we were invited to an event at a chicago shop called serena and lily {i am obsessed with everything they sell!}! it was to meet the author of the children’s book, a raven’s nest by raven roxanne.

we arrived a bit past ten, at the store, and we were warmly welcomed by the staff, greeting everyone at the entrance. they kindly took our coats and invited us upstairs, where the event was happening. once we hit the landing, we were enveloped by the gorgeous decor, a beautiful brunch spread, and the author made her way over to us to say hello!

i was in photo heaven! the lighting in the space was amazingly perfect and the aesthetics was beachy, coastal cool. the author, roxanne, was just about to sit down and read to the children. i ushered olive and ellie into the room and they nabbed a space close by. after the book reading, the children were encouraged to create their own nests…inspired by the book’s storyline.

the girls nibbled on some treats and sipped on sweet beverages, while i waited patiently for the author to sign her book! once we were done at the event, we traipsed our way over to a yummy restaurant called the blue door {the last time i was there, it was at the old location on armitage and now it’s on halsted}! ohhhhhh, it’s such a good place. again, the decor was inviting and cool and the food and drinks are even better! there was a teeny tiny wait, but the girls entertained themselves. or more so, ellie was rebellious and olive was trying to calm her down. sigh…pretty much how it goes everyday!

after brunch, we walked along armitage and peeked into a few shops! while we were at papersource, ellie completely fell in love with a dog there! the great pyrenees belonged to a couple, who was shopping there too. as soon as ellie saw the dog, she could not let go! like at alllllll! she was in love! it was soooooo darn cute to see her so enamored with this beautiful white dog! i told hc, we found the dog we will get! hahaha!

it was such a perfect morning! we had the best time in the city and the girls were sooooo darn good! let’s admit it, when no one is screaming, crying, fussy, loony, and upset, it always makes for a better time! they had a wonderful time at the event and we all enjoyed our fun, smooth, no bumps in the road outing.

{check out all the fun pics below!!!!}

[the delicious spread]

[the girls or girl intently listening. olive was so into it but ellie was side eyeing all the other kids]

[doesn’t she look so sweet and innocent?]

[raven roxanne reading her book to the kiddos]

[she spotted me and wanted up…when she wants me to pick her up, she says, “hugs”. melt!]

[oh she’s soooooo saucy and sweet. just look at that mug!]

[drawing their own nests]

[color choices]

[raven checking on everyone’s drawing]

[ellie’s nest]

[olive’s nest]

[dream bedrooms set and beautiful girl]

[can i please have this swing in our house?!]

[olive wanted to show off her picture!]

[with the artist and author, roxanne]

[my sweet girls]

[the beautiful little book]

[so dreamy]

[after the book signing, we ate brunch at the blue door!]

[this cuuuuute face right here was being very naughty at this moment but oh, that sweet face melts me!]

[i scolded her and she ran over to the stairs to hide]

[squishing her face into the railing]

[pouting]

[she loves her big sister]

[more coloring!]

[the hubs…don’t mind his beard]

[kale and brussel salad]

[we’re at papersource lincoln park]

xoxo