Father's Day family trip to Blackberry Farm and Pioneer Village.

Many of you know I love American History and even got to study it for my degree, so this was really fun for me too. I am reading a historical fiction novel about pioneer life in Oregon at the moment and my next book is sure to be on a similar subject or on the Amish, I love historic fictional books about their culture too.
So anyhow back to the family trip. Although a bit pricey to get in, EVERYTHING was free once inside, including unlimited pony rides which were the kids favorite.

Painter Jamie paints over his his permanent pen 'artwork' on our wall.

We were in the parade!

Getting ready! 

 Cool Car!

 Jess on the float.

 Faith Christian School on Truck and Trailer. Our cheer leaders and walkers were out in front.

 We scored a 10!

 These were definitely a 10!

We got to walk, (me, 3miles) ride, (kids, on float/stroller) with Faith Christian Academy in the Geneva Swedish Days Parade. Here is a few pictures.

We took the plunge and got Season Passes for Swanson Pool in Pottawamie Park'
Today we spent the Afternoon with the Nau Family at Swanson Pool. It was expensive to get in on the daily rate, but the kids had so much fun we decided to get a refund and go for the season pass. If we come 5 times it will be worth it and I think we will be here more than that! Jess was off entertaining herself, whilst Jamie and Sienna played in the toddler pool and sand pit all afternoon.



.http://www.stcparks.org/Aquatics/Swanson-Pool/swanson-pool.htm

Staff Wives Playdate!

Jill organised a meet up playdate for our Term time Wednesday morning staff wives group. There was no lovely Kid's World Staff to look after our kids, so we met at Ferson Creek Park in St Charles. Here's a picture of some of the staff kids together.

Staff Wives Playdate!

Jill organised a meet up playdate for our Term time Wednesday morning staff wives group. There was no lovely Kid's World Staff to look after our kids, so we met at Ferson Creek Park in St Charles. Here's a picture of some of the staff kids together.

More Epic Air fun at Elijah Sutton's Birthday.
We joined the Suttons for a extra fun morning at Epic air, as Elijah celebrated with a joint birthday. Elijah is in Jess's class at school, Pete, his dad works with Andy and we love spending time with this awesome family of 8!

Family visit to Red Oak Nature Center.

On Andy's day off we took a trip to Red Oak, about 10 minutes south of our home. Lovely trails along the Fox River and a legend about a the cave there that fascinated Jess. We did the scavenger hunt there too. In the Discovery room, the kids were impressed with the 'poop' exhibit, as well as the honey bees- eewww.

Free fun at Moore Park Splash Park!

I love that this splash park is free and 10 minutes from our house. We took some friends with us, Wade is in Jessica's class at school. This was the first ever day that Sienna has completed a whole set of Monkey bars. Way to go Sienna!

Mount St. Mary's Park, by the Fox River.

We checked out the huge slides and the artistic sculptures around the park.