The other night, Greg and I went morel mushroom hunting. There are these mushrooms that grow in the wild in the springtime that I guess are really really delicious and rare, and we were hoping to find some. … Read More »
Wedding talk, fishing, and love at Weldon Springs
Wedding planning and fishing.These two things have definitely been our main focuses these last couple of weeks, and it has been magical! That is just the best way I can describe it. Today, we started out the day with a yummy homemade breakfast and then went to try on suits for the big day!… Read More »
Spring! Spring!
Happy first day of spring everyone! There is just something about spring coming around that makes me so happy, and it feels all fresh and nice with the sun staying up longer and the breezy, warmer air.
Greg and I are most excited about nicer weather to fish in and take adventures in, and that our wedding is closer than ever! We’re also really excited about getting our kayaks out on the water. I am really determined to be a better kayaker this year. I’ve been doing extra push ups and everything so that I can row it super fast lol. I’ll let you all know how it goes the first time we take them out.
Anyway, these pictures are from about a week ago when we were really wishing spring would come faster. It was a little chilly sitting there out on the water, but now the first day of spring is here and we’re just so happy that we get to ditch our coats. What do you all love most about spring?
Sunday Sweetness
I hope you all had the most relaxing weekend! Greg and I sure did. For whatever reason last week felt so so long and somewhat stressful, and this weekend was exactly what we needed. Saturday night we cuddled on the couch, and I totally zonked out at like 7pm and slept like a full 12 hours! It was revitalizing, and I woke up the happiest ever! We also took it super easy this morning. We went and had french toast and omelets at the Times Past Inn , walked around Dick’s Sporting Goods, and then went out to Lake Evergreen for some fishing. It was so nice to just be able to chill and cuddle and relax together. Also, I am not so sure if I am ready for Monday to come yet lol. Can we just relive Sundays forever?! That would be the dream life.
Anyway, these pictures are from last Sunday (we took some today, too, but I felt like these should come first). Last week was just so crazy and got away from me, so here they are! We took a quick little fishing trip before dinner, and I absolutely loved this spot. This was at Lake Evergreen too, but we had to walk down this hill and over some rocks to get to it. It felt super adventurous. Greg and I are both so happy that fishing season is here, and now I am ready for some serious sunshine and dresses and taking the kayaks out!
And finally a few of my favorite things about Sundays….
- All the extra cuddles we have time for!
- Lighting a vanilla candle when we roll out of bed. It just makes our house smell so lovey dovey!
- Getting all dressed up for our Sunday breakfast dates! (Greg gets some extra sleep, and I get all dolled up. I love it!)
- The unlimited hot coffee at Bob Evans or wherever we decide to get breakfast 🙂
- Riding in Greg’s truck, listening to country, while we’re on our way to our weekly adventure.
- Ending the night with a great movie!
My outfit – jacket:similar here – shirt – jeans
Greg’s outfit – jacket: similar here – shirt: similar here – jeans – shoes
Gilson Beach Dreams
We fished Lake Michigan in one of my favorite areas ever when we were up at my parents this past week! With a taste of spring in February, Greg and I took full advantage. We drove to Gilson Beach in Wilmette. Oh, and on our drive there we were listening to the top country songs of 2017 so far, and you have got to give God, Your Mama, and Me a listen! Just give it a click, and you can watch the cutest music video, too. We are playing it on repeat at the moment :).
We went in the evening time, and it had started to cool down. Luckily we had a blanket and Greg’s jacket in the car so we could still go on our little adventure.It was so fun walking in the sand and climbing the rocks to get to our fishing spot. All I could think about was how lucky I am to be with Greg taking in this beautiful scene and fresh air together. The water and sky were both iridescent, and we could even see the Bahai Temple! It was the perfect backdrop for Greg to tie a lure and throw his line.
We stayed there until it was almost dark, and one of my favorite parts was this cute little gate we had to walk through to get to the pier. It was one of those swinging gates, and Greg was so sweet when he made sure I wouldn’t get stuck!
Anyway, I hope you all have an amazing rest of your weekend and can totally relax! Greg and I are busy cuddling on the coach at the moment because it’s back to winter for now.
My outfit: sweater similar here – jeans – cowgirl boots
Greg’s outfit and gear: jacket – jeans -tackle box similar here – lure – fishing pole – reel – line
A 21st Twin B-Day!
My little brother and sis turned 21! Greg and I went to Chicago this weekend to celebrate with them, and it was the perfect weekend. Sweet family time, laughs, hugs, and spring in February, and two birthdays!
We drove in Saturday evening after Greg got off work. We got ready at my parents house, and Olivia and I ended up matching perfectly. We had both had gone shopping for outfits to go out to dinner in, and we both picked out fluffy shoes and blush! It was so cute and perfect. It was like we had a total sister thing going on lol.
