The skies are bigger here in Illinois, I’m convinced of it. I nearly froze sticking my head out the sunroof to get some of these shots, but I didn’t want to forget them. We were here in the month of July {if you weren’t reading then, you can find posts about our time here in the archives} and I really thought it was hands down the most beautiful season, but I’ve decided all the seasons here are beautiful. Even now with the bare trees, empty fields, and the bitter cold.
I don’t think I’ll be able to ring in the new year, I’m wimpy like that. We’ll be heading back south soon… our time here has been fantastic! I’m contemplating 2009 and excited to see what 2010 will bring.
Happy New Year, thanks for being around in 2009 and I hope you’ll stick around in 2010!!
Brittan
December 31, 2009 at 10:21 pmYay I’m the 1st! Happy New Year Darby and family! Can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us all in 2010!
Brittan
December 31, 2009 at 10:22 pmBTW, already in my bed. no ball watching here-
Ashley
December 31, 2009 at 11:35 pmI grew up in Northwest Iowa… your pictures remind me alot of it! Land as far as the eye can see and lots of corn 🙂
Have a great New Years spent with your family!
Talysa
December 31, 2009 at 11:55 pmThese are gorgeous! Seriously. I have to ask…do you have editing software on your laptop with you? I only have Photoshop on our desktop right now…why? I have no idea…but this looks like a good reason to make it portable!
Kristin
December 31, 2009 at 11:57 pmI so love reading your blog, Darby. You’ll have to ask Kath about a dear friend of mine who is also addicted to your readings…and we just discovered it! Made your butter for all my friends for Christmas, was a huge success! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your family. I so see Bill in pics of Justin. Such a blessed family you have! Much love, Tiss
Stephanie
January 1, 2010 at 1:27 amHappy New Year, Darby. I love keeping up with your blog… every time you post it inspires me to do something…
And ringing in the new year… well, I am a night owl, my husband is on call {thank you very much, residency} and I am taking down Christmas ornaments… So there you have it. Here’s to wimping out on New Year’s Eve!
t.smith
January 1, 2010 at 2:48 amWow, those pictures bring back memories of when we lived in Evansville, not too far from your parents place! I remember all the fields turned in the late fall, stark looking in the winter, and all the ag commercials on tv! That was new to us when we first moved there years ago. We moved away 15 years ago, great to see those pics. Happy New Year to you all, safe driving wishes for you too!
angry julie monday
January 1, 2010 at 3:41 amBeautiful. Those photos take my breath away.
LizInScotland
January 1, 2010 at 4:55 amHappy 2010 to you all, Darby 🙂
Thank you again for your blog-it is just an inspiration.I have been a daily reader since about June, and my little daughter also loves to see what Morgan, Paige & Rover are up to 🙂
We spent our New Year’s Eve asleep!!It’s been a busy few weeks, we were tired and we aren’t really the night owl types..(33 in 3 weeks–am I officially old now??No more late nights for me!!)
I look forward to what 2010 brings for all of us x
angela
January 1, 2010 at 6:27 amI like calling North Carolina home but these photos are BEAUTIFUL! I know you (and your children) have had a great time with family and will miss them so much! Have a safe trip home. Thank you for being my very favorite blog in 2009! Look forward to 2010. God bless you and yours.
kristen
January 1, 2010 at 8:45 amso beautiful! i can imagine it will be hard to leave that – hope your trip home is calm & safe 🙂 I actually made it to 12 this year – first time in at least 5 years. but i’m paying for it this morning so be happy you went to bed!
Melissa
January 1, 2010 at 8:51 amAbsolutely gorgeous! Have a safe, uneventful drive home! You can bet I’ll be reading in 2010! Happy New Year!
rustic rooster interiors
January 1, 2010 at 11:30 amI soooo agree with you… I would LOVE it too! Just stay! LOL Hope you had a wonderful New Years with your family! 2010 feels like it’s going to be a GREAT year! Thanks for sharing your pictures… LOVE them all!
xoxo,
Alexandra
amy
January 1, 2010 at 11:58 amthose shots are good!=) just found your blog. don’t know where in illinois you are and why you plan to leave. but il is my home state (up in the mid-northern part of the state). live in colorado these days, but it is sweet to see someone recognize beauty in the midwest like you did. happy new year!
Amber
January 1, 2010 at 12:16 pmI’ve been following your blog for a while and I just have to say that you take the most gorgeous pictures. You are truly talented and your kids are beautiful. Hope you have a great year 🙂
Nanny
January 1, 2010 at 2:09 pmI am so happy that I had time today to just sit down and read blogs and check out some of their followers….I found your beautiful blog!
You pictures are very, very good! The skies are breathtaking and your children are precious…..Happy New Year!
jen
January 1, 2010 at 2:21 pmWow. I envy your parents their SPACE! Now that my kids are heading into teen years, it’s not hard to imagine when they’re grown up and with their own families. I would love to have such an amazing place to host family get-togethers so comfortably. So, so nice.
Sharlotte
January 1, 2010 at 9:37 pmHi Darby,
I just wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog. You keep everything so real…
Your family is just beautiful…extended family included. I know you feel blessed.
I loved the schoolhouse and your parents “spread”! WOW! What an amazing place to live or visit! I just love their farmhouse and barn too.
I wish for you a very happy new year!
Sharlotte
Pony Girl
January 2, 2010 at 3:33 amIt is so beautiful- there is something about the open sky! Where I am, there are SO many trees. It’s beautiful and I love trees, but those open skies are pretty stinkin’ amazing! A blessed and joyful 2010 to you and yours!!
grace
January 2, 2010 at 3:37 amAhhhh, don’t you just love a good sunset?! Those pics are so pure and full of natural beauty. It really makes me embrace mother nature even more, and I thank you for that ounce of inspiration. Your blog is truly one of my faves and I look forward to being glued to the computer indulging in your funny stories and beautiful pics this coming new year. all the best to you and your family!
Blessings,
Grace
bonnie
January 2, 2010 at 9:34 amI grew up in the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. After my marriage, we started the “climbing the ladder” moves about the country. I thought I’d never find beauty like home but I have: in the lush foliage and distant mountains of La Jolla, CA; the windswept beauty of the high plains in Texas; the antebellum houses and hidden gardens of Charleston, SC and now the prairie of Illinois. Oh, and let me not forget, Mayor Daley’s “beautification” of the streets of Chicago. Thank you Mayor for a job well done in that respect.
Michele
January 2, 2010 at 11:04 amHappy New Year Darby! Thanks for sharing the beauty of your time in IL…loved the photos. Wishing you many blessings, peace, and love in the New Year!
Sarah@Clover Lane
January 2, 2010 at 2:33 pmThat last photo is incredibly precious!
Carol Jane
January 3, 2010 at 1:24 pmDarby: Thanks for such a beautiful Christmas update on your visit to the farm. It looks like a Norman Rockwell Christmas! Carol Jane
Melissa
January 4, 2010 at 10:02 amThe country always makes everything better. So peaceful and gorgeous. Lucky you are able to escape and enjoy.
arre
January 4, 2010 at 11:55 am*swooooooooooooon*