bloom town

spring break, 2012- our first venture to become a road trip family.

or so mr.m. announced- we would do....or die trying....from car insanity, or
some other dreaded thing you catch while trapped in a car with small children for FAR, FAR, FAR too long.}

here he is.
our fearless leader- with a gps to guide him.



considering rbaby threw up her breakfast everywhere-
during our first hour of our long journey- which made this mama consider a turn around,

but on we pressed- upon his insistence.
we would "survive- and THRIVE"- mr.m. declared.

{ok. it was more like- "get a grip, babe. we both made many a road trip as a kid."- mr.m.}




but, really it wasn't that bad-
in fact it was GrEaT!

mostly in part to the role played by our invaluable dvd player.
{dear mini van dvd player- i like you. i like you, so terribly much. xoxo.}


our first stop was in bloom town to see these fine folks.



the cousins shared some serious rolling adventures down this gorgeous, green carpet hill,




while the generous daddies watched over them....




so the momma's could enjoy a wine tasting- together.



next, the generous daddies, let us go vintage furniture looking at a nearby store.
there we drooled over the most ridiculously fabulous salvaged items.
{see the chandy behind us- she was huge & so glam!}

this place was amazing- and horrendously expensive.
they had an altar- with relics- salvaged from an old catholic church- it took up the entire back wall.



and then the generous daddies {yes, this is a theme!},
let us spend an afternoon in this charming town.



we shared their duplos, ate their favorite indian food, dreamed on their campus and hiked their own personal backyard forest.
it was a delightful time in bloom town- short + sweet.

and, then we all loaded up- and off we went to the BIG city.
another drive. {no throw up this time!}

some "space man" applesauce,



some momma & baby hand holding.



and soon we arrived.

and therefore,

so began.....chicago.