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We packed up last Friday and headed north. My husband thought it would be a great idea to take our 4 and 2 year old nieces with us to Illinois… so we did (I was a little nervous about 10+ hours in the car with a 2 & 4 year old). We made it a 2 day trip, spending Friday night with our friends Jennie Marie, Carlton, and Emma Hensley. I wasn't sure if I would remember which house was theirs as we were arriving after dark, but JM told me on the phone "you'll know which house it is when you see it"… I took her word for it…
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Remember? It was even lit up!!!
JM, thank you for the hospitality and graciously allowing our mini-travelers to stay in EH's room… we had a blast. Yummy food and good times! Thank you!
Emma Hensley hated to see us leave on Saturday morning, we had so much fun!
My mom did not know we were bringing her granddaughters (I love to surprise people)- so when we arrived at the farm on Saturday afternoon she squealed and screamed and instantly started the tea party! Okay, maybe I don't have a picture of Saturday afternoon's tea party, but this photo from Sunday's breakfast will suffice. The terriers like to tea too, maybe it's the "kid height table".
Does everyone know that I've never lived at the farm? My parents bought the farm when we lived in Louisville, Kentucky… it's 2 hours west of Louisville… outside of the small town where my parents both grew up. My parents sold their house in Louisville 2 years ago, and since then mom lives at the farm, dad works in Chicago and they travel to see each other on weekends. Just thought I'd clarify because it could get confusing.
Chance's side-kick (my dad) had to work until Wednesday, so Chance was on his own… he made good use of his time. He got dad's 1962 Suburban Carry All running. Like the gas tank? He was so excited, and dad could not believe it when arrived home and it wasn't sitting (dead) where it always sat. Mom told us we could have it if we could get it running. Dad disagreed. We'll see.
I never dreamed I'd marry someone as resourceful as that man above. I am in good hands. I was thinking about it last week, I honestly think my dad likes Chance more than he likes me! (HA! I'm laughing but it's a little bit true.)
So since it was running I hopped in and had my husband take me for a spin.
You've seen the outside of the farm… maybe you want to see a little of the inside?
That's Chasey… when it's dinner time (5:00 sharp) the girl stands in the pantry (where her dog food is kept). Darby and I surprise my parents with Chasey as a Christmas gift Christmas of 1997.
There are lots of blankets and pillows and always a fire in the fireplace.
This is the "Prof" that's short for "Professor"… who's real name (officially on his dog tag) "Bird Brown, phD". The Professor was my dog before Penelope & Paisley. Then my dad stole him from me. He is a rescue as well. A brown dog. With a name that starts with P. I love him. He always thinks it's funny to squeeze his wide-load into P&P's dog bed. Paisley likes him too.
The house was built in the early 1800s… this is the dining room… original to the house.
Mom, you can put my name on these pheasant/turkey/quail (bird) plates Darby already has some toile-ish plates. Thanks!
We like dogs.
Who knew okra was beautiful when dried? Mom did.
We laugh a lot. I mean A LOT. Like laugh so hard you think you might throw-up.
My sister brings it upon herself. (pretend like I just uploaded a hilarious picture of her).
Instead I'll show you this picture of her taking a bite of spaghetti in the background. My family is notorious for getting out the camera once everyone has a heaping plate full of food. It's not nice.
But I did it anyway.
Some of you may have noticed the occassional comment from my cousin who we appropriately call "Cousie"… well, there she is. If anyone lives in the Chicagoland area… she's a hair stylist in Naperville (we come from a long line of hair stylists), in fact she cut my hair while I was home. If you want her info you can email me. She's like the older sister Darby & I never had… and that's her mom in the background… who is my mom's sister, who is also a hair stylist.
If you know me well, you know that plumbing and door hardware are slight obsessions. The only thing better than Rocky Mountain is old, original hardware. Mom and dad kept all the doors original to the house and put them back in after renovation. Many still have skeleton keys. It makes me happy.
