Riley's First Camping Trip!

As the title implies, we went camping yesterday! This was Riley's first time in a tent [outside of me, that is]. It was a raging success. We went to White Pines State Park here in IL, and just stayed one night but met several of Riley's friends [and their assorted parents] there. Yesterday, we went on a short hike with the kids, which involved fording several small streams. The kiddos loved that part! Riley slept like a champ too. Too bad Mom and Dad were kept up late by the morons blasting the Blackhawks game all over the campground.

Ok, so this one's not from camping- it's at the Arboretum tadpole pond. I just love the disgruntled look on his face.

Camping! Best part: there was a doggie at our campsite.

Braving the rapids. Riley thought this was fantastic.

By this time, we were all quite wet. It was a hot day at least. Not long after this, Riley turned and said "up?". Of course.

Yay tents!

We must've worn him out. He fell asleep on our hike this morning. This is the new backpack that we intend to tote him around Istanbul in...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Moms and GrandMoms!
A few pix from this morning below, and more in the picture folder at the right of the page....

We're all good here. We're finally done with the semester [well almost, I have to grade 6 term papers still], and gearing up for a very busy summer. We are going to my sister Cailin's college graduation this week, and will get to see Uncle Dane for the first time in a long time! Our next big trip will be Riley's first overseas trip. Originally, we had thought we would make that seminal trip easy on ourselves by going somewhere like England, or maybe Italy. Well, we're going to Turkey. We're already packing a bit, just to try and wrap our minds around the challenge. Any suggestions for good travel [small, lightweight, challenging enough to not get boring fast] activities, toys, or puzzles that can keep a little dude occupied for a while are welcome. We will have very limited space in the car we're renting that must hold 5 butts and science gear.

Still waiting for warm weather here to stay for a while. This Thurs, the high was about 45F. Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today is better, with at least some nice sunshine. I have some great little veggies started, that are beggin to go into the ground, but there was even a frost advisory last night! Sheeesh. We're enjoying our yard and garden anyway, and all of the things we planted last fall made it through the winter!

Ok, enough jibberjabber. Here are those pix [don't forget to check those at right too...].


Floppy hat we bought yesterday at Old Navy for the Turkey trip. Something to cover the back of his little neck in the sun.