Years

Yesterday, Bryce and I celebrated 26 years of marriage.  It seems like a long time, and I'm choosing to not think of us as old so much as having gotten married very young (23).  I made a sweet little bouquet  in a vintage teacup (mug?) that a friend gave me because it's about a "Farmers Promise." It's actually very sweet and I love that it mentions flowers, fruits and chickens.  I thought to put our anniversary bouquet in a farmers mug would be appropriate since buying this farm has been on of the bigger things we've done in our marriage (besides our children and moving states). 

Earlier today, I posted a few pictures on our instagram and I had to chuckle because they looked so sweet but it didn't even come close to describing our day that was a bit of a disaster.  It was the epitome of instagram vs reality!  Bryce learned early in the day that he had Covid, once again.  Thus, our evening plans were ruined as well as our weekend plans.  I was so angry about the whole thing, not at him because it wasn't his fault, but rather at Covid in general.  Also, one whole side of my face is covered in what I can only guess is poison ivy.  So that's no fun.  I did make a celebratory pavlova that was supposed to be eaten family style but with Bryce having to keep his distance that didn't happen.  It was still good though!  

Two Days in Chicago

Before heading to Iowa, we stopped over in Chicago for a couple of days.  We really enjoyed exploring the city but wouldn't you know it, we were there during 2 days of record breaking heat!  It was so hot!  However, we didn't let it stop us from doing the things that we had planned.  Here's a rundown of our two days in Chicago. 

After we made it to our hotel room, we grabbed a delicious burger at Small Cheval and wandered down the Magnificent Mile.  On our way back, we walked on the Lakeshore Walk and had to stop to put our feet in the water to try to cool ourselves down a bit!

That evening, we went to a Cubs game at Wrigley Stadium.  It was fun to see the stadium and the game even though they lost.  

The next day, we started at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).  I was surprised how much trepidation I felt walking out on the ledges!  

Afterwards, we walked to Little Goat and had a delicious brunch.  It involved pork belly, french toast and pancakes and it was so good.  

From there, we walked to Millennium Park and saw The Bean (actually called Cloud Gate).  We also walked around (finding shade of trees wherever possible) to see the rest of the park and Buckingham Fountain, where we got a cool spritz from the water being carried on the wind.  

We then made our way to the blessedly cool Art Institute of Chicago.  We spent several hours here, wandering around the vast halls.

For a snack, we stopped by The LondonHouse rooftop bar.  It had spectacular views but we ended up eating inside as it was simply too hot to sit directly in the sun!

That evening, we went on an architectural boat tour of the river.  It turned out to be a perfect evening and 7:30 was the perfect time to do a tour since it started out in the daylight but ended with the city lit up for evening.  This was really informative and fun!  Afterwards, we had a deep dish Chicago style pizza but we were too hungry and had waited too long to stop and take a picture!

Two funny/interesting/odd things...

This is the art installation that made Harris declare he hated art...

And whether you love or hate Trump, I find it so odd that his name (it's his building) literally dominates the landscape of the river.  No other buildings even come close to having this large of a name on its side.  I'm so curious how the people of Chicago feel about it.  

Visiting Iowa

We just got back from a trip to Iowa for my mother-in-laws memorial service.  Marilyn passed in January but since covid was having a resurgence, her service was delayed until now.  It was a lovely service that paid tribute to a wonderful Mom, wife, sister and friend.  

It was really special to see so much family and as a bonus we got to attend a wedding while there!  

Prom

Last weekend Harris attended prom.  He chose not to ask anyone so he went solo and by all accounts it was an "alright" time!  I thought he looked super handsome in his suit, it's nice to see them all dressed up!

Here are a few photos of Harris with his good friends (the three amigos!) and the baseball team.