Starved Rock...Picnic, Hiking, FUN!

What a GREAT day we had Monday! Although storms were in the forecast, we decided to try our plans anyway. We packed up some sammies, snacks, and gatorade, threw the kids in the car, and drove off to Starved Rock. The girls were very excited to go "hiking" although they had NO idea what that word meant! Can you tell we're not the most "outdoor" kinda family? ahahha. We got there and the girls were so excited. We had our picnic at a table set back a ways from the parking lot and other people that were there. We watched some fish jump out of the water, found some nasty dead fish, then headed out onto the "starved rock" trail. Once we started, Delaney says: "THis is really just walking, isn't it?" Very preceptive, kid! We made it up and down that trail, and almost to Lover's Leap. Both Delaney and Kate took turns being carried by Daddy...and when both started saying how tired they were, we headed back. We stopped in the Lodge for potty breaks and ice cream, and then headed home. There were very few complaints, no whining, and a LOT of fun! We'll definitely go back. I think next time we'll try a different trail, and maybe go out on the boat ride.

Exploring...Climbing on some fallen trees near the parking lot

Enjoying the family picnic

Wishing they brought their fishing poles...

Some nasty HUGE dead fish...

Hiking through the woods...

Looking out on Starved Rock

The Henderson Ladies at the top of Starved Rock

Rowe enjoying hiking...relaxing with thumb in mouth.

Checking out two Daddy-Long-Legged spiders...

She was just learning about roots of trees from Daddy while looking at this fallen tree...

The girls in awe that Daddy can pee outside...

All this hiking wore Rowe out!

Hiking through the mud

Kate lost her shoe in the muck!

Following the leader, Delaney

Enjoying grape-twisted ice cream after a muggy hike...

Damn! We ALMOST made it out...As we're getting into the car, Kate slipped in the mud! Thankfully, I packed wet washcloths for this kind of thing.

All in all...a wonderful, perfect, family day! Next Monday...Grandpa and Paula's!