Stoltzfus Farm

During our abbreviated trip to Pennsylvania, we stopped by a farm owned by the Stoltzfus family. (For those of you from Lancaster County - yes, I realize that could mean a number of farms) Maybe I should say "A Stolzfus family." After city living, it was refreshing to pull into an amish farm off a country road and pick out pumpkins at my leisure, look in on the baby cows, peek at the horses, pet the dog, wander around one of the barns. It was just relaxing. Slower paced. Nice.

Side note: cows are easily spooked. I leaned over to pet one and scared three of them into running across to the other side of the pen. whoops. I'll stick with the dog.

Another side note: Yes, I carted pumpkins and indian corn the whole way back to Chicago. They're so much more expensive out here.

It's a bird, it's a plane...

On Saturday we went to see the Chicago Air and Water Show and we have the sunburns to prove it. (I'm pretty sure my forehead is medium rare. And yes, I did put sunscreen on, I just forgot my face.) I do have to say this is one event downtown that I don't mind attending with the masses. Mainly, because everyone finds a spot and sits. I can handle that. Plus, they sell roasted corn on the cob. Another point in the "pros" column.

Involved in the show were: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs, U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue... (oh, here's a list of the full program). Let's sum it up by saying it was a great line up, since I'm a bit rusty on all the different planes. Plus, you're here because you want to see the pictures, not listen to me narrate the whole thing. But before we get to them, I just have to say... those F-15/F-16 were awesome. I could have watched them zoom past all day long, especially against the city as a backdrop.

Finding our seats...

Notice they're headed opposite directions? Look carefully.

This was actually part of a very moving display where the 6th plane flew off in another direction, I'm assuming as a tribute to all those they've lost.

Upside down. Crazy.

This plane was awesome and so fast that this is the best picture I could get.

Hello Thunderbirds

INSANE. That's the best way to describe this.

The smoke left behind by all the fly bys.

knitting again

Ever since KR left, I have been knitting away (as previously mentioned). My most recent project is only in the 'cast on' phase, but I hope to be adding more rows later today. I really can't wait to see how it turns out. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what it will be or even show you the color because... shhhh! It's a secret! Don't tell anyone that you know about it. Okay, I may have, in my excitement, leaked it out to a few people. If you are one of them... keep a lid on it! For the rest of you, here's a sneak peak at the beginnings. I promise to show you the end result once it has been gifted.

geocaching in a golf cart

Geocaching for those of you who are not familiar with the term, is basically modern treasure hunting. Based on the latitude and longitude you attempt to find a hidden cache. It's really quite fun. Last weekend we were up in Michigan and the lake community we stayed at had a bunch hidden around the grounds. We grabbed a list of the locations (with their clues), found some wifi to download the coordinates and hopped in the golf cart and we were off... until it got too dark to find things. Who knew a golf cart could be so much fun?

knitting spoils

Due to the recent increase in baby activity around us, I've been knitting up gifts the past few weeks, with more planned for the future. It must be noted that the hoodie could not have been accomplished without my dear friend K. I would have been utterly lost without her help. Seriously. She helped me crank that thing out in a week. But now I know how to knit in the round and a few other snazzy things!

A hat for bringing the baby home from the hospital (it'll be winter time in Chicago... brrrrrr!)

A hoodie for baby c.r.l.

with booties to match!

adorable baby c.r.l.

One of my closest friends, E (who married C a few years back) just had their first child. They happened to be traveling out to Michigan for a wedding, so we took the opportunity to drive up there and meet them. Okay, so seeing the baby was my main motivation, I'll be honest. We only had a few hours (it went much too quickly) but I was able to snap a few shots before we left. I told E that I was tempted to just kidnap him and take him home for at least a few days, but I resisted and instead settled for just looking at the pictures an unmentionable number of times.

PS: If you think I had a thing for shoes/feet... baby feet takes it up a whole other notch, trust me. They're just so small and cute. I couldn't help myself. I really couldn't. It was like being drawn in by a magnet.

How do you not love this little foot?

And this little hand?

They're going to be great parents. (I've forgiven C for being a Michigan fan and indoctrinating his child so early. May need to buy some PSU attire in the future to combat that.)