Every other year we take a vacation with my girlfriends from highschool. For the past two trips we went up to Michigan's Upper Penninsula, but this year we decided to stay closer to home. Instead of driving 8 hours, we drove 1 hour to Utica, IL to the Grand Bear Resort, right next to Starved Rock State Park. 
We rented a 3 bedroom condo and had a wonderful time with the 4 other families. There was plenty to do... and kids just liked being together.
A waterpark was part of the lodge, so we went swimming once. Although she is becoming more comfortable in the water, Madeline still does not like getting her face wet. (I don't have high hopes that she'll be on the swim team).
Evelyn does seem to enjoy the water though.
On Tuesday we took a hike at Starved Rock State Park. It was a good walk, but was VERY hot and humid, and mosquitoes were out with a vengeance. Dan stayed home with Evelyn, but Madeline and I hiked for a while.
The resort had a little trolley that came by every 10 minutes or so and would drive around the whole place, so we could easily catch a ride to the pool or amusement park. It was also fun to just ride around!
Picnic lunch at a park on the premises
Kids-(clockwise from top left) Matthew, Marcelite, Jon, Lu, Madeline, Ben, Evelyn, Hannah, Nic
Jen & Robert (who traveled from North Carolina!)
Buffy & Marcelite
On Tuesday we all got to help celebrate Ben's birthday. Madeline loves a birthday party and was happy to sing and eat cake!
Here's the whole gang...
... and just the ladies.
1 comment:
Great pictures! Sorry we had to miss it. Everyone's kids are getting so big that I really have to look at them to figure out who's who. We need to make another trip back to Naperville sometime, but I'm sure it won't be until next year. :( Thanks for sharing!
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