Popped into Robin's to catch the last part of Jordyn's fifth birthday party - the first in their new home! They set everything up in the unfinished basement and the kids loved it - loads of room to run and play! We tried to get a few family photos after, but you know how kids are... especially after they just partied it up! 
sunday in the orchard
Selika, Alex, Ricky and I set out for some apple picking fun in Hobart, Indiana! Thanks to my Indiana friends for recommending the County Line Orchard! We loved it! Still plenty of apples to pick (although Honeycrisp was gone) lots of pumpkins and some really amazing corn mazes! It's a big farm and the barn is chalked full of yummy goodness! It was the most beautiful Fall day - couldn't have ordered up anything better - really!
chicago in white : trois
This was my third year attending the Chicago in White dinner - a pop up / flash mob style dinner who's secret location is not revealed until we have all gathered at our harmonization points. In years past we have dined in Daley Plaza and along the Chicago River in front of the Merchandise Mart, so the bar was set pretty high. This year our head of table announced we would be dining at the Randolph Street Market there was silence... Yeah, that's because it's not exactly a Chicago landmark ... And, the market is held in a parking lot! I was completely underwhelmed by the venue this year, but enjoyed dining with my friends regardless. Hoping they get back on their game next year and move it back to August ... we were a little chilly! 
trampoline time
Spent last Saturday in Chesterton with the Pittmans. We took in the European Market, the Popcorn Fest over in Valpo and a little quality time in the back yard jumping on the trampoline and snapping a few photos. Let me tell you, it's a challenge to focus on a moving object when you are moving too! I couldn't believe how comfortable Sloane was on the trampoline - running, jumping, summer salts - so stinkin' cute! Oh and that hair, OMG that hair! Hello static! 
This photo says it all ... Fun! Fun! Fun! And a little out of focus... oh well still my fav!
headshot : pittman
I would not consider myself a portrait photographer, but now and then I will make an exception to shoot friends and family. I give huge props to photographers who photograph people for a living! It is enormously difficult to get a natural face and smile out of someone ... even when you know them really well. I snapped a few of Jeff over the weekend and got a few I think will fit the bill for his professional needs. Well, maybe not the laughing shot, but that is the most genuine shot from the series, so I had to share that one too.
beautiful day @ the botanic garden
So, I am not a huge flower person... but I do love the Chicago Botanic Garden. Marcey and I met the Robinson's there to spend the most lovely day wandering the different gardens. There was so much in bloom - pretty much everything looked great except for the roses, they were just past their time. I really think I should try to make it up there once each season. Next up would be Fall foliage ... putting that on the calendar now! Till then, enjoy some pretty flowers!
Oh and I almost forgot about the crazy lilly pads! That may have been Elliot's favorite of the day...
MILK photobook
Photobooks are the new scrapbooks and I kinda dig 'em. Now that I shoot all digital, I love making photobooks. I have tried about every company, but when I spotted MILK + Moleskin books on Fab, I snapped those up! I didn't love the interface to make the book and I didn't love the limited page templates, but I DO love the end product! Seriously was completely wowed when I got the first book I made, the Milk Photo Book. The linen is beautiful - the box that holds the album is well constructed and the button closure super cute. The quality of the paper and images is outstanding! As good, if not better than any of my previous books. For a really special occasion, this book is superb! 
4th of july weekend recap
I started my holiday a litte early with a concert at Ravinia to hear Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls and they were fabulous - played all the old favorites! We popped some bubbles to celebrate Amanda's birthday and did not let the rain get us down. Barbara and Steve even got to put use to their umbrella chairs!
Logged some balcony time with my new balcony slipper chair. I paid a visit to the Restoration Hardware outlet in Kenosha a week or so ago and picked up an awesome chair and cushion set for a song. First let me say holy smokes do they charge a LOT of money for their stuff. Do you know anyone that could justify outdoor cushions for over $800? No freakin way! But ... for $20, YES! YES! YES! And seriously, what do I care that the chair has one small piece that has been cut? I don't!
Caught a night out with our friend Bernard and his lady, who were in from LA. It's always so good to get together with old friends and just pick up where you last left off. I am so thankful for the fabulous people in my life!
And ended my weekend with a beautiful Sunday on the beaches at the Indiana Dunes with another one of my dear old friends in town visiting. So good to see Miss Mary and the Pittmans! The beach was pretty crowded too! It was a super weekend! So hard to go back to work after four and a half days full of fun!
flowers for mom
Happy Birthday Mom! Photos of beautiful peonies on your day! ( because you say I never take photos of flowers * wink * )
the weekend
Had a great weekend - drove to Chesterton to hang with my girls Holly and Sloane and to hit the European Market so I could pick up some yummy goodies. Rosemary flatbread, homemade granola - that's to die for! - locally made cheese and Ben's Soft Pretzels! Hands down the best soft pretzel I've ever had!! 
Got to sneak in a little time with the cutest little girl you ever did see - Sloane. I mean look at those blue eyes! And she gives me the funniest faces! 
And then Sunday was the most beautiful day. I took a walk, hit the gym and snaped a selfie for the G+ Sunday Selfie project. All iPhone ... I am getting very lazy about taking out the "big" camera ... But with the revamped VSCOcam, I just gotta tell you ... I'm loving it! I even love how it makes the photo fill the screen while it's saving the image to the camera roll! 