Starved Rock: Then and Now

This weekend was a much better camping experience for us than last month's trip. No storms, no mud! We decided to go to nearby Utica, IL to camp at Starved Rock. The last time we were there Adam was Lucy's age (3-ish) and Lucy was only 7 months old. We had just bought our camper and it was October! It was impossible not compare our visits, to notice how much they have both grown up, how their levels of independence have changed. Here's Adam at the top of a hike THEN:
and NOW:

This time his was able to climb 150 steps without complaint! He watched out for his little sister, used the walking stick, and felt very BIG. Because he IS big.


Lucy has always been one to cling to her family. She trusts Adam and watches everything he does. Once she checks out what he's doing, she works hard to keep pace and do what he does. This weekend was no exception! Last time she was totally dependent upon getting around by our pace:
This year she followed Adam up those 150 steps and did HER way! With diva sunglasses and frequent breaks, but always stopping to look at a bug and find a toad. It was awesome for us to see them enjoy the weekend like this and always good to get away together.