Family Reunion

Last month everyone was able to get together in Illinois for a family reunion which turned out to be so much fun. It has been a very long time since we were all able to be together at once-except Michael of course, we definately missed him. We started in Chicago hanging out at Scotts house and moved on to Indiana Dunes National Seashore where we were glad to stay in a nice beach house. We spent time playing games and hanging out on the dunes and at the beach. From there we drove down to Cuivre River State Park and did a little camping. And yes we were all able to camp-the kids-Jackson and Eliza, pregnant Erin, Grandma, everyone. I have to be honest, I have missed camping seeing as how it is not so fun in hot humid Florida. While at Cuivre River we did some hiking, playing in rivers, crawdad hunting, and of course cooking over the campfire. Tim met us in Cuivre River and it was pretty fun to see the look on Jackson's face when he saw his dad show up. Classic, I wish I got it on camera he was so excited.

Grandma and Jackson playing in the laundry

Dad, Aaron and Akela

Jackson waiting to eat


Erin showing Eliza a frog, she kept wanting to touch and then screaming when she did =0)

Picnic lunch

Danny enjoying lunch and the bridge

Eliza and Akela

Aaron and Akela

Scott looking for crawdads

Scott and Jackson snuggling at the beach

Eliza and Akela

Lindsey and Steve chillaxing in the lake

Everyone playing in the water

Except Jackson, he is sleeping in the sand

Good morning!!

Man, it is like we are on vacation or something.

We made a couple side trips as well. We were able to go up to Nauvoo for a day. We wandered around the town, saw quite a few demonstrations, brick making, blacksmith, the guns, and of course the famous Nauvoo Pageant. At the end when they lit up the temple in the background was my favorite part. It was beautiful!

Nauvoo

We took another side trip to Illinois Caverns which happened to be the coolest cave system I have ever been through. Thanks so much to mom and grandma for watching the babies, because I know they were a handful. Especially since we were still camping at that point and there is only so much you can do with two kids. The caves were pretty amazing, one long big tunnel with lots of little side tunnels that were skinny and short. Oh, did I mention there was also water running throught the whole thing.

Caves

Then we all headed home! Can't wait till next year!