As of yesterday, the HMS school year was 3/4 completed. And Noah and Rylan both made the honor roll for third quarter. So big congrats to Noah and Ry! Sofie also had a big accomplishment in February, no more training wheels.
Last weekend, we made the trip to Golcanda IL to Garden of The Gods State Park. It was our first time hiking at the park, and everyone really enjoyed it. We also visited Bell Smith Springs and Dixon Springs.
The Humes family camped with us last weekend. Friday night, the weather was a little chilly, but the rest of the weekend proved nice. We hiked three different trails. And visited a unique Memorial park. The kids loved the park, and everyone was nice and hungry for Sunday lunch at The Lodge at Giant City. All you can eat fried chicken. Yum!
The photo below was taken at the entrance to The Garden of the Gods. Notice the Humes new addition Hunter. It was his first time hiking.
Rylan and Daddy
Rochman Memorial Park - Carbondale IL
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/18280
The kids have wanted to play at this park since our first visit to Giant City, so when Sarah suggested stopping on our way home, the kids were elated. This park was built by the Rochman family after the loss of their son. He loved Dungeons and Dragons. I confess, I know nothing about D&D. But I can tell you I found the park beautiful, and I would highly recommend a visit if you are ever in Carbondale.
My favorite was this huge blue Dragon. I don't think the photos do it justice. It was so well made it appeared to be half napping, half watching all the kids.
The Castle is a huge maze. From the little ground I covered inside the maze, the contents included at least one dungeon, and a set of thrones. The grounds were home to more dragons, sorcerers, tree archers, and more.
And a beautiful fountain...
Sofie had to draw a life size self portrait for school. Her teacher sent home a very large piece of white paper. We taped it to the hardwood floor in the living room, to keep it from rolling up with Sofie inside. And then traced around her. From there it was all Sofie. She had a great time coloring her life size drawing and was very excited to return it to school for their assembly.
Noah had his first practice with his new baseball team on Wednesday night. He didn't know any of the members of the new team, and he was a little upset. He acted like he wanted to quit. I told him to wait it out, this isn't the first time he has had to join a team where he didn't know anybody. And he has always quickly made friends. So fingers crossed that he is happy with this new bunch of kids. As for Rylan, he couldn't be more excited about the upcoming season. He LOVES baseball. However, we haven't heard from his coach yet... So hopefully he will have a practice very soon. Check back soon for baseball photos of the boys.
So this morning was the Swansea Rotary Easter Egg Hunt. It's an annual tradition, that we have made a family tradition of missing. But TODAY, the weather is amazing. So we hauled our hineys over to the park, grabbed a once used Target bag. And searched, dove, scrambled, fought, and conquered for a whole bunch of plastic eggs. It was a great time. Well done Swansea Rotary. Oh, And I have 40 something pictures to prove that all you get photos of at an Easter Egg hunt is little kid bums.
Bell Smith Springs
