Weekend Rejuvenation

I have been feeling so drained lately. It's hard to truly recover from school and work and all of the little things you have to do as an adult (especially that never-ending pile of dirty dishes). And, when the weekend I have been waiting for since Monday morning finally rolls around, it is not in the least bit restorative. My weekends could best be described as sitting around, trying to think of something to do, and finally just drinking a bottle of wine. And, while wine is of course better than weekday work, it just leaves me feeling dehydrated and dissatisfied.

But hooray, this weekend took a spontaneous turn for the better! My brother came up to Chicago to hangout Saturday night, and then the two of us and my boyfriend met my parents at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve for a little hiking today.

It's amazing, even after a rather mild Winter, what a little nature can do. And even more spectacular is what time with loved ones can do. This day full of family and the outdoors and my dogs and even a little bit of exercise has been amazing. I truly feel ready to take on this week!

My lovely family at the majestic but very tiny waterfall

Princess Phoebe looking pretty in pink

My face when I was told I had to wait another 20 minutes for the Portillos picnic

My adorably camera-shy doggo 

(AND YES I KNOW MY PANTS ARE DIRTY I WAS PLAYING WITH PUPPIES)

My boyfriend apparently auditioning for the next Toyota commercial

What are some of your favorite ways to relax and recharge on the weekend? Let me know in the comments below!