Everyone has that one place they love to visit - their "happy place." For me, it's my Aunt & Uncle's farm in west central Illinois.


Imagine this. You drive down a long cornstalk-lined gravel driveway to a stunning and masterfully maintained brick farmhouse built in 1835. As you exit your vehicle, your charming and gracious hosts meet you on their porch and welcome you with a warm hug and a plate of freshly baked cookies. As you enter the kitchen, you are immediately enveloped with the delicious aromas of supper roasting in the oven. The quiet calming sounds of Oscar Peterson gently play in the background as your host busily kneads dough by hand for the bread that will soon be passed around the dining table during supper. You are shown to your room upstairs, a rather large bedroom with windows on both sides allowing for a delicate breeze to gently flow through. The centerpiece of the room, a large cloud-like bed covered with fresh linens, fluffy pillows, and soft blankets entices you to rest, though there is much to see and do outside.

As the man of the house prepares his new tractors and farm equipment for the tour of the property later, you help gather eggs in the chicken coop for the next morning's breakfast. The dining table on the sun porch has been set with antique plates and silverware and a bouquet of fresh flowers awaits you.


... Shall I go on?

Reading this back sounds like an exaggerated dramatization but I can assure you, it's all true. And best yet, the "hosts" I speak of, are my family. Beyond the magnificent exteriors and beautiful interior decor, the people who live in this home, are some of my most favorite people in the world. My Aunt is one of the most understanding, selfless, and encouraging people I know. She loves fully and welcomes all. She listens when you need her to, and offers advice, not because she thinks she knows more, but because she loves to help and serve others. She is the true embodiment of the Godly woman I aspire to become.


Because of my Uncle's farming schedule, planning trips away can be difficult for them. Especially in the warmer months. That's fine by me since visiting the farm is truly one of the happiest places on earth! I make it a tradition to spend the weekend with them at least once a year. A few weeks ago, my husband, kids, and I loaded up the van for a quick weekend trip to the farm. This trip was extra special since my cousin and her family were able to spend one of the days with us while we were there. After watching a silly juggling performer put on a show at the local library, we all met back at the farmhouse for a fun family session near the back pond.

Grab a cup of coffee and a snuggly blanket and cozy up as you scroll through these images. I am so lucky and grateful to call these beautiful people family.

 

Back view of a green utility vehicle with gear loaded in the cargo area near a red barn.
A family walks together holding hands through a scenic park on a sunny afternoon.
A happy family group sits together on grassy hill beside a pond on a sunny day.
Group standing together in a sunlit meadow during golden hour among trees.
Couple holding hands while standing in grassy field near a lake at sunset.
A couple in soft pink and white clothes share a close romantic moment in a garden setting.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moment by lake in evening light.
A black and white intimate portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment outdoors.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment while smiling in a sunny outdoor setting.
Tender embrace between couple in casual attire by waterside.
Intimate moment between couple embracing outdoors in natural lighting.
A black and white photograph captures a tender moment between a couple outdoors.
Three people playing hide and seek in a green park with others visible in the background.
Children and caregiver playing hide and seek in a sunny park with people in the background.
Joyful family laughing together during outdoor photo session.
Family sitting together on grass near a pond on a bright sunny day.
Close-up of delicate purple hydrangea blooms with soft bokeh and lush green leaves.
A happy family of five poses together on a sunny day in a park setting.
Black and white portrait of family sharing genuine laughter outdoors.
Happy family group poses together on grassy hill with pond in background.
Family portrait outdoors with natural pond and tree in background.
Family members gather close for a casual outdoor portrait by a pond.
A joyful family shares laughter while posing together in a sunlit park setting.
A joyful family moment captured in black and white as they laugh together outdoors.
Family sharing playful moment together during outdoor photo session near pond.
Black swallowtail butterfly landing on bright pink flowers in a garden.
Three people sitting together and smiling on grassy ground in a sunlit outdoor setting.
Young person standing in a grassy field wearing a green t-shirt and jeans.
Two people enjoying a playful moment running through a lush green field.
Black and white portrait of a young child with flowing hair in a floral dress standing in a sunlit field.
A young child in white examines flowers in a metal bucket outdoors on a sunny day in a grassy field.
Two people in white dresses sharing an intimate conversation in a sunlit field.
Black and white image of two people in white dresses sitting together on grass near trees.
Two people in white dresses sharing a sweet moment in a sunny field.
Two people in white dresses playing with flowers in a green field.
Rustic metal bucket filled with fresh-cut wildflowers and a single sunflower on grass.
Graceful gymnast performing in a leotard against sunset in an outdoor setting.
Someone sitting in ripped jeans on grass with a bright smile against a nature backdrop.
Black and white portrait of someone with braids sitting outdoors and smiling.
Young woman with long braids smiling while sitting in green grass outdoors.
Black and white close-up of a rooster's face showing intense eyes and detailed features.
Purple wildflowers bloom near a rustic red barn in a dreamy summer garden setting.
A child in a flowing white dress runs along a garden path surrounded by blooming flowers.
A dreamy garden scene with flowering plants in soft focus and a white dress visible in the background.
A carefree summer dance in a white ruffled dress among garden wildflowers.
A delicate white dress twirls down a garden pathway lined with wildflowers at sunset.
A lovely garden scene with a white ruffled dress against a backdrop of blooming flowers.
A whimsical garden moment captured with a flowing white dress amid blooming summer flowers.
Close-up portrait of a red and black rooster showing detailed facial features and comb.