Illinois Beach Camping

We headed north for a brief 1.5 hour drive to Illinois Beach state campground. Had a pretty nice time. The weather was mostly agreeable. (It always seem to ran in the middle of the night, not as bothersome as when you're in a tent, but still just as loud.)

This was our first state campground since getting the RV. We were a little nervous thinking it would be more rustic than we've become accustom to, but pleasantly surprised. The site was bigger than we anticipated and the roads were paved. We enjoyed the beach, but wished it wasn't quite so rocky. (Have I heard the western side of Lake Michigan is rocky, while the eastern side is sandy – or is that nonsense I made up.) Also, the park is more closely monitored, meaning DNR or sheriffs or who ever is always watching you. I got a stern talking to about having Blue off lease and a reminder that a ticket is $75. This only irked me because Blue had been accosted on three separate occasions by Huckleberry, a giant Great Dane, from two sites over.

Two of Brian's local suppliers came to visit us at the campground which was a lot of fun. John and his family came during the day to have fun on the beach and Dan came to enjoy the campfire one evening.

Here's a video:


And some pics:

This Weeks Highlights

Neil is now able to pedal the tricycle. Yesterday, he made it half the distance of our sidewalk. Today, he made it all the way to Mr. Dwyer's house.

Ben is now going potty in the big toilet. Hallelujah! (The Montessori he'll be attending only has big toilets so we had to prepare him.) I'm not sure how we got started on the potty chair, probably because that was what I saw readily available at Target, but I'm kicking myself now for not getting the toddler toilet seat from the beginning.

Father's Day

To celebrate Father's Day we took the boys to Cantigny Park so they could reflect on our fore-fathers and the brave soldiers who have served our country. Aw, wasn't that poetic. Really we went so the boys could have a cool time climbing on tanks and cannons with their dad.

Alas, nothing is quite as cool as a trip to the Red Robin where they were able to meet (read: hug) the Red Robin and get a couple of balloons.

I think they had a nice day.

Real Camping

Took our first trip this year that wasn't to someones driveway. We went back to Sunset Lakes Resort (Hillsdale, IL). We like it cause it's a fairly close drive and it has all our favorite amenities. We took the boys canoeing for the first time. Brian and I loved this part. Plus we saw two bald eagles, one of which caught a fish in front of us. We were also able to check out some ducks, loons, turtles and frogs. We point out a lot of creatures to the boys. Most of the time they don't see them or they aren't as impressed as we think they should be.

Also did some swimming in the pool. (If and when I feel confident enough to wear a bikini, this is the pool I will wear it to.) Went on the tractor ride and played mini golf. Neil is pretty enthusiastic about golf, but its a sport with a ball so why wouldn't he. Ben also liked the video game arcade.

Our camping neighbors happened to be from Plainfield, so we spent an evening at their campfire getting to know them. Nice people.

Finally I would share some photos, but they didn't turn out well. The camera got wet and had to spend a day drying out and as much as I LOVE my iPhone the pictures it takes aren't as good as our camera.

Learning Patience

I'm frequently thinking that I have become a more patient person because of the boys. But I'm also aware I still have a ways to go. This is one of those times when I think God is trying to remind me of this lesson.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the boys ride in the bike trailer while I run them to the playground so we can all get some exercise. Last week I noticed something new at the playground – a momma duck. You'll see in the picture she has herself perched under the stairs of the playground equipment. So far the boys have been pretty good about giving her some space, but even when they climb up those stairs right over her head, she just sits there – patiently. She's been there a week now and each day I'm surprised she's still been left alone. If the teenagers can't keep from putting graffiti on the equipment, I can't imagine they'd leave her in peace.

(Neil leaving momma duck alone has been much tougher, not so much because he's two, but because he LOVES birds. He likes to try and catch them in the field next to the playground. Imagine Laura Ingall's running through the fields at the beginning of Little House on the Prairie and you've got it.)

My First 5-Star Meal

We all know I don't cook as often as my job title implies that I should, but thanks to recipezaar.com I just cooked my first 5-star meal. Restaurant worthy according to Brian. Ben said it was really good also and pretty much finished his plate and Neil's. Neil on the other hand will still need to try it 12 times before liking it since he passed today, but he typically never eats dinner. (According to Busia you have to eat something 12 times to be able to truly decide if you like it. I'm wondering if she's done this with mushrooms). Here's what we had: Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach (Recipe #274427). I, of course, added way more garlic and mushroom. Now I have to go lay on the couch, cause I ate too much.

One-on-One Time

Ben got to go on a special outing with Brian yesterday. It started out at Putt-putt, which I guess he's not really ready for yet, but we had a free coupon. Even better was the show at the near by airstrip. Brian wasn't impressed with this little Cessna, but Ben sure was.