The doors have been stripped… some of them left with crunchy old layers of paint.
That door behind Paige leads to the master bedroom- it's my favorite door in the house.
We don't have grass at our house. The girls take full advantage of their time in the grass at the farm.
Nice sunlight huh? Fast dogs too. Really fast.
Twin dogs, who happen to match the decor, love twin beds.
Daddy Boy talked us into staying one more day. We complied. Then he went into hibernation.
We spent some quality time with Gram & Gramp (my mom's parents). We are so thankful for them, their health, and their love. Gram has lots of fragile little things, yet she's always glad to see her great granddaughters. I'm sure she was a little worried when Chance started this helicopter game…
The girls love Uncle Chance. Feelings are mutual.
Paige was interested in the binoculars. I wonder what she saw.
Yours truly above on the right.
We also took a couple of hours to visit with Mimi (dad's mom) and learn a little more about our heritage… we aren't the only identical twins, Papa (dad's dad) was a twin, and so was Papa's grandmother!
Mimi as a child.
Papa's mom… Effie Ellen.
On Thanksgiving Day we headed to my great aunt, Mary Jo's house. Over the river and thru the woods we saw some beautiful farm land.
Oh and did I mention my sister has a son too, who we did not offer to take with us (for obvious reasons like I can't feed him), but who later joined us? John Martin, cutest boy in town. He cries a lot, but he's so darn cute it's okay. He also has a smile that will melt your heart! I had pictures without the paci, but the paci is so cute…
So, back to Thanksgiving Day… in addition to all my relatives who I love so much, there was a new addition this year… and I'm not talking about the cutie above, although he is precious.
Holy snorgle-lips. A tiny terrier. I die. I could not take it. I went crazy. And to think my Great Aunt Jo had this phenomenal vintage green sofa in her basement made it all the better.
Brace yourself for terrier time…
A puppy makes everything more fun!
If Penelope & Paisley had only known their new cousin dog was going to be around, they would have come along too!
He's about 10 weeks old, a Jack Russell, who remains nameless. They called him "JR" for Jack Russell, but I think a P name like Piper or Poncho would be cute.
I got 6" cut off my hair. Finally. Thank you Cousie.
We all took turns. Kind of. Well, maybe I should say… I shared the little man with everyone.
The good thing about a black and white dog is they look good on everything… which makes it harder to keep them off the furniture, your lap, etc. Here's Cousie again…
His real owner is below in the middle, my cousin Brett. Brett if you get tired of the puppy, call me.
I love my family. I am so blessed and grateful for them.
We don't have very many pictures like this so we took one for good measure.
Cousins, wait make that: a first-cousin on the left and a second-cousin on the right. Love them.
There was lots of baby-kissing, frisbee-throwing, and tree-climbing too.
Mimi and Morgan…
There, of course was a lot of laughing. These three are cousins by marriage. Darby's husband, Cousie's husband, and my husband. Not sure what they were laughing at, sorta scared to even ask.
My sister makes her children's clothes. It's insane. These persimmon featherwale corduroy numbers had patch pockets in olive gingham and a ruffle at the bottom of the pants in the same fabric. She doesn't sew for others… although she could make lots of money, and get lots of gray hair if she did.
My sister and I ventured out of the house on Saturday for a little shopping. She's not much of a shopper, she never has been… which has always annoyed the ever-living stew out of me. She was always "that girl" sitting with the old men on the bench at the front of the store, pouting because she was ready to go. Well, we hit a few spots she liked that I happened to like too. I have not been to a Jo-Ann's fabric store in a very long time. Here's what I fancied:
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Its jute upholstery webbing. Random? I think not. There's a girl on Etsy who makes bags and purses and uses this for the straps. It reminds me of my own purse straps. I didn't buy it. But I might. $.89/yard. Not sure why I didn't buy it… but I did not. Could be cute banding on a table skirt or roman shades.
