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!  

Happy Birthday America!!

Today was a perfect 4th of July!  Jared had the day off and we were actually able to sleep in a bit!  After breakfast and a little family yard work we headed to the pool.  It was a great time and I remembered the camera this time!

Loving having Daddy with us!

Mid-splash

Nora loves the pool!  She's not at all afraid of the water.

Looking ornery with that water squirter 

My 2 favorite guys!

Nora and Daddy, having some fun

Water boy!

Snack time, poolside 

Happy 4th of July!

This evening we Jared cooked a fantastic dinner.  We had grilled pork chops, grilled potatoes, green beans and biscuits...on the deck!  I can't believe how beautiful this weather is.  Jared wasn't even sweating!  It was perfect ending to our perfect day!

Ethan with his sunflowers.  (Check out his festive shirt!)

Yum!!

Oh, and for dessert...S'mores!

Ethan was sooo excited.  He has been wanting s'mores for a while now!

Sticky fingers

Nora's 1st S'mores

Pure Sweetness (while strapped into the highchair)

Happy 4th!  We are truly thankful for the men and women who have served and do serve our country!  Thanks bro!  Can't wait to have you home and see you again!

My brother, Jim, is currently serving in Afghanistan.  Should be home this month!!

A Beautiful Day!

Saturday, Jared's brother, Dustin married Amanda.  It was a beautiful ceremony and a great time!  Jared was the best man and Ethan was the ring bearer.  This was his ring bearer debut and he did great!  And, I think he was the cutest little ring bearer I've ever seen!  But I may be biased :).  I sat up close and took a lot of pictures during the wedding.  Here are some of my favorites.

Getting ready with the guys.

During the ceremony.

Eek!!  Isn't this just the cutest?!? 

The guys

Dustin's first look at his bride :)

Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Collier!

Taking a few snapshots behind the photographer!

All the Colliers in attendance.  We're a big clan!

The Mark Collier Family :)

We clean up nicely :)

Reception Fun!

Beautiful flowers by Jody Smalley!

Mother, son dance.

Nora, having a good time at the reception

Ethan and Jared took on the task of decorating the get-away car!

Dustin and his wife, Amanda

It was a beautiful wedding!  We are so happy for this sweet couple!  Thanks for letting us be a part of your day!  Love you!

Busy Week

We just got home from a busy week in Salem.  It was a great, but very tiring, week.  I'm sure my mom is enjoying her quite house, right about now :)!
Ethan and his cousin, Scout, had swim lessons together.  They both had a wonderful time, and both passed to the next level!  Here are a few pictures from their lessons.

Ethan, also, learned to ride a bike without training wheels while at Grandma Terri's.  We didn't help him at all.  He basically just got on and started riding!  The balance bike he has been using for the past 2 years, worked!!  (The only bike we had that fit him was a princess one...he didn't care though!)

This is the only help he had... The first time he got on, Jared helped balance him and as soon as he got his feet on the pedals, off he went!

Like a pro!

Now, we just need to get him a bike for our house.  He wasn't too excited about getting back on his strider today, but he did :).

Finley, Scout and Ethan played a lot together (and sometimes, Nora joined in).  It was a fun time!

There also happened to be a wedding this past week ;).  Jared's brother, Dustin married Amanda on Saturday.  I'll devote a whole post to that soon!  It was a beautiful day and a great time had by all!  We are trying to recover today, hanging out at home!