Friday, April 27, 2012

Pickles & Picnics

Last summer Rob & I made pickles on our own for the first time. We had made them in the past with the help of his mom, & then my dad, but never by ourselves. So we headed to a local farm to get the cucumbers & dill. Our pickles actually turned out perfectly, perhaps I can post about how we made them in my next post in more detail.
Afterwards we headed over the park near our house for a picnic. The weather was simply too nice to not enjoy.
Photos by Rob & I

dress: target, flats: kimchi blue, denim jacket: f21 (probably 5 y/o)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Morel Season

It's that time of year again. Rob & I have been on the hunt almost every evening. We haven't had too much luck yet this year, but hopefully as the nights get warmer around here that will change. The photo above was taken last summer. We found those right in my parents backyard! I am not the biggest mushroom fan, but I must say that I LOVE morels! They are the best fried up with some butter.

Henry Rowe Manufacturing



These pictures are some of my favorite from all of last summer. It just so happened that both Rob & I had the day off and we both just felt like going for a drive. When we left we really didn't have a plan, it was just one of those that lays itself before you as you go. After driving through farmland and by fish-farms and dreaming of having our own land in the future we somehow ended up near this amazing place. I had been here once before with Rob, but I don't think I fully appreciated it as much the first time.





The ruins behind us are of an old furniture mill.







We took a lot of photos, but really can you blame us? This place was so beautiful and peaceful. There was really no one else around so we were able to explore until our hearts content. We have plans of visiting again this spring/summer. We will be moving this weekend, so I don't think there will be time, but perhaps sometime later this month. It's been hard to squeeze any fun in lately it seems, simply because Rob is so busy with work, I am living in Kalamazoo for school (rotation at Bronson), and we have been packing to get ready for our move (this weekend if all goes well). I just had a break last month, but I sure am ready for another!





I was thinking, this is one of those rare occasions that I am wearing shorts. I really feel like I prefer skirts, especially when its really hot because I hate when your legs stick to chairs!! But I broke down a few summers ago and bought this nice pair, and I am glad I did. They are nice for those times when you want to do some exploring! Here are some other ways I have worn them.





















Photos by Rob & I

chambray shirt: target, shorts: ny&co, shoes: kimchi blue

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

July 4th (So far behind..)



I suppose it is quite clear when these pictures were taken, and it makes me sad to realize that I really am that far behind in my posting here. But I have been doing a much better job of trying to get my memories up here so I really can't be too cross with myself. I took so many more photos throughout the night, but not all of them turned out the way I wanted. I am happy to have some of our family caught on film, I am not the best when it comes to remembering to take pictures when there are people around. Sometimes it's hard because you simply want to enjoy the moment with them.





Here is my lovely sister (in the middle) and her friend Suzi.



And here she is again with her friend Emily.



My lovely cousin Rachel is above and Rob's adorable nephew below. It was great to watch his reaction to the fireworks.





My dad & Rob did a great job putting the show together. At the end they sent a barge into the center of the lake to light off from! It was amazing. We have had a 4th of July fireworks show at our house for as long as I can remember, and I always look forward to it each year.








Photos by me (& family!!)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Pigeon Creek



We snapped these photos somewhat near our old house at Pigeon Creek Park. We visited here once before, when it was snowing & super cold, and we loved it, so we thought we'd come back when the weather was a little nicer. The sunlight was a bit strange to work with so some of these pictures turned out in an interesting way.



This dress has made an appearance here before, but it also has a lot of meaning to me as I was wearing it when Rob proposed! Right after the fact I never wore it, thinking that it was too special to ruin or somehow if I wore it the specialness would wear off. I'm not sure what made me get over it, but I am happy I did.





It's funny, I find that I am the type of person who holds on to things that have sentimental value. I certainly do this all things, but also with clothing or shoes. I can't seem to get myself to get rid of things like the shoes I wore to each prom. There are memories tied to them and I just can't seem to part with things like that. Oh well, everyone collects something and I just collect clothing.



















Photos by Rob

dress: kimchi blue, shoes: seychelles, sunnies: target

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Blandford Nature Center Revisited



Like I mentioned in an earlier post, Rob & I loved to visit Blandford while we lived in Grand Rapids. We took these photos on another hot day last summer.



Sometimes all you need in summer is a lightweight floral dress.





Photos by Rob

dress & sunnies: target, flats: f21