It has been a minute since I have posted and I just realized I haven’t posted since our moving day! Oops! **slap in the forehead!**

We left the picturesque town of Geneseo, Illinois and headed west towards Chicago and let me tell you, there isn’t a moment that has passed each day that I am not in awe of the gorgeous fall foliage surrounding my family! I cannot get enough of the trees changing colors, from gorgeous green to the deep crimson red just before they fall. What you see on social media does not do fall in the North justice. I highly encourage everyone to experience and appreciate God’s work.

We landed in the Village of Sheridan. I have come to notice most “towns” in Illinois are called “villages” which I think is absolutely charming — “Welcome to the Village of Sheridan” or “Welcome to the Village of Naperville”, you get the picture. Something else I have noticed is that so far in Illinois (I’ll keep you posted as we travel in the North outside of Illinois at some point LOL), they appreciate their history which is fascinating. All history is painted both good and bad and they embrace it all. Astounding.

Sheridan is located 1 hour and 13 minutes from Chicago so we took full advantage our first weekend here and went to Navy Pier! Wow! It should be on everyone’s bucket list! We took an architectural tour on the Chicago River and loved every minute. We got up close to the Almighty Trump Tower, Marina City (basically a city within a building — it has a bowling alley, a grocery store and more!! But you don’t have to go inside to notice its uniqueness, it is shaped like a corn cob!), Merchandise Mart (4 words – four million square feet!) but the coolest thing we learned is that “The Dark Knight” was filmed in Chicago! Pretty cool.

Speaking of films, the Village of Yorkville, which is 20 miles from our campsite, is where the movie “Man of Steel” was filmed as well! I can understand why for sure! I have yet to scope out where it was filmed exactly but it is on my list!

My family is spread out throughout the country. My mom, brother and nephew are down in south Texas, grandparents in Florida, more family in Colorado but this last week, we were finally able to visit my aunt and uncle in Michigan and I cannot figure out how it took us this long to do so! I didn’t think it could get more gorgeous than what I have experienced this last month in Illinois but I was proven wrong (and I’m sure to be proven wrong time and time again and that’s ok!). Instead of villages, Michigan has townships. I LOVE IT! Sounds historic and I’m here for it! The fall colors of orange, yellow and red colored most of the trees no matter the direction you were looking. Some leaves even danced in the wind as they fell. You couldn’t help but feel as if you were living in a real life Hallmark movie.

We visited my aunt’s favorite beach on Lake Michigan and walked the pier. It was such a joy to share a memory with my children of seeing a lighthouse for the first time together. A true blessing and I soaked it all in. Having a 180 degree view on a LAKE was surreal. When you look out to where the water meets the sky, it is almost like God created Lake Michigan to force you to stop, breathe and admire. Water as far as the eye can see. Quaint and charming lakefront homes tucked into trees on the coast just like what you see on TV. The softest sand you have ever felt between your toes. It was a true pleasure and we sure appreciate my aunt sharing her favorite place with us, as it has become one of ours.

We finished our trip with a fall favorite not very common in the south — apple picking! Packing up and heading back to Illinois was hard as we thoroughly enjoyed every second in Michigan and we will for sure be going back but we sure missed Keegan. Take it from me, if you get a chance to visit around Grand Rapids, October is a great time to do so! So put it on your bucket list and thank me later!

We have been in Illinois since the end of August and have loved it all. Keegan is coming to the conclusion of his training and is ready to go out on his own in the next few weeks so who knows where we will be going but I will keep you posted!

On a more serious note, I have been feeling as though I have not been spending my time as wisely as I should be. I know making memories with my children is important (it is the most important thing) and teaching them is critical too, but what I mean by that is since I have found myself with a lot more time on my hands that I am normally used to, I feel as though I should be utilizing it in a way that will help us when the time comes that our travels end and we make a permanent home somewhere (over the rainbowwwwww). Most of you know that I love to cook. It has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I had attempted to go to culinary school at the Art Institute of Kansas City straight out of high school in 2008, but God had other plans in mind. He knew I needed my babies and my husband before I became a chef. With that being said, I have been accepted in the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Online graduating February 2024 and I couldn’t be more excited!! As my aunt said while I was visiting, “This is true story of you’re never too old to chase a dream!” Classes start November 7th and I cannot wait to become Chef Ashley Culver with a diploma in the Culinary Arts and Operations. I have big plans for our future and hopefully, y’all will be able to enjoy my hard work one day!

God is so good, y’all! Remember to always choose happiness and go for those dreams!