Quiet Monday morning with open windows and the easiest, most delicious Banana Bread.

I had the entire weekend off. We spent two days walking, bike riding, picnicking, and relaxing at the beach. Last night as the sun was setting the apartment filled with bright pink and orange light. A kind of ceremonial end to our grand, beautiful weekend.

Its been a long week. Thankfully I have a long weekend ahead in which I will try to relax and enjoy the weather.

Farmer's Markets are opening all over the city and I'm a very happy lady.

Friday and Saturday, my mom came to visit. When we were making plans for this trip long ago neither of us realized it fell on Mother's Day weekend. A bonus. She brought along a special surprise...my step dad! Its the first time he's been able to visit since we moved here and it was really special to Trent and I that he made it. Also who doesn't love a surprise? Mom and I always joke that when she's here we just eat and walk and this trip was no exception. Friday, the weather was lovely allowing us to spend a few hours walking the beach. Mom and I rolled up our pants and walked in the cool water out to the sandbars. So fun. We finished the night with pizza on the rooftop deck and a stroll along the water.

On Saturday we walked through the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. Although it was gray and raining...it was wonderful. We bought local veggies, fruit, and honey. I treated myself to the beautiful flowers above. We had a big lunch at our favorite Elly's Pancake House followed by gourmet ice cream in Old Town. Then we headed home and said our goodbyes. Such a wonderful two days with my parents. I'm so lucky to have such a great family.

Yesterday was stunningly beautiful. A perfect Chicago day. Today, however, is cool, quiet, and gray. The kind of day where I push back my to-do list till later to spend the morning reading and eating a big bowl of stick to your ribs oats.

Big storms moved through last night. The hail was a little scary but the rain did bring a cool, wet breeze. We slept with the windows open and it was so nice compared to the usual dry heat. I hope this means summer weather is just around the corner. I'm ready for summer.