the snowy day {pop-up dinner, the day nursery, oak park, il}

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” 
― Marcel Proust

Last June, my youngest child graduated from preschool. As exciting as that moment was, it was also the end of an era. We had been part of The Day Nursery family for the better part of 7 years and that was coming to an end.

Bittersweet. That’s the word…as cliché as it is.

I’ve mentioned, on many occasions, how grateful we are to The Day Nursery. Not only for the care and nurturing of our boys, but for the friendships that were made while our children attended.

Though we’ve gone in different directions...some at different schools and some moved even further away, many of us still get together regularly. We even got to spend the day with some of our MOST favorite people, The Terrell family, while we were in Texas this past December. We came from Chicago & they came from Boston to reunite for a day in Greenville, TX!

And it all started at The Day Nursery…

Even though I no longer have children enrolled at The Day Nursery, I still get to go back on occasion. Sometimes for work and sometimes for pleasure (mixed with a little work).

This past Saturday, I was able to enjoy a night out at a Pop-Up Event hosted by The Day Nursery.

One weekend a year, The Day Nursery is transformed into a fictional world from a children's book, and local chef and Day Nursery supporter, Melissa Elsmo (assisted by a small army of passionate folks) creates a magical meal to follow the theme.

This year’s Pop-Up was inspired by “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. it was a delicious meal that followed Peter’s adventures through his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.

The event serves 60 guests over two nights and takes a team of people, who all volunteer their time and talent  to make it happen. This annual pop-up event raises funds that are crucial to The Day Nursery and the children who attend. 

If you’ve never had a chance to experience one of these events, I highly encourage it!

“He told his mother all about his adventures while she took off his wet socks. And he thought and thought and thought about them.” -Ezra Jack Keats, The Snowy Day



preschool photos {oak park river forest day school photos}

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.”
Destin Sparks

This past fall, I was asked if I would be interested in taking school photographs for Milo's preschool, The Day Nursery. I immediately said yes & then I sort of panicked...

I'd never taken photographs of large groups of young children. They are definitely my demographic, but I needed to sort of figure out the logistics. I also had to make sure that everyone was on board with "non-traditional" school photos

There were a few hiccups, but all in all, it was a lovely experience. I learned a lot and the next time around, it will be a much smoother operation. 

I have to say...it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work, but looking at those super cute faces for hours of editing was so worth it. 

I hope that I will be keeping The Day Nursery school pictures as part of my regular rotation and I would love to add a few more small schools! 

Here's a little snippet from the fall preschool photos...enjoy!