The Shaker Village

On our way back home from Illinois, we stopped at the Shaker Village near Lexington, Kentucky. What a fabulous spot! We learned a lot about the Shakers and their history.

The full day we spent there was Daniel's 8th birthday. Not many people get to go on a carriage ride and river boat on their birthday, but Daniel did. Such a fun way to spend a special day!





































A beautiful end to our journey!

Illinois 2016

It's a shame so many miles are between us and northern Illinois. We love seeing family and the city of Rockford is a great place full of activities for the kids. 



The older 4 ventured with Aunt Susan and Daddy to places like the children's museum, a trampoline park, and a water park, while Joshua napped in the afternoons.
But the best part, naturally, was family. Spending time with cousins and uncles and aunts we rarely are able to visit. Some of our crew got to meet Garrison for the first time. 







We played games in the garage, took rides in Uncle Andy's souped up golf cart, and played with water. Cook outs, hot wings, salads... nobody went hungry! Great Grandma was a gracious hostess to her brood, and it was a wonderful time filled with wonderful memories.



Our crew stayed in a sweet, older home in Rockford, that had an awesome tv and couch for evening snuggles. Joshua slept for the first time out of a crib (or pack n play), and did really well on his little air mattress. And let us not forget "eye-ball bubbles" that we passes several times each day. Ha!





The many hours spent on the road were all so worth it!

Kokovoko

On our way to Illinois, we stayed two nights at a pony/sheep farm called Kokovoko. It was essentially "glamping" as we piled into a two room carriage apartment with a tiny bathroom. We hiked around the pastures and even went on a carriage ride. A highlight was the foal born to an unenthusiastic first time mama, frog catching, creek exploring, and the farm dogs, Truman, Gus (skunk dog), and Zoey.