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Okay, so I couldn't resist. These vintage Ralph Lauren boots were at one of my must-stop antique malls (in the middle of nowhere). They had never been worn. The price tag on the bottom (original) said $485.00. I paid less than $100 for them. Now, I fear I won't wear them. I worry it was a weak moment purchase. It was one of those "if the shoe fits" moments, and they are a 7.5 (they fit). I love them. They remind me of my Frye ones that are shorter. We'll see. I may put them on ebay. PS- that's my new sofa in the background… I'll tell you more about it later. Cute linen kick pleat, right? I spent a few hours resting on that sofa last night and came to realization that I LOVE IT. I was fearful at first it was an impulse buy, but last night confirmed for me that it wasn't. The boots, however may be another story.
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Vintage "wall pocket" as my mother informed me. $8.00, I bought it for my kitchen.
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Plaid fabric. I liked it… in a Burberry sort of way. It was at JoAnns (Burberry would probably be offended). It would make a cute throw for an old tufted leather club chair, and I'd wear my Ralph Lauren boots whilst sipping espresso in front of the fire, and I'd be wearing round tortoise shell eyeglasses, with my sweater around my shoulders. Oh, and I'd have my hunting dogs at my feet. Are you laughing?
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Vintage picnic baskets. I was noticing them everywhere. This is something I would collect and then my husband would secretly give to Goodwill when I wasn't looking. I need no more collections. But I liked them.
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My mom and dad have an office in town, and this big "deer" as Morgan called it (actually an elk) hangs on the wall over dad's desk. If it were to fall, it might be the end of DaddyBoy. When I asked mom where it came from she started laughing uncontrollably "he bought it on ebay". In his defense, he is a game hunter, and has bagged an elk or two, but not this particular one. This is the kind of thing DaddyBoy does that cracks us up. I wonder who "delivered" the elk, UPS or Fed Ex?
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Chance and I had lunch at Hadley's… an old diner in town. My Papa used to have coffee and lunch there almost everyday. I adore the floor pattern, the greek key border, the old diner stools, the aluminum foot rail… all of it.
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The food was good too!
Holy-never-ending-blog-post… is anyone still reading? I promise, it's coming to an end.
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There they are… the two that make going "home" so much fun. Circa 1987? My mom in a sheep sweater and my dad in a zig-zag number with a big mustache. I am always grateful that they haven't killed each other yet and that they are still married. Thank you for a wonderful week of rest, laughter, good food, vintage shelter mags beside my bed, hot tea, good games of Catch Phrase, antiquing, and everything in between.
Love you,
your favorite younger daughter
(who wants some of that furniture out in the barn and in the shop in town)
What an enjoyable post! So glad that you and your lovely family had such a nice Thanksgiving
I was wondering about the boots you have on in the pic w/ your sister & Cousie- the one you took for ‘good measure”. Dark brown, with the cuff at the top- they just look fabulous! Mind sharing where they are from?
Erika! What a great post!! Glad you had a great trip~ it was such a great idea to pick up the girls and suprise your mom! looks like you had a nice, relaxing, well deserved break! Take care!!
Loved every bit of it, Erika and enjoyed all the wonderful photos of your family. Glad you all had so much fun and love being together! That is so neat!
Wonderful post…..thanks for sharing!
MOVIE. STARS. I love the whole durn thing (that’s me being Southern). I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for you or Darby to re-cap – and this, my friend, was worth the wait! What a beautiful, all-american Thansgiving! Yeah!!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful farm visit with us. It was so much fun to read. Family really is everything.
I don’t know where to begin it was all fabulous! I like the big E that lights up, the farm, your hunting grounds (vintage finds…the picnic baskets etc..), I love the old car, the green sofa… and of course all the pups!! Did I miss anything?
Is your daddy in the taxidermist (sp?) business?! I got a chuckle out this pic I wonder how big the box was that it came in.
I live about an hour north of Naperville (not too far), but I have a friend that works in Naperville I can let him know about your Cousin.
The diner floor and stools remind me of our local diner that closed last year. I hope someone opens it soon- I miss it.
