we finally made the drive to see all the pretty things!

We finally made the drive a few weeks ago to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Their gardens and sculptures are simply amazing. The bright colors of the foliage and variety of plants and flowers was stunning. I have NO IDEA how to identify plants besides the obvious ones (except even poison ivy!) and this place was dazzling to even the newbies like my daughter and myself. My personal favorite area was the tea garden where they were growing tea plants in colorful teapots on stakes.

Although it was a steamy, hot day they had shade and plenty of places to cool down during our visit. We walked what we could and drove through certain parts. The trails were marked well and easy to navigate. The roads to navigate each section were very maintained as well. We probably could've stayed a lot longer that day if it wasn't a million degrees out.

The sculptures change and vary depending on the season and theme. This particular sculpture was one we drove past and had to wedge the car at an angle to get a good view. It was one of my favorites. Even from the air conditioned car it was a beauty. This was one of the most thought provoking and conversation starting pieces.

This sculpture looks like a mom holding out her arms for a hug. Or a friend offering support. Or (if you believe) a holy spirit reaching out to say it's going to be okay. While you are able to touch the sculptures, you cannot climb on them. This would have been SUCH a great one to pose with.

Even my kid loved this place. She liked reading the descriptions of each sculpture and guessing the titles. I thought she'd love the children's garden more, but it was definitely enjoyed. They had interactive features everywhere, things to smell and touch, slides and climbing areas, even a huge watering can mister to cool everyone down. 

We rarely willingly drive so far for plants outdoors, but this drive was worth it. I am guessing it's just as amazing in the fall. The garden maze was fun and it will be even more full and colorful in the fall. Whether you like art or plants or just a stroll through the fresh air, this place will not disappoint! Just Google Morton Arboretum. You'll thank me.

enjoying summer while we can, however we can

How did summer start zipping by so quickly?!?! My heart can't even handle it. We pulled up the ol' bucket list to see what we may have missed and we're on the right track. Even our own personal bucket lists are almost complete (we still need to make pierogies- her suggestion, zipline- her suggestion, and fully bake/decorate a cake- my suggestion). My summer of just enjoying has been a success thus far. 

Every summer I make a personal to-do list with household chores or tasks to complete. I have painted walls, gutted rooms, created things, whatever. This year's summer to-do list was simple: put in her flower garden and get the yard looking nice again. Nothing more, nothing less. Not sure why I insist on killing each summer with these insane to-do lists.

 What am I trying to prove??? A bucket list each is plenty. She is enjoying this summer of fun and adventure with little setbacks or expectations beyond Relax and Have Fun. No longer will I kill it with my own personal to-do lists. It's stressful enough being a girl mom! ;) 

New goals: slow down, say no, ignore my phone, read, smile, enjoy nature. I do MOST of these things. Now I just need to do them MORE! Taking advantage of all the local entertainment our area has helps a lot to keep things fun, easy and laid back.  Now excuse me while I go soak up more of summer and probably check something off the fun list!

every summer day is an ice cream day

There's nothing better than some ice cream in summer. It's a nice cool down on a hot day. It's a fun treat for the kids AND the parents. Drumsticks and Choco tacos are good, but if you really want the good stuff you have to hit the local stops. Anyone from my area knows that the Dairy Haus is the spot that has it all.

The Dairy Haus is by far the best ice cream shop around. They're in a historic limestone building that matches the history and charm of the town. There's cute landscaping,  plenty of seating and fun, local flavors. They use Rockford coffee company coffee for one of my favorite ice cream flavors. Towards the end of summer, the apple orchard even gets a tie-in with apple cider donut sundaes.

I got so excited to get my local magazine and realize that Dairy Haus was listed as the number ONE ice cream shop around! Not surprising at all, by the way. Shop small, shop local. Keep the small town vibes! Support local by stopping over on a hot day for an amazing treat :)