This is the Life

Enjoying our week in Kure Beach, NC (where we got married!)

Magnolia Bakery- Chicago

One of my favorite places we visited while in Chicago was Magnolia Bakery.  They have 4 locations worldwide and I found them via Pinterest.  The design of this sweet little shop is beautiful and shabby chic!

The sweet treats were yummy!  I got banana pudding and Jeremy got banana cream pie.  Super delicious!

Even their chairs were cute!

(sorry about the phone quality pictures :)

My Favorite House in Savannah

I've had this post written for a month but just forgot to post it!  Better late than never. 

While on our honeymoon in Savannah, we kept driving by this beautiful house

The two circle side porches and the blue porch ceilings just kept calling my name and eventually I had Jeremy stop on the side of the road so I could get out and take pictures.  The house had a For Sale sign on it so I took a picture of the sign so I could look it up and see some inside pictures. 

The house is on the market for right at 2 million dollars!  You can see the online listing here.

The pictures on the realty website are gorgeous!

Yep, I love it as much on the inside as I did on the outside! 

On the Road Again

We're back on the road today for another 14 hour drive back to NC!

Say a quick prayer for traveling mercies and that it is an enjoyable ride.  I've got the cooler packed, coffee brewing, and I'm off to make sandwiches.  

Buckingham Fountain

We're still in Chicago visiting with Jeremy's family, and wanted to share one of my favorite things about downtown Chicago...Buckingham Fountain.  Jeremy and I have been together for 4 years and for 4 years I've wanted to see this thing!  The first time I came to Chicago with him we walked by it but it was winter and there wasn't any water in it.  Last year I was finally here in the summer and after a Cubs game last June we decided we would walk and see it.  BUT, we got lost and turned around and ended up right back at the train station to go home.  Oh well, there is always next time, and next time finally came!

While we were downtown the other day, we walked over the the lakefront to see Buckingham Fountain.  It is probably the biggest fountain I've ever seen!  I loved it!

Now I want to see it at night, I've seen pictures and it is stunning!



The top part shoots up even taller...

Someday I'll see it like that...

Illinois Farmland

Jeremy's family only lives 40 miles west of Chicago, yet they are surrounded by beautiful farmland.  It is so pretty here, especially in the evening when the sun is beginning to set. Jeremy's family lives right beside a horse farm, and we were able to take a walk around it the other day and I snapped these photos.

What We Did Last Night

I'll give you a sneak preview into our Chicago trip...this is where we were last night :)

A Cubs game at Wrigley Field!  We had a great time in the city yesterday, can't wait to show you more pictures when I get my card reader for my camera!

Chicago

Yesterday we spent 13 hours in the car driving from North Carolina to Chicago!  We're here for around two weeks visiting with Jeremy's family before he {hopefully} starts a new job in August.  I didn't bring my card reader for my memory card so I won't be able to share many pictures from our trip until we get back to NC, but I'll post all about it when we get back :)

Billy Graham Library

My mom, brother, Jeremy, and I all went to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC this week.  It is basically a museum about the life and work of Billy Graham.  I was really impressed with the beautiful grounds, the friendly staff, and the quality of the displays inside.  I would highly recommend it if you are interested in Billy Graham or evangelism. 

The museum is located about 2 miles from where Billy grew up, and includes a newly built barn "library" as well as his childhood home which has been moved to the grounds. It takes about an hour and a half to go through the entire library and house, and is free to the public! 

I really enjoyed the displays and rooms devoted to Ruth Graham, Billy Graham's wife.  I have read several of her books and respect her very much.  Below is her engagement ring that Billy bought for $65 :)

Below is their wedding invitation, cake topper, and her diploma from Wheaton College.  Jeremy is from Wheaton, Illinois which is where both Billy and Ruth Graham went to school.  We have visited the Billy Graham museum on Wheaton College's campus, but I enjoyed the library more.

Here is the Bible that Billy Graham used to preach

I loved these letters that people had written him where they didn't know his address, but wrote his name and "The World" or "don't know address" below. But I guess when you're as famous as him, the post office can figure it out :)

Presidentil Medal of Freedom given by Ronald Reagan

Walking through the illuminated glass crosses to get to the painting by Thoma Kincaid

Billy Graham's childhood home

I loved the inside of the house- it is my colors! 

Jeremy walked into the kitchen first and then came and told me that it was my dream kitchen.  Yep, he was right. I love it!

If you are ever in the Charlotte area, it is worth your time to stop by the museum!  I highly recommend it