Annual Small Group Camping Trip

I suppose hearing about camping is getting a little old, but for us camping is a big part of summer. Last week our small group went on our second annual camping trip. This is a big deal considering I had to twist several arms last year to get some of our small groupies to come camping. And last year wasn't even that great of an experience. We ended up going the weekend after the 4th and it was VERY crowded and it was like 95 degrees! So, I was kind-of surprised at how easily everyone agreed to come this year. Anyway, we all headed up to Happy Hallow Campground just outside of Starved Rock. The campground was really nice (we had gone there on Mother's Day weekend with the Bards) and we had our own little section to ourselves. The afternoon and evening went really well. We went swimming and then grilled some awesome steaks (thanks to the grill master Joe!) and yummy baked potatoes (thanks to Kerry). We relaxed by the fire and did the whole smores thing. About 2:00 in the morning it started to rain and did not stop until around 9:00. Needless to say that those who were not safe and comfy in the tent trailer, got soaked! After awhile everyone got over that and I was impressed by the good attitudes. We had breakfast, went hiking, went swimming and then we went to the local movie theater and saw Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D. Not worth the $40 in my opinion, but the kids had a blast. We drove back to the campground and made ourselves some tacos. After the kids were safetly tucked in, we sat around the fire and talked and laughed and were much too loud for our neighbors preference, I'm sure! Around midnight it started to storm, so we said good night and headed for cover. Some time during this pretty impressive storm, Tim and Brandie and kids made a dash for their car and headed home. Apparently, rain was getting in their tent, their son was crying because of the storm, Brandie cut her hand on something trying to find her keys in the dark and then to make matters worse, somehow two frogs had gotten inside their tent! Not the ideal camping experience. Now how am I going to get them to come next year?

Hometown 4th of July

My dad and his new wife Bonnie recently came for a visit. This was really my first opportunity to get to know Bonnie. Although I met her in California a few days before the wedding, we really didn't get too much of a chance to get to know each other. There were so many people around and of course, she was busy with wedding preparations. We mostly spent time getting to know her parents, quickly known as Grandpa Gene and Grandma Phyllis. What wonderful people they are and it was a pleasure to get to know them! Anyway, Dad and Bonnie arrived smack in the middle of our 4th of July party that we were hosting. They quickly made themselves at home and we began what would end up as a really enjoyable visit! We went to Phillips Park and Zoo, Navy Pier, Rainforest Cafe', Bubba Gumps, Beef-A-Roo (twice!) and even to a childhood favorite, Blackhawk Statue in Oregon, IL. Some of my favorite moments were picking mulberries at Lake Wabonsie, getting to see the Blackhawk Statue with my kids, seeing how happy my dad is and watching movies in the evening. But most of all, my favorite was watching my kids bond with their new grandma! I think that Bonnie fits in our family really well and I appreciate the fact that she really loves my kids! And on a more selfish note, I really enjoyed getting to know her as a friend/mom. I know that sounds weird to say so quickly after my own mom’s death, but my mom and I were never really that close. That’s not to say that I didn’t love her and that these past few months have been easy. It is extremely difficult to lose your mom, even if you weren’t great friends. In fact, in some ways it can be very hard because it’s confusing, frustrating and you often feel full of regret. The older I get and the more I think about my childhood, I realize that there was a lot that I wasn’t aware of and I have a bit more sympathy for my mom and some of the mistakes she made. But, it also makes me look a little closer at the things I do with or for my kids and try not to make those same mistakes. Anyway, that was a bit of a tangent! I am really thankful to the Lord for bringing Bonnie into all of our lives! Enjoy some pictures from their visit!