After relaxing and getting to hang out a little we headed downtown to the Kerryman. We were all really excited to try this restaurant because my dad, Kevin, Greg, and I had won a gift certificate to it in a raffle in an Irish golf outing we had played in together. My mom made our reservation for 9 because if it’s made any earlier when Greg and I come up it’s always a huge rush or we’re late for the reservation, and she never wants us to be in a rush on the weekend, which is really cute and thoughtful. 🙂
Well, by the time we got there for dinner the Kerryman was already in semi-club mode. It was really funny because it was noisy, and there were people everywhere. We sat down for dinner, and then the lights above our table started flickering. We all started laughing because we were not expecting the restaurant to also be a total party place, but honestly it was kinda perfect for a 21st b-day celebration! Ooh, also, the food was really, really good!
After dinner, we wanted to explore a little. Kev, Liv, Greg, and I decided to take a walk and find a bar to have a cocktail at. I loved walking downtown with all the pretty lights holding Greg’s hand. The city can feel like total magic, and it did! We ended up having a margarita at this quiet Mexican restaurant after almost going to a piano bar… apparently Kevin did not have the right shoes for that place lol. Quiet, little places like that are the best, though, because you can have the best conversations with the people you are with, and we did! We were all laughing and just having so much fun together.
Kevin, Greg, and I ended our night in front of a fire back at my parent’s house at 5am (crazy!!! lol) because we were just having the best time!
Fishing in February?!
Hunting season in Illinois has only been over for 3 weeks, and Greg and I are already itching for spring big time!! This past weekend we just wanted to be outside so bad. It was like God heard us talking about how bad we wanted spring because on Sunday it was 46 degrees out, and there was no wind, so we grabbed the tackle box and headed out to our favorite spot, Lake Evergreen. If it had been cold enough we totally would have tried ice fishing, but instead we got to pretend it was spring and throw a line in the water.
We didn’t catch anything because the fish are probably shivering somewhere near the bottom right now lol, but I loved splashing in the water and Greg also loved being able to bring out his fishing pole! We are both hoping that spring comes sooner this year, but unfortunately I think the groundhog saw his shadow last week. 🙁 That’s ok, though, six weeks goes fast! Plus, we’ll get out there every chance we can if there’s sunshine. Even if it is chilly, Greg and I can cuddle and go fish.
Ooh a little wedding update, too… We officially found our caterer, bridesmaid dresses are ordered, we’re registered, we have our photographer, and the venue is booked! I am also going to pick out flowers on February 2oth, and Greg has been working on our perfect honeymoon. We are so excited that everything is coming together! Yay for June 1oth and love!
Greg’s look: Sweatshirt similar here – jeans – shoes similar here
10 Reasons to Marry a Hunter
Recently I saw an article on why you should never marry a hunter. It just totally inspired me to write 10 reasons why you should marry a hunter because Greg and I love sharing this hobby together, and the countdown to our wedding has officially started. Whether it’s a good hunt or a not so successful hunt we always leave our spot feeling so connected, relaxed, and happy. So here it goes:
1. Adventure will always be a big part of your relationship.
Greg is extremely adventurous. He likes finding new spots to hunt, different ways to hunt, and is totally fearless when it comes to the outdoors. He is also really fearless in other parts of his life, too, and it is really inspiring. He’s even jumped out of planes before! We are always on a new adventure or coming up with a new idea to try out. Recently we joined an archery league together.
2.You will get to spend extra quality time together.
Waking up really early or sitting out in a field for a long amount of time might sound difficult, but it is actually really special time. It is uninterrupted hours where you can chat or cuddle together in the chilly weather. Usually phone service is pretty bad so it’s just you and your love. You look forward to your hunting trips because you know it is just going to be a great time for you both, and sometimes you even get to stay in a hotel!
3. You get to wear super stylish camo together.
It is just so perfect because camo is so in right now. Even Kim K is wearing it. 😉
4. You get to develop a skill and work on your hobby together.
One of the best parts about hunting together is also getting to cheer each other on during a hunt or in practice. Hunting is really exciting especially when the animals work the way you want them to. You get to witness the great shots, adrenaline surging, and sometimes you can even get their moment of glory on video!
5.Hunters are relentless when it comes to meeting goals.
Meeting goals is such a big part of success. Greg has hunted since he was little, and every part of hunting also plays a role in other parts of his life. Greg has big goals when it comes to hunting and always puts a plan into action in hopes of being as successful as possible. If a hunt is unsuccessful he will try a new strategy for the next hunt. As a couple, we are able to set goals and work together to meet them just like we do out on a hunt.
