Galena Getaway Weekend!

We had a peaceful weekend getaway in Galena, IL. Well, as peaceful as it gets with twin 2-yr-olds!! We ventured north with another couple and their 1-yr old boy. Clearly we needed two vehicles as we travel with too much ‘stuff’ even for just a weekend! The boys traveled very well -- of course music like 'Happy and you know it shout Hurray' helps!

 Our friends had found cabins to stay at on an Alpaca farm. Jaden loved the Alpacas and wanted them to be his friend right away. Evan was predictably scared of them and decided they were great from afar!

Grandma Pam and Grandpa Al were on a ‘Leaf Tour’ down the Mississippi River…..and ‘just happened’ to be near Galena at the same time we were! Evan and Jaden were very excited to see Grandpa & Grandma and they made excellent babysitters on Saturday night!

On Sunday we hiked along Casper Bluff…..we missed the BOB stroller, but Nathan enjoyed pushing the boys around the grass trails up-and-down the hills! The boys had fun, too, hiking and exploring.

Since it was a cabin on a farm during Boxelder Bug season…….the boys went on bug-hunts in the cabin and Jaden learned to count! They loved it!

Splish Splash!

Since the season of Fall is having an identity crisis with summery 80-degree temps, I don’t feel too bad posting these summertime pictures in October!

Evan and Jaden truly enjoyed everything to do with water this summer. They loved getting wet, and splashing to get others wet. Evan started out in May being a little scared of the pool, but after the 2^nd and 3^rd time, he became more comfortable and ended up loving to swim and jump in more than Jaden. Swimming at the pool became our favorite after-work activity, and we enjoyed swimming with friends, too. 

Aunt Laurie surprised the boys with an early birthday present: a water table. Technically it’s a water and sand table, but since I am the one washing their clothes and giving them baths, it is just a water table at our house! It brought hours of fun and was a safe water activity when it was only a 1:2 adult:kid ratio. 

Where were Splash Parks when I was growing up?? Seriously, a great invention for hot days. We visited the three splash parks in Bloomington/Normal and played at one in Minneapolis in July.

 

Although winter is not exactly something I look forward to, I am getting excited to see Evan and Jaden’s excitement when they get to play in the snow! And after the first snowfall, I will again be ready for summer days at the pool!