When I was very young, it was a special treat to go to the local Dog 'n Suds. You drove up to a spot, ordered from your car, and a waitress on roller skates brought your food to you. She hung a tray on your partially rolled-down window, and food would be dispensed. I don't really remember how the food tasted, but the root beer they served in frosty mugs still brings a smile to my face.
Dog 'N Suds are few and far between now, but Baird found one in central Illinois, and was willing to drive an hour out of our way so I could enjoy a taste from my childhood.
You can still order from your car, but the waitress isn't on roller skates anymore, and they don't hang the trays on your window.
The food is awful; the root beer is even better than I remembered!
Erin's always had a way with living creatures - both humans and animals seem naturally drawn to her. Tonight she enticed a
luna moth to hang out with her for over an hour. It was initially drawn to the light of our lantern, but she was able to coax it onto her finger, and then keep it entranced with the light of a flashlight. Such a special treat, since it's an endangered species. This is one of the reasons we love camping so much - getting up close and personal with nature.
Drew did really well on his rookie climb!
It was also Baird's first climb, and he was a trooper!
Kelsey did her share of climbing too, but here she takes a break
It's not a true family vacation for the 5 Ring Circus unless I sneak a bit of education in. On this trip we made a stop at Fort Massac, a place on the Ohio River that was strategically important from the 1600s through the Civil War. Drew learned how to shoot a bow and arrow.
You just can't go to Southern Illinois without making a stop at Metropolis!
Cave in Rock has a long and storied history. It was a hideout for pirates in the 1700s, who looted the boats moving goods up and down the Ohio River. More recently, Walt Disney filmed the movie Davy Crockett here. More important, it's a cool 54 degrees inside and a great place to rest when you've been hiking in the hot August sun.
Garden of the Gods wilderness area is beyond gorgeous.
The rock formations are unlike anything I've ever seen.
Hiking and bouldering around Rim Rock, we found some 
Dog 'N Suds are few and far between now, but Baird found one in central Illinois, and was willing to drive an hour out of our way so I could enjoy a taste from my childhood. 
Erin's always had a way with living creatures - both humans and animals seem naturally drawn to her. Tonight she enticed a luna moth to hang out with her for over an hour. It was initially drawn to the light of our lantern, but she was able to coax it onto her finger, and then keep it entranced with the light of a flashlight. Such a special treat, since it's an endangered species. This is one of the reasons we love camping so much - getting up close and personal with nature.
We headed to Brookfield Zoo this morning for the annual Sox Day. When A.J. Pierzynski was signing a picture for Drew, Drew asked him, "How does it feel to be one of the smartest players in baseball?" A.J. replied, "It's fun!"
Juan Nieves (White Sox bullpen coach) was also there signing autographs, which provided an opportunity for the kids to learn a little baseball history.
Mel was the star patron, raving about the turkey sandwich.
I got some face time talking about those donuts and mocha I love so much.
Growing up on a farm, we had our own sweet corn patch. I always ate corn within an hour of it being picked off the stalk. It was a way of life; I didn't know any different.
I've passed my snobbery on to Drew, who only eats corn on the cob, and only when it's fresh.
