Will You Marry Me?

My dad proposed to my mom at Starved Rock on the fourth of July 40 years ago.  As a surprise, he planned to re-enact that special moment this year, with family members and friends there to help celebrate.  We met at the same bench he proposed to her, and I asked them to take some pictures with the kids.  She thought it was just a family get together because Mandy was home.  As I took pictures, all of our family and friends walked up to the bench.  That's when Dad got down on one knee and proposed to her all over again!  It was a very special, sweet moment!  Afterwards, we all went to Grizzly Jack's Resort and spent the day visiting, playing at the indoor waterpark, and amusement park, too!  Beckett LOVED it!  We had a very nice time, and Harper was great in the car.  I was so happy Shonn was able to take Saturday morning off work so he could come.  We had a blast playing Laser Tag and hanging out!  Here's to 40 years, Mom and Dad!

 Joey, Levi, Shonn, and Matt Eric!

 The girls!

 Exploring with Mee Maw!

 Handsome little fella

Spring Break Day 2

Today we went to the children's museum! (We planned to go yesterday but when we got there, it said "closed". On Mondays?! Really? But then Beck wanted to go bowling anyway, so it all worked out. Anyway, I digress...)

The kids loved the museum, especially the bubbles, water table, paint, and pretend/dress-up areas. But Beckett's favorite was a new building room, and Harper liked the sensory room. (And my keys.)

Then we walked on the sidewalk to the zoo, since they are connected. The playground was totally empty so we played for a little while, but the slides were wet. While we were playing, the wolf climbed up onto his log and started howling. His pack mate died yesterday and it was the saddest, most haunting sound. We are zoo members so it was free to go in and pay him a visit. Then beck wanted to see the snakes, so we did. Harper was very interested in the naked mole rats (eek!) and the peacocks along the way. 

Mr. Monitor:

Beckett said, "I think he is the big bad wolf." Poor thing. 

Peacock!

Wind machine:

Pin wall (b loves this an harp did, too!)

Planing a garden - cool puzzle!

In the doghouse (perfect name for our little scooter!):

Mole rt watcher:

She liked the turtles, too:

New building room:

"Hold me!"

Driving the pizza delivery truck:

Co-pilots!

Climbing high:

Cool guy in his sunglasses!

Harper playing with her dolly before we left. She's started cuddling them and saying "baby" while she pats them on the back.  SO CUTE!