6. Hunters are innovaters.
Whether we are in a sticky situation in water or in the woods, Greg has a solution! He also uses these skills to help me when I get into one of those positions… like that one time I couldn’t get these silly fake eyelashes off! He did not give up until they were removed, and I felt better! 🙂
7. Sharing hunting as a hobby can lead to bonding in so many other areas.
Greg and I love to do absolutely everything together. We’re into each other and love to share our interests. We love to take part in what makes the other one happy. We shop together, cook together, we watch the same tv shows together, and we spend every free moment we can together. I think sharing such a exhilarating hobby makes us connected and in sync.
8. The post hunt/ adventure naps and cuddles are heaven on earth!
After each early morning hunt Greg and I usually hop in the shower, and then snuggle and take a nap together! It is one of the best feelings because you’re so sleepy, and you both zonk out instantly in each other’s arms. 🙂
9. So many memories are made out in the wild!
Whether it’s slipping in the mud, killing out in an hour, or getting lost in the woods (I always get worried we’re lost in the woods, and we never do lol) you can look back at those hunts together and laugh and talk about all of the fun parts or reminisque about when I was just learning how to hunt.
10. You’ll always feel safe and loved.
It’s the toughness, certainty in all situations, ability to shoot a gun super accurately, and preserverence that make you feel like you can overcome anything. Also, Greg knows first aid, and his kisses and hugs make even the slippery, dark hunts feel easy and safe. Plus, the passion is just the best.
Down and Dirty
For this post we wanted to show some of the preparation that we do before we are out in a field to hunt. Greg and I get the truck loaded up together with our decoys, hunting gear, camera, and guns. We always double check to make sure that we have everything so that we can maximize the chance for a successful hunt. We also have a pretty good method for getting everything out in the field. We make sure the decoys are organized so that we can carry them or put them in our layout blinds and drag them to the spot. When we get out in the field, I pop the heads on our goose shells and Greg sets them out in their formation.
On this hunt, we also had our friends Pat and Michelle with us. We were able to get way more decoys out, and it was so funny getting them out to our spot because it was so so muddy! The boys carried the heavier decoys, and Michelle and I were in charge of the silhouettes, some of the big foots, and the camera gear. As we were walking mud was just getting caked onto our boots. We were literally like big foot and our feet were so heavy! For some reason the mud was also making us laugh so hard! We were getting stuck, having trouble lifting our feet, and dropping gear like every two seconds, and it was just the funniest thing ever! All of our organization beforehand did not matter because the mud just totally took over.
By the time we got to our spot we were all muddy, sweaty, and just laughing so hard! ( I was also happy I got a model shot in before our hunt because my pony totally fell out, and there was mud everywhere!) We all got everything set up together, and then we were able to watch the geese come in. The outdoors is just so fun, and on this hunt we all got down and dirty.
A Christmas Goose
Duck season is officially over in central Illinois, but Greg and I have started field hunting for geese! I absolutely love field hunting. It is super comfortable, and you can get all cozy in your layout blind. I even bring a sleeping bag and blankie with me so that I stay extra warm. They’re camo, too, of course! Hunting on the water for duck is not always the warmest or most comfortable experience because it’s wet, but in a field you can hide well and just stay warmer. If you are a new hunter or want to try waterfowl hunting I would recommend field hunting first because sometimes the lack of comfort while hunting can be shocking, and field hunting is the perfect way to ease into the sport.
At first we weren’t sure if we were going to get to field hunt this year because we didn’t have an official spot once duck hunting was coming to an end, but one of Greg’s super sweet coworkers knew of a farmer who had land with water, field, and geese, and the farmer is letting us hunt it. I am just super excited about this because field hunting is my favorite.
These pictures are from two hunts from this weekend. We hunted the eve of Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve. It was merry and bright (lol) to be able to hunt those two days together! We would have also hunted Christmas morning, but Greg and I hosted Christmas day for our families (totally magical and fun and more about that tomorrow). Plus,the weather was beautiful. Setting up decoys, Greg and I even got a little sweaty and had to take off our jackets.
This is also a really sweet spot. Driving to the field the geese were swimming on the water. We didn’t harvest anything either day because we’re still kind of scouting the land, but we did see a TON of birds! Watching the sky while hunting is one of our favorite parts. Geese flew over us and we could just hear and see them so clearly. It is honestly fascinating watching animals in nature like that, and I always leave our hunting spot feeling a deeper connection to Greg and nature. It is a total endorphin high because your heart just gets pumping as the birds get closer to you!
We’re going to go hunt this spot again this Thursday, and hopefully have some better luck. We learned some lessons like hiding our layout blinds better, and we think we have the feeding times for when birds get to the field nailed down. We are just itching to get out again because of how many birds we did see on those 2 hunts!
My hunting gear: jacket – overalls/bibs – boots – sweatshirt
Greg’s hunting gear: jacket similar here – pants – boots – shirt similar here