Ordinary Wonderment

Cousin & I at the beautiful St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL, May 2010.

Today's Joy: Going to a Fancy Party.
(My apologies, Reader, for the late arrival of this post. Have gotten a little behind on my daily entries with it being Memorial Day weekend!)

Was so ecstatic to be invited along tonight to the gorgeous St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville, IL for a swanky reception! It's been a long time since I've had an occasion to break out my favorite white dress, high heels & fancy-party handbags. I even curled my hair! Yup, this girl felt fancy.

The reception was organized by the St. James Farm Conservation Committee as a thank you to the exhibitors who will be showing their horses and demonstrating various types of riding at this weekend's upcoming Homecoming Celebration. St. James Farm, once the retreat of the McCormick family, founders of International Harvester, is now part of the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County and after several years of renovations, will now be open to the public.


Invited to Exhibit at the St. James Farm Homecoming Celebration,
My Family Attends the Appreciation Reception.

Reader, if you're familiar with my blog, you know that my family members are avid horse enthusiasts who often drive and show their horses and ponies. They've also been blessed, through their equestrian contacts, to receive one of the original four St. James Farm Lipizzans. So, they were honored when asked to exhibit at the Homecoming Celebration & attend the Exhibitors' Reception. As their resident photographer, I was also invited to attend and photograph all related events. Woo-hoo!


One of the Buffet Tables at the St. James Farm Reception.

The reception was fabulous! Held under a cluster of pavilions centered around a large water fountain with three dolphin sculptures, we were beautifully situated to view the grounds and the property's unique octagonal show barn. The hors d'oeuvres were delish and laid out in a lavish buffet that meandered through the pavilions. We ate and laughed and oggled the amazing facilities while a trio of flutists played in the background.


The Divine Ms. "M" & Little Man.

It was so much fun to see everybody all gussied up and having a good time! They even got a chance to scout out the grounds a bit--and I got a chance to get a few fun, candid shots of them enjoying this beautiful place.


Cousin Gives Little Man a Piggyback Ride.

Aunt Chef & Uncle Looking Fabulous.

Having a Ball!