In the Woods

It is rare for us to be in Illinois when the weather is beautiful. We usually see rain and clouds or snow. But, this time we hit the jackpot! It was sunny, warm and wonderful.

We went to a water spray park 2 times and to an alternative park once. The alternative park was simply amazing and will be a regular nice-weather destination when we visit in the future. The park was located in a forest outside of town. There was a stream running along one side and an enormous shady canopy overhead. The park was designed to allow children to play in nature, use their imaginations and get dirty! A small rustic log cabin and club house had a myriad of pans, spoons, dishes, etc. for "cooking" up lots of mud/dirt/water related dishes. There was an archeological digging site with bones buried in the dirt. A big sandbox. A dig to China mud hole. A zip-line, balance beam, trees to climb and a hammock. It was amazing and I didn't take my camera so I have nothing to show for it but the boys call it the Mud Park and they want to go back.

Otherwise, our outdoor activities took place in the woods at grandma and grandpa's house.

There are lots of bird feeders that the boys got to help check.

Croquet was a big hit - literally - with the entire family. Ben is proud as peaches of the form Noah is showing here. The shady trees make the photo a bit dark, but if you click on it to see it bigger it is kind of impressive. We'll see if Noah becomes a golfer or not.

Look mom, no pants! :-)