Walking Across the New Bridge

For the last 20+ years, the Quad City area has discussed the need for a new I-74 Bridge across the Mississippi. For just as many years, the state and local governments have agreed...but nothing ever came to fruition. 

Then, much to everyone's surprise (and delight!), we started seeing / hearing more and more about the "new bridge". We were apprehensive and truly never thought that it would happen. During the summer of 2017, construction was started. After a crazy 3.5 years (of construction and detours!), both Iowa & Illinois Bound lanes were opened to the public (by December 2021). The following Spring, the pedestrian portion of the bridge was opened. 

First off - this bridge is HUGE! We went from 2 narrow lanes on each bridge span to 4 lanes on each side! Plenty of room to merge and exit. AND the bridge lights up at night! We love it!

We had plans to walk across the bridge - finally making it happen over the summer months. Matt & I headed down to the river one evening and were blessed with a beautiful sunset as well as seeing the Celebration Belle!

Looking at the old bridge (green). It is so small in comparison!

Driving home a few nights later, we detoured along the river to snap this picture of the amazing sunset!

Maddie & I decided to walk the bridge a week or two after Matt & I walked across. It was much warmer that day but we decided to walk the full length of the bridge and back (1 mile each way).

One Sunday afternoon, the girls & I worked on trimming our neighbor's bush. After the yard work was done, we headed to the river.

We made a point of taking the whole family down to see the bridge (which, we ironically drive multiple times a day). Finally, the whole family walked to the center of the bridge and took in the amazing view. 

It was a *little* windy and very sunny!!

What a wonderful gift we've been given in this new bridge! We look forward to driving (and walking) across it for many years to come.

Freeport 2022

We have been driving to Freeport, IL annually since before the kids were born. It quickly became a tradition for our family - one that we all love and look forward to! The last few years, the kids were the ones to remind us about setting aside a day for us to go. This year was no different. 

With 6 people working 8 jobs, as well as school & church commitments, trips, etc, it is pretty hard to find a "free" day. We had to be intentional about blocking out a date that everyone could ask off work, etc. We circled June 5th and wrote FREEPORT in marker on the calendar. 

We had a beautiful day (sunny and not hot!) to drive and explore Northern Illinois. 

We stopped alongside the road for a quick turtle rescue. I was upset that I didn't think to record Matt as he scurried across the road to rescue the turtle before the oncoming traffic could hit it.

Once in Freeport, our first stop was at Union Dairy for some delicious ice cream!

As per tradition, we eat our ice cream and then head to Debate Square...the location for one of the famous Lincoln/Douglas debates from 1858. We've been taking pictures of the kids on this platform since they were toddlers!

To our delight, there was a new spray pad across the street from Debate Square! We walked over to check out the area.

In typical kid fashion, we allowed them to run around the spray pad and all 3 were DRENCHED within a few minutes. 

Kaitee played it safe and stayed dry - a wise decision!

We found a blanket in the van so the kids could sit without getting my seats all wet. We discussed hitting a Goodwill or Walmart to find new cheap t-shirts for the kids to wear, but ultimately decided to punish them for their choices, LOL!

Matt stopped at a cemetery to find a new letterbox. I got out and walked around while he was searching and logging in. 

What a beautiful cemetery - rolling hills and lots of green.

As I walked back toward the van, I found the 3 kids laying/sitting in the grass - trying to dry themselves out a bit!

Leaving the cemetery, we drove to Krape Park. 

We decided to take advantage of the open boats once we arrived. We love that the kids are old enough to ride in their own boat now!

Alex reminded me to put my fitbit on my shoe so I would get my steps in during the pedaling!

We left the boats behind and headed over to the carousel, playground, climbing rock and fire engine.

After playing around the park, we set out to hike around the other side of the park - just over a mile of walking. 

We enjoyed watching the "baby" geese - so many of them!

We wrapped up our time at Krape Park and headed to Goodwill to do some shopping. 

Our last stop for the day (aside from dinner) was in Savannah, IL at the Mississippi Palisades State Park. We climbed one of the trails (literally straight uphill for most of the hike) to be rewarded with some amazing views of the Mississippi River.

We glanced back and chuckled at Kaitee, who was wearing her face mask during the hike. "Kaitee, you don't need to wear your mask here". Kaitee - "after swallowing that gnat, I am wearing a mask to keep the bugs out!" Haha - good thinking!

We ended our day at Manny's Tacos & Pizza in Savannah. This place has become a fast favorite for us. It didn't disappoint and we left Savannah refreshed and full!

Another wonderful day spent with the family in Freeport. I love that this is not only a tradition, but something that the kids ask for every year. Fun memories, great food, beautiful weather, all that and so much more!