It looked like a wonderful time and a lot of laughs.
How are you feeling? U hope so.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful post! I loved it!!!
PS_Miss Kelly loves wearing her jackets when she was younger she would prance around barking as to say “look at me”!
what a wonderful wonderful post. it looks like you have such a loving and close (not to mention good looking!) family. the pictures are all great too – nice to capture images like these – they will truly last a lifetime and beyond.
I love it here. I love your writing and I love your photographs. Thanks to Melisa at the Lil Bee for linking to you!
What a great trip! You guys seem like such a sweet, fun family.
I think you should keep the boots. What a great find! I like the new couch from what I can see.
Glad you guys had a great holiday.
I happened upon your blog a couple of weeks ago (I can’t even begin to guess how). I love your style. This post made me laugh out loud. It’s great to see another Auburn grad!!!
Oh you made my day! I loved every inch!
What a great post – thanks for sharing, you are truly blessed with such a wonderful family and an awesome place to celebrate family – that farm is soooo dreamy!
ERIKA, DON’T YOU DARE PUT THOSE BOOTS ON EBAY!!!
sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! i could never pay my sister enough to ride with my kiddos 10 hours in the car never mind offer. you definitely get the best sister award! the little blue stool with the dog bowl on it is the exact pic you see in my mom’s home. btw, i love the boots!
{Avid blog subscriber…}
I loved this post – read like a story. And I loved all the picture you took. I finally got the coveted Nikon D60 (18-55 lens), but I am asking for two others for Cmas – the 50mm and a longer zoom lens. I just love the way your photos look – I hope to develop that talent one day =).
What a wonderful post! So sweet and heartwarming! My little girl was sitting in my lap when I was reading it, and she kept saying “puppy” and “baby” – what can I say, she’s an early UGI blog fan!
Glad you’re back, and hope you’re feeling better!
I like your style of photography! Your trip looks very nice and the farmhouse is awesome! Coincidentally, I moved from Naperville to Louisville…so I might have run into your cousin at some point! Have a nice holiday season…
Such a wonderful post! Don’t sell the boots!
Loved your precious post
Such a sad face! & you had me laughing outloud about Chance giving your baskets away if you started collecting – and about your Dad and the Elk!
I gasped and put my hand over my mouth when I saw the picture of Emma Hensley
Your Mom is a twin too, right?!
LOVE everything- the pictures are gorgeous. I just about SQUEALED seeing that adorable pup!
I love it, all of it. That is officially the longest yet still flowing posts I’ve read and yes I did read all of it. Great recap, I’m so glad yall had a great time with everyone! We sure loved having you here!
Those boots are so fly. Will look great with a fitted white oxford and skinnies. Throw on a string of pearls and chocolate wrap and you’re set.
All I kept thinking about during this post was, “oh my gosh, this HAD to have taken hours….hours!!!” I know how long it takes to download photos, wow you’re patient.
Great post.
Finding your blog has been the highlight of 2008. It is my most “favoritist” one even though I have followed links to many other great ones. Yours touches my heart in a way I cannot explain, even to myself. This post was like the icing on the cake and belive it when I tell you how much I love icing on cake! You featured my little rescue “Piper” in your dog photo contest and I will be sending you an updated photo soon. I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration and entertainment you provide.
where to even start?! haircut is super cute, new sofa looks awesome, do NOT get rid of those boots, those EARS on little Poncho (which should definitely be his name), the door hardware is awesome, and I think I’m going to have to track down some of that jute upholstery webbing. and the babies are so dang cute it kills me. what a fun week!
Ironically – I wear a 7.5; so I’ll save you the trouble and I’ll buy your boots!
It definitely love at first sight for me!
Oh oh oh — Can I come live at the farm? Beautiful people, beautiful post. (Sigh)
Great post!!! I loved reading all about your trip. Amazing pics and what a great farm that your parents have.
I loved the latest pup in the famiy. JR. Too cute!!!
