Mother's Day in Freeport - 2019

Freeport, IL - an annual day trip that we've been taking since before the kids were born. We love this town! Every year, it seems to get harder to pinpoint a date that works for all of us. We have to be intentional about putting it on the calendar. Unfortunately, sometimes we put a date on the calendar and don't end up with the best weather. While it didn't rain, it was a bit chillier than we like.

We started our time in Freeport at Krape Park. Took the traditional "climbing the rock wall" picture. Maddie made it a little harder to capture the moment with the booted foot!

They built a new fence around the carousel! Sadly, the carousel wasn't running (for the season) yet.

The last few years, the kids have put together an "American Ninja" course around the playground. We've been fortunate that very few kids were there, allowing the full playground for their course!

We walked across the Yellow Creek bridge and fell in love with this little family!

As we walked along the creek, we saw evidence of Spring flooding.

And lots of Spring wildflowers!

Ran into the cute little family again on the other side of the creek!

I am compelled by this picture - Everyone is in their own world. No one is mad or upset, just contemplative.

For the past few years, Maddie has tried to conquer her fear of heights and slide down the firepole at the park. She goes up the stairs and stands on the platform - only to look down the hole, shake her head and come back down the stairs. This year, she declared that she would conquer the pole (um, yeah...we've heard that before).

She's moved closer than any other time she's tried this...but you can see the look on her face, she isn't happy to be there.

After many tries (and walk aways), Maddie finally stepped out and wrapped her legs around the pole...and slowly slid down (not the best day to wear shorts!).

Pure joy, laughter & a lot of clapping/cheering  - "I want to do it one more time!"

We left the park on a high note and headed to the best part of our day in Freeport - Union Dairy Ice Cream!!

After ice cream, we stopped at Debate Square for our annual picture with the statue.

While I was looking at the pictures (later), I laughed at the different things going on in this picture. Maddie ready to push Alex off the edge (luckily Matt is ready to catch her, lol) and then I noticed Kaitee, slyly putting her foot under Maddie's side to flip her off the front.

We left Freeport and headed to Rockford to find some letterboxes.

One stop that has been on our list for the past few years is the home of the Rockford Peaches. We looked up the address and made the stop this time. Rockford has done a great job with the park and placards - lots of history, pictures & facts regarding the All American Girls Baseball League.

What a fun day! Did I mention that it was Mother's Day? Doesn't get much better - traditions, laughter, exercise, fresh air, conquering fears, no cooking, ice cream, listen to Cubs game (and a W against Brewers!), letterboxes, wildflowers & wildlife, lots of memories! My kind of Mother's Day!

Mississippi River Flooding

After the long, hard winter that the midwest saw this year, we were all ready for some warm, sunny, spring-like weather. Unfortunately, all of the snow melt and LOTS of rain quickly led to major flooding in our area.

After a few weeks of water levels rising, Matt took three of the kids out to explore our river town(s). This is the day after the Mississippi River crested in Moline (IL) at 22.7 feet (record setting). It also set a new record of consecutive days of the river being out of her banks - 41 days.

Moline has built up parts of their riverfront. Also, this section is a back water area, so the water doesn't seem to be so high. There is a nice dock on the water with a ramp and steps leading down to the water. Everything was covered by the flood.

Here is a non-flood picture of the same area. Hopefully this gives a little perspective on where the water should be.

They saw 2 snakes along this walk. Yikes!!

They left Moline and headed to Davenport (IA). They crossed the bridge, found a parking spot and headed back towards the bridge.

On April 30th, the flood wall was breached in Davenport. Watch this video from one of the local restaurants. It is devastating to see how quickly things can change. Half of downtown Davenport was covered in water in a matter of minutes.

Notice the sky bridge in the distance - Matt and the kids headed there next for some overhead shots of the flooding.

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In the past, the ball diamond would be flooded as well. After some renovations, the owners added flood protection with walls and berms to protect the park from the water.

LeClaire Park (behind the ferris wheel) often floods. There is a very low flood wall along this park. There have been many debates over the past few years regarding Davenport's need for a bigger flood wall. I am sure it will be discussed again soon.

Now looking towards the bridge that they just walked across.

This is the top of a "kiosk" type of building down by the riverfront. 

Notice the line of street lights on the upper right corner of the next picture. That is the end of the parking lot/walkway. It is a perfect place to stop and view the magestic eagles during winter!

It has been a devastating Spring for the midwest. It is now mid June and many farmers haven't been able to get to their fields to plant their crops. Many fields are still completely covered by water. Those fields are MILES from a river! Our ground is saturated due to all the rain we have received over the past 3 months. We are just now starting to see the water recede and the long road of clean up begins.