Graue Mill Hike

Over Memorial Day Weekend we enjoyed a long hike at Graue Mill.

Happy Father's Day

We hope everyone has a Happy Father's Day. We hiked Matthiessen State Park near Starved Rock and enjoyed the many waterfalls. Now its to grill out and relax.

Taking a Hiking in Teason Woods

We had some projects we were working on around the house, but the sky was so beautiful we had to start the day with an adventure. we packed up and headed south to Teason woods in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. We had a nice hike where the big moment was climbing the steps of the old Tobaggon runs. Apparently, they have removed the slides and put in nice steps so people come to climb the steps for a works out. We made it to the top and I can understand why people use this as a way to get your heart rate up!

On our way back to the car we saw a turkey vulture. The kidos found that to be pretty cool.

Mother's Day Plunge

The kids got up early Sunday morning to wake up mom with a collection of mother inspired art (they had been looking forward to giving mom these all week long). We took advantage of the early rise and headed to Blueberry hill for some sweet morning eats and then jumped in the car and headed to Utica, IL home of Starved Rock State Park.

Because we were there so early we practically had all the waterfalls to ourselves. The hikes and views were stunning. The kids really enjoyed the opportunity to find ways around muddy parts of the trail and to climb the rock walls. After a full morning of hiking we took a short breather in Ottawa and then did lunch at Cheddars in Joliet.

The day ended with a relaxing dinner cook out and visit with our neighbors.

Take a hike

We had a great weekend, thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes.

These pictures are from Saturday. We took advantage of a beautiful day by hiking at Mayslake which was a former retreat for Franciscan Order of Friars Minor. The willow trees were in bloom and lots of wildlife was around (including a camera shy turtle). Then after a quick lunch at Oakbrook we met some friends at Waterfall Glen. In January we had walked out on the frozen waterfall and the kids were excited to see the unfrozen falls. That night Elizabeth went to the St. Barbara's Casino Night, always a good time.

Hiking Greene Valley Forest Preserve

What a fun weekend! Saturday night was the big auction for Saint Cletus. Our family helped a bit with decorating in the morning then after singing at 5pm mass mom and dad got all dolled up for the big event while Meg and Zach headed over to Gene and Dales for a sleep over.

Saturday after rolling out of bed we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and take a hike. Meg read through 60 Hikes with in 60 miles of Chicago and picked Greene Valley Forest Preserve. She was excited to see the Red Tailed Hawks that nest there.

The trail was long but fun the kids took some pictures and video. We saw a horse on the trail and a marsh full of really loud frogs (there had to be thousands).

Hiking Lyman Woods

Sunday we headed out early to enjoy the beautiful weather. We hit Oakbrook before it got to crowded and then ate lunch and hiked Lyman Woods in Downers Grove.

Winter Hike at Waterfall Glen

We had a nice weekend. Saturday Zach's class had another birthday party. Sunday we took a trip to Barnes and Noble so the kids could pick out a book. Monday we hiked the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The waterfall was almost completely frozen, but there were a few spots where you could see the water still running. The creek was frozen over so we could walk out over the waterfall. It was a neat experience. We look forward to going back once everything starts to thaw.

Hiking at the Arboretum

Sunday the kids were going stir crazy so we took them to the Arboretum to run around. It was a nice trip. The prairie fields were beautiful and the wind wasn't too cold.

Geocaching in the Savannah

 Today we introduce a couple of Meg and Zach's friends to geocaching. We were searching for the Raccoon Cache located in a savannah in Hodgkins. 

The kids had a great time exploring and I think we have two new treasure hunters on our hands!

Hiking the I&M Canal

Sunday morning we had planned to make a trip to Starve Rock. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. It was cold and misty. Instead we decided to do some hiking in the Joliet area. We did a small hike in the McHenry woods and then checked out the canal locks in Chanahan's Canal Woods. The kids loved being up on the bridges watching the rushing water.

Breakfast with the Bunny

Friday morning we met some of Meg's friends at the Arboretum to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny. The kids enjoyed seeing the bunny hopping down the trail as he approached the Ginkgo Room.

After breakfast we took the kids on a couple trails. There was a fresh layer of snow over everything. It really was beautiful, and the kids had a great time.

Geocaching Again

This weeked we got back into geocaching. The kids and Chris found a small one before church Saturday night, then Sunday morning we all put on our gettin' muddy shoes and headed into Bemis Woods. While searching we saw a few deer and lots of animal tracks in the mud. There were a few spots with standing water so we had to climb on logs to get by. Once we got to the location of the cache, Meg and Zach searched around and finally found it under a pile of bark. We wrote our names in the log book and Zach exchanged his parachute guy for a slinky. Meg chose to keep the parachute guy.

In the end it was a very enjoyable walk in the woods and the kids (and Mom and Dad) had a great time outside on a beautiful day.

Welcome to Chicago

As hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Chicago for the Taste of Chicago, we've had some guests of our own. Last Thursday Josh came to visit. This weekend we were joined by Kendra, Uncle Bobby and Grandma.

Saturday after swim lessons we took Kendra and Uncle Bobby on a geocache adventure in Fullerton Woods by Graue Mill. It was a beautiful area to look for treasure. Saturday night Grandma met us for dinner at Flat Top Grill and then saw the newest Second City Show.

Sunday morning after Mass we headed over to the Morton Arboretum. The kids had a great time in the Children's Garden. Then we said goodbye to Bobby and Kendra. Grandma will be joining us for some fun this week.

Click here to check out the slideshow!

Starved Rock Weekend

Tired so this will be quick.

This weekend we went on a trip to Starved Rock with a group of Meg and Zach's school friends. We didn't actually make it to the state park instead we had a blast at Grizzly Jack's Water Park and indoor funground.

Enjoy the pictures!

Meg and Zach enjoying a flower patch

Sunday we visited the Morton Arboretum in the morning. We hiked trails and did a ton of walking. Then we ate lunch and headed to our next birthday party at Pump it Up. Sunday night we enjoyed dinner with the neighbors.

Click here to view the slideshow