Oh hey! How are you doing today? I start my shift a little later today, so I have a few extra mins to write :). Oh quick question- when I was looking at my recent post after I published it, there were annoying ads that popped up on every single photo.  I’ve never noticed this before- is this happening for you? If so, I’m about to turn off the ads because that is no fun! 

Anyway!

Cruising through October- hikes around the area with Quinn in my carrier was one of my highlights. On October 10th, we went to Kendall Hills. 

I love hiking these hills. The view at the top of each one is beautiful. The quietness and stillness up there is the epitome of peaceful.

I used to run here for cross country- it was definitely one of the more challenging courses!

Kendall Lake is gorgeous too. 

October 11th, Quinn had been fighting a bad cold with a lingering cough. I took her to the pediatrician to make sure it was nothing serious- the NP suspected she had RSV, but since she was out of the contagious window, I didn’t see the point in testing since it wouldn’t change anything. I’m grateful she recovered fairly quickly after that – but with daycare it really is one runny nose after another. 

To get her some fresh air, we drove to Bath Hill park and walked a couple miles. I listened to a Dateline podcast and then headed home. It was a particularly balmy autumn afternoon. 

October 13th, I had to pick up my dress from alterations. I brought Quinn with me. She was due for a nap on our way home, so I put her in the stroller (I forgot the carrier at home) and strolled around the Akron General Wellness Trails in Stow. My favorite fall day is an overcast one with dark clouds that emphasizes the striking contrast with the changing leaves!

She didn’t quite conk out, but it was a nice walk nonetheless. 

That evening we got ready and then headed to Gigi and Gordie’s for a pre-wedding get together with the family in town! 

She’s been chewing on her pacifier a lot like this lately & it just cracks me up.

Quinn with her Aunt Renee, the glowing bride! <3 

Miss social butterfly was a happy camper snuggling with everyone throughout the evening. 

Amy also arrived in town that day, so we celebrated her and DJ’s birthday with an ice cream cake. So special to have everyone together!

So. precious! <3

October 14th was rehearsal dinner day! We all gathered at Michael Angelo’s Winery for the rehearsal. I had never been here before, but people have recommended this place more than anywhere else since we’ve moved back! 

When we walked in, people were enjoying their meals & wine. My eyes laser-focused in on the pizza- it looked incredible. I asked DJ when I get the green light for dairy again if we can come here first so I can try that pizza! I even dreamed about it that night, lol. 

Anyway, this place is GORGEOUS inside and out- there is even a little vineyard in the back. This is the background of where the wedding took place! 

For the rehearsal, we went to a fun little spot in Brecksville- Burntwood Tavern. We had never been to this location before, but I say it’s the coziest of them all!

Quinn was sopping up the attention. Our girl rallied since it was quite a bit past her bedtime.

Here is Quinn with her cousin Lily <3. It was so sweet seeing all the cousins together!

More fun with Aunt Amy :). 

And of course, had to sneak in a family pic. You guys, we are so hilariously bad at holding our baby for family pictures. She’s such a trooper, lol. 

The day of the wedding, October 15th, the bridesmaids all met at Gigi’s for breakfast and to get ready. Quinn came with me and she did really well the whole day. Barely fussed at all! It helped that so many people were willing to hold her and step in while I got ready myself- really does take a village.

Renee gifted all the bridesmaid’s these adorable totes, gorgeous necklaces that went perfectly with our dresses, tumblers & the coolest book for Quinn as one of the flower girls. The book is personalized all the way through. Sooo cute & sweet. 

After getting ready and having lunch, we loaded onto the party bus and headed to the venue! Here is inside the gorgeous set up at Michael Angelo’s!

After the first look, we did photos with the wedding party out by the vineyard. Chris (Renee’s now husband!) snapped this photo and sent to me. Love that he captured this. Renee was stunning!

After pictures, we went to a room in the facility to relax before the ceremony and finish getting ready. I got Quinn all dressed and then did a little mini photo shoot of this flower girl – because well, I had to, of course!

I carried Quinn down the aisle, and when she saw everyone looking back at her, her face just lit up. Girl likes the limelight! She did well through the ceremony overall! So proud of her. 

Here is a sneak peak picture we got from the ceremony! LOVE this pic of Quinn with Gigi. Their photographer was the amazing Kristin Leanne. 

It was so fun we were all in wedding too. Rare we are ever this well coordinated! 

Now the ceremony itself- so beautiful in every way. Again, I cried. Maybe I am a wedding crier? I just love Renee & Chris so much- their love was palpable the entire day. Every detail of the ceremony was meaningful and special- and the vows were so heartfelt and thoughtful. It was truly one of the most memorable weddings  I’ve ever been to. It was such an honor to be a part of it.

The reception was no different! So many sweet, tear-jerking moments throughout the evening! 

Aaaand, how lovely is this cake?!

I dove headfirst into these appetizers- so good!

As it got close to Quinn’s bedtime, I put her in my carrier until we headed out for the evening. An unforgettable day for sure! I wish I had more pictures from the whole day, but we were definitely very much in the moment; I cannot wait to see the rest of the professional ones!

October 16th, we slept in a bit (Quinn was definitely exhausted after all that socializin’!). For breakfast I had oatmeal with a dragonfruit smoothie pack and peanut butter. The #1 thing I have not been able to get enough of during breastfeeding is peanut butter. When I’m ravenous in the night while breastfeeding (she still wakes a couple times), DJ will run down and get me a spoonful. Bless him.

That afternoon, we went on a family walk at Kendall Hills. 

Look a UFO!!! 

Okay okay, it’s very much a IFO (identified flying object). This is the famous Goodyear blimp flying overhead. It’s always fun when you spot this rare sight! I’ve only seen it out in the wild a handful of times in my life. 

And that wraps a very special weekend! It has been a really wonderful Autumn. Soaking up it all! 

Question for you: 

• Have you seen any “rare sightings”. Very open to a good UFO discussion :).

<3,

Mackenzie