Illinois | little lessons in a BIG city

travels // galena, IL.

I have a love affair with the small town of galena, IL. it is a place my parents would take me as a kid. but I’ve only become fonder of as an adult. any chance to stop, I do.

thankfully, [J] & I had to take the “long way home” on sunday [coming back from chicago], and galena was conveniently in our path. I ~~somehow~~ convinced [J] that I was absolutely starving & we needed to stop for dinner just about the time we approaching galena. and I got my wish, we dined at the galena brewing company. and took a brief walk down the main street. [even pulled off the highway for a quick landscape snapshot].

it is literally magical.

if you have not been to galena, IL ..it is time to start planning your trip. there are great restaurants, wineries, breweries, amazing shopping, historical landmarks galore, beautiful scenery. even better, it’s great during all seasons.

[especially in the fall, when the leaves are changing].

happy wednesday.

travels // chicago weekend.

courtesy of my telephone.

[J] & I packed our bags, loaded up the car, and headed east on friday. destination: Chicago, IL.

we were going to spend time with [J]’s family. and so I could attend his sister’s bridal shower. but whenever we make it to chicago, we cram as much as possible into our two short days. so there were strolls through the city, late night cocktails with friends, and early brunches. let’s just say I slept like a baby last night.

on our way home, we were quite literally driving into the heart of a massive thunderstorm. dodging tornadoes. not really my cup of tea. then we woke up to snow on the ground. which tends to put a damper on your already ‘monday’ morning. but I’m two cups of coffee in, and have high hopes for this week.

hope you all had the greatest weekend.

happy monday.

make the most.

after 5 days in chicago, [J] & I are back home in des moines.

unfortunately our very unexpected trip was not for the happiest of occasions.

we celebrated the wonderful life of [J]’s grandfather.

my immediate reaction when I learn someone I deeply care about passed away is my own sadness. how much I’ll miss them, in my life. but I eventually gain a better perspective. celebrating their life. [J]’s grandfather was the happiest man. he dearly loved his family and would do anything for them. he wasn’t the best joke teller, but could always make you laugh. and there is no doubt in my mind, he lived every day to the fullest. so even though our hearts are heavy, you can’t help but smile and hope to achieve the happiness & success he had in his life.

we drank our way though chicago with family. dedicating each toast to grandpa [J].

here are a couple shots from our visit to eataly chicago & a quick stop at antique archaeology on our road trip home.