Starved Rock

I got a call from my sister on Friday around 3, asking if we had plans that evening and the next day.  She is quite the spontaneous girl.  Abby and Alex decided to head up north to Starved Rock State Park and wanted to make a pit stop at our house.  We had no plans, so they came and had dinner with us, stayed the night and then we decided to join them on their adventure.  We drove the 2 hours north to the park and it was beautiful.  We had a great time, sweat and all!  Ethan loved it and I can't wait to take him hiking again (maybe with a bit more planning).  Nora happily rode and napped on Jared's back.

Ethan is ready to climb!

Before we headed into the woods

Here we go!

Scenic overlook with Nora and Jared

The Illinois River

Alex, Moose and Abby exploring

Ethan, Jared & Nora going into a canyon

Abby and Ethan

My big boy and I

The 4 of us in front of a waterfall (a small waterfall)

Napping Nora.  She missed some of the best stuff! 

Snack break

This picture kind of melts my heart!

This was near the visitors center along the Illinois River.  There were a lot of people picnicking and fishing.

On our way to the park, we passed the Root Beer Stand.  A little ice cream, root beer, hamburger place.  We decided it was the perfect place to stop after a long, hot day of hiking and exploring.  After enjoying some root beer floats and ice cream, we said good bye to Abby and Alex and we all headed home.  

The 6 of us...tired and sweaty!

Nora knows how to enjoy some ice cream!  This was Alex's cup :)

The hubs and I.

Thank you, Abby and Alex, for inviting yourselves to our house and inviting us to go with exploring with you.  It was a great day!