Family Photos: Cousins and Apple Orchard Fun!

By now, you know how much I absolutely LOVE life in the Midwest! Well, add some cousins and apple orchard fun into the mix and I get downright giddy!

Last month, we enjoyed visits from two of my cousins on two separate weekends. First, my cousin Jennifer flew in from Washington D.C. And spent a couple days at our house. We hadn’t seen each other in almost 10 years, so there was a lot to catch up on! I loved hearing all sorts of stories about Jennifer’s life in D.C. and what it’s like being an art history/architecture professor. And of course we had Portillo’s for lunch on the last day — I mean, it IS a classic Midwest staple, after all…

Ms. Bear also made her famous almond cookies and added a special touch…candy corn to mark the season!

The following weekend, my other cousin Mona came for a visit. I hadn’t seen her since 2012 and I’ve always been envious of her glitzy, jet-setting NYC lifestyle (case in point: she just spent the last four days in Dubai and is now headed to Thailand!) — she’s so glamorous!

We headed to Honey Hill Orchard on a beautifully sunny afternoon — remember when we went there years ago? It was high time that we return! And true to her stylish ways, Mona came prepared with a selfie stick; it was an amazing little gadget and I’m probably way more obsessed with it than I should be! But…the photo possibilities!

Anyway, have I mentioned how delicious their donuts and apples are? It’s like a big burst of fall goodness in your mouth, trust me!

It was SO nice to spend time with Jennifer and Mona, especially since I don’t get to see my mom’s side of the family as much as I’d like — we’re all spread out all over the country! Thanks, cousins, for the wonderful time and for making me smile.

How has the last few months of 2016 been for you, friends? Hope you’re able to spend it with the people who mean the most to you! xoxo