Is it really the middle of July already?

I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by. Ed, the girls and I headed to Illinois last weekend for a little "getaway." On Friday we stopped in Covington, Indiana to visit the Portland Arch. It was listed in Nicole's book, "Off the Beaten Path, Indiana" described as "a stone arch that's so unique it's been declared both a National Natural Landmark and a state nature preserve." It was out in the middle of nowhere but was a nice little ramble through the woods.



We stayed overnight in Peoria and attended our niece's wedding on Saturday.



Congratulations Jessica and Kyle!



Our beautiful girls!!



We headed in to Chicago that evening and of course went out for pizza at our favorite pizza place, Lou Malnati's.

Sunday was such a beautiful day. We spent the afternoon at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. What a beautiful place!!



Love this red poppy. They had some that looked like ladybugs.



Walking across the bridge into the japanese section of the garden.





I don't know what this tree is called but I loved the flowers on it. I want one for our yard as soon as I figure out what it is.



This little girl about 8 years old walked up to the pond and said, "Oh my lovely little lily pads." I just about laughed out loud, so cute.





I've told Ed I would like a wooden portico built over the the back patio. I'm dreaming of this look shading us as we dine outside.



We headed to South Bend Sunday evening to spend some time with friends. Monday Carrie acted as the tour guide (Nicole's love of finding all the little unique places in the area that you live has rubbed off on Carrie.) Ed was being very patient as we stopped in little antique shops, etc. Then he spotted a sign that said Corvette Central and whipped the car right in the parking lot. It turned out to be parts shop, so he picked up a catalog for a co-worker.



We also spotted this. Loved the orange color. I told Ed this is the color his project vehicle needs to be!



We spent a few hours at the beach. Another beautiful day.



And of course one can't pass up ice cream. If one doesn't pass up ice cream they will begin to look like this...



Back at home we found these ugly catepillars have found a home on one of our tomatoe plants. I don't think I'll be getting tomatoes off of this plant.



My mother in law is coming to live with us, so we've been busy getting a bedroom ready for her in our living room and trying to give her a little privacy. She'll be here tomorrow night.





Off to bed. Another day of work tomorrow.