On Saturday, Chad and I took the opportunity to go to the Lake County Discovery Museum with four other people I met through my photo club. The museum had multiple photography exhibits there, but were currently featuring some of the work of Ansel Adams, which is what we were all most excited about.

We couldn't take photos in that part of the museum, but it was so incredibly breathtaking that I highly doubt we will forget what we saw. It was the first time for both of us to see Ansel's work in person.

There were 70 of his gorgeous, hand-printed black and white pieces from the early-mid 1900's on display. They were mostly of nature (many in the northwest US, Yosemite and New Mexico) and there were some portraits as well.

SO inspiring! The range of tonal value and detail in his photographs is just striking. Seeing his pencil-sketched signature on each one made it a surreal experience. If you're wondering who this guy is, you've probably seen some of his photos without even realizing it. He's the real deal.

"A good photograph is knowing where to stand." -Ansel Adams

“You don't take a photograph, you make it.” -Ansel Adams

“Both the grand and the intimate aspects of nature can be revealed in the expressive photograph. Both can stir enduring affirmations and discoveries, and can surely help the spectator in his search for identification with the vast world of natural beauty and wonder surrounding him.” - Ansel Adams

After the museum, the six of us went to Portillo's for lunch in Libertyville. Also a first-time experience. Loved it! The diner feel and fast-paced, decorated environment was pretty cool. The burgers, hot dogs & Italian beef were top-notch.

THEN, later that evening, we got together with a big group of friends from church for a game night.

We had multiple games going at once...Cranium, Things, Pictionary. There was plenty of puppy chow to go around (yumm) as well as lots of other snacks & drinks. Laughter filled the air the whole night. All 18 of us had an absolute blast together.

The evening was topped off by an intense game of Battle of the Sexes. Yes, the boys won. I'll give them that. :) Overall, GREAT Saturday!

museum & games