We have had a great first week in Southern Illinois with Nathan's family. It has been relaxing, the weather is fantastic, and it is nice visiting with everyone. Catching up, I wanted to share a few pictures of the boys with Mark and Betty before we got to IL. There was lots of ice cream eating, no-shirt wearing, outdoor playing, front porch sitting, and all around fun. We are thankful for them watching the boys while we were finishing work in DC, and we know there was lots of fun had by all.
Our first full day in town, we went to Forbes Lake State Park for a picnic and to play. The boys had fun skipping rocks and exploring with grandpa.
Ben likes to take pictures, looking good Grandma Betty!
After lunch, we played in the park.
Ben was proud of this little frog he found, and he kept picking him up and petting him. The frog eventually made it home alive.
Afterwards, we went on an adventure walk in the woods and called it a day.
One great thing about southern Illinois are the beautiful sunrise and sunsets. I especially love the summertime when the sun shines over the cornfields.
Fresh morning dew.
And little friends.
Beautiful blooming flowers.
Summertime :)
Another afternoon, we met one of Nathan's childhood friends who was in town with his family. The boys had fun playing in the park while we talked and got caught up.
Afterwards we went for a swim....we've been doing a lot of swimming this past week and the boys love it!
We have taken a couple of walks and runs on the nature trail behind the reservoir. It's a nice place for us to run and the boys to walk and throw rocks with grandpa and grandma.
The sunset the other evening was very unique. The sun was a glowing red and was so pretty. I was messing with the camera settings to capture the vibrant colors, it wasn't really this dark outside yet.
Another day, the boys went with Mark and Betty to a castle park, while Nathan and I were at doctor appointments. The boys had a lot of fun in the mazes and climbing around.
Grandpa and Ben coloring and sticking one morning.
Another day, we went to Hap's family's farm for the afternoon. The boys love to visit and explore the farm, and it is always so nice of them to let us come up to play. We got to see all the Jolliffs, Hap's parents, brother and sister-in-law's family, and great grandma. The boys got to ride four wheelers, go fishing, see the cows, and play with their cousins. The older boys are very patient and good with the little boys, and everyone played nicely together all afternoon.
Exploring the farm with Jay and Sam.
Caleb going to see the cows with Carl.
Ben taking a ride to the pond with Aunt Elizabeth.
Jay helping Caleb on the min four wheeler.
Hunter is their oldest son, they are getting big from when I first remembered them several years ago.
Jacob and Benjamin on the trike.
Daddy teaching Caleb how to fish.
Beau and Jacob catching a fish.
Benjamin waiting for a nibble.
He caught a big bass!
And Caleb caught a blue gill.
Jacob and I waiting patiently for a fish to bite...but they never did.
The three stooges...don't worry they didn't drive off.
They just got into all of Hunter's cookies and ate them all!
Uncle Hap teaching the boys about nightcrawlers.
Hello Abram and Abigail :).
We were friends for a little while....this little girl loves her mommy.
Davy Crocketette :)
Ben and Grandpa spend a lot of time digging rocks in the street and playing with this blue truck that was Nathan's when he was a little boy.
This next week, we are staying at a good family friend's adorable cottage in town, that is right next door to where Nathan grew up when he was our boys' age. Nathan has lots of good memories of this place, and it is fun for him to show the boys around where he liked to play when he was little.
It has been a fun and relaxing first week in town and we are very glad to be here!