You must keep those boots. I love them and I’m a 7.5 so if you want to part with them I’ll buy them!
Love the little bit of the sofa that I can see. I love details such as the pleating.
ok where to start-
Haircut? over the top – totally glamorous!
Chance?- pretty darn handsome and a lucky man to have married you!
All those farms ? would love to have been there…
Your new sofa? must see a full picture- am sofa shopping as we speak!
and lastly – where are the lights from in your parents shop? Need those bad boys for over my island in the kitchen–Loved this post and read every last word of it! Glad you’re back!
I love this post! What wonderful pictures -thank you so much for sharing! I have to agree that the boots are definite keepers – I love the suggestion of wearing them with pearls and a chocolate brown wrap. It makes me want to go and change right now!
Wow, that post was the best! I’ve been a reader of your blog for a little while now and I just love it! These are my favorite kinds of posts on blogs because it really gives you a glimpse of your history. Glad you had such a great trip… and i LOVE those picnic baskets!!!
skeleton keys, picnic baskets and Hadley’s…OH MY!!! i am in love…and living in the wrong place. here’s the deal, i want to house hop. i want to see all of these places you take us to. thanks for sharing!! your eye candy is quickly becoming some of my favorite vacation spots.
loved the post! from professor in the small dog bed, to the door hardware (love it!), to the puppy, to the boots, and everything in between. great post, and thank you for sharing.
Love the boots! You should keep them. Tell us more about the couch…
Love it all! Wal-mart also has that jute webbing. You take such great pictures! Love the glimpse of your couch.
Sso cute!!!
listen – my dad likes my husband better than me – no doubt – I say that all the time. what a darling family you have and I can tell you and your sister apart! I know a way to do it!!
Sister,
Did you know if you “pandora” Patty Loveless holiday you will totally rock out all day long? Do it and think of me! We can rock out together! Love you!
Great recap. Love all the pics. Love the commentary even better. I don’t know why you didn’t put that lovely picture of me eating on there? Hmm. Also, did you know you are a blog rock star. I think you need to capitalize… and share with me!
You are sooooo lucky.
I mean it !!!
I loved the whole thing.
You are a funny, funny girl! Daddy-Boy’s elk was cracking me up!
I enjoyed it all! I really like the haircut! So glad you got to spend time with your precious family! I know Morgan & Paige LOVED the ride with you and Chance! That was NICE!!!!!!!!!!! love you LOTS! (maybe I can see you FINALLY when little caleb arrives!)
Brookey! That pic of me at dinner might turn people off about getting a haircut from me. However, I appreciate the possible business;) I loved seeing you all at Thanksgiving. Catch phrase was hilarious! What a great time! I wish you all would come back for xmas!! I know it’s a little far to drive but it’s so much fun! We’ll plan our spring trip soon!! Can’t wait! I love you!
well, if you don’t keep the boots, put them on ebay or sell them to susan, i’ll buy them from you too…they are great and worth more than $100….love those. happy december!
Love the sofa! Mind sharing where you found it?
This is such a great post! Love the E
The farm looks amazing. I want that truck! Your photos are all amazing.
What a heartwarming post! Thanks for sharing…
I love upholstery webbing too, it’s one of my “things”. I fell in love with it about 10 years ago when I saw a board covered with woven webbing. It still makes me swoon. Silly I know.
Erika! What a fabulous thanksgiving holiday you had! Your photos are fabulous; I love your photography style. Your nieces are too adorable…and your entire family is beautiful. Loved seeing all these photos. Now, that I know you’re home, a proper thank you is coming your way. (Thank YOU for your help with our powder room!)
I love how much your entire family loves its doggies! I think the best window into someone’s character is how they treat their animals! LOVE IT!!!!
Happy December…
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sharon
http://www.autoloans101.info
martha did once did a woven area rug out of jute upholstery tape. i have always wanted to make one. i’m doing the math right now… hmmm.
At last! Someone who undetrsnads! Thanks for posting!