Naturally Occurring Water Bottles

Sometimes in life, you come across people who become friends for life. The kind of friend who thinks so close to your own thoughts that it's almost scary. Who shares the same values, enjoys the same things, even has kids close to the same ages as your own. Tim and Melisa are those friends for us. We grew close quickly, and spent much time together during their four years in South Bend. Since they moved back, we've tried to keep in touch, but distance has it's way. This last weekend, we re-connected by meeting at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, which was pretty close to half way for both of us.

We camped at the park, and they camped at a nearby hotel. We had a really great site - it was handicapped, so the pad was concrete, lots of grass and open space. We got really spoiled; our next camping trip is sure to be a shocker - you'll have to wait until the end of July for that one.

Kenneth and Ane - sweethearts from the start. They are such peas in a pod. Pure, sweet, childhood affection!

With so many little ones and a preggie (Melisa, not me) =), we didn't do a whole lot of hiking, but managed a little exploration of the canyons. The kids were so excited to be together that there was much talking and goofing off, and very little observing the scenery. Tim did manage to point our to them a rare, bashful creature that made an appearance - do you see it?

It's a naturally occurring "water bottle"! =)

Since we planned on doing some hiking on this trip, we got Diana this hiking backpack carrier, and it worked really well! She loved it, and Daddy and Mommy got their "weight-training" excercise in!

Instead of hauling bikes, we did scooters - what a ball the kids had! The handicapped sites were all connected with sidewalks, so the kids had a web of places to ride.

Water fun for a hot afternoon. Weather was gorgeous - rained the whole drive out, then rained lightly one night, but otherwise not too hot and just lovely.

We love you guys! Thanks for being such great friends! Let's get together again soon!