Double Dose of Weekend Away

I am amazed at how many wonderful places are so close to our midwest town! My MOPS steering team friends and I went on our planning retreat to beautiful Galena, Illinois. The hills were green, and the colonial style buildings were patriotically decorated with red,white, and blue. Although our rental did not meet our expectations (mice evidence? oooh gross!), it was a wonderful retreat to share our thoughts and ideas, laugh and cry, and just be with women whose hearts were geared towards giving mothers the chance to get the most out of this special season in their lives.
Something I am always guaranteed when I travel with these women, is getting past the surface stuff quickly and sharing our hearts. What a wonderful time of fellowship! Thanks girls!

After shopping and eating in downtown, I met up with my husband and the boys who were camping along the Mississippi. The boys thrive on these camping trips. They love the family hikes and riding their bikes. I love that it's just our family, and the boys have to depend on their brothers for entertainment. This summer has worked out nicely in that way. My two older sons are good friends. That is something I wouldn't say a few months ago. Although the younger one annoys the older by wanting to do EVERYTHING he does, the older one has included him more often than not.
I can't believe the summer is almost over! We have a couple of trips left and then it's time for school! I plan on enjoying it to the fullest!