Thanks to both my parents and Dan, Ryan and I were able to take a few days away with Jamie and Zach (just us adults...no kids!). Having a few days away from the house, the kids, and work was just what my soul needed to prepare for the crazy/fun/busy holiday season that is just moments away.
Jamie and Zach invited us to join them for a 4 day weekend away to southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest area and the wineries that have sprung up in that region. They did a similar trip last year and invited us along the trip this year.
We popped the kids on the bus Thursday morning and headed out around 8:30 that morning. We drove for most of the day but landed in Missouri at a winery inside a cave. Well, if I'm honest, it was a drinking room inside the cave, not the actual winery...but it was still cool and a fun way to start the trip.
I can't remember all of the wineries we visited but I attribute that more to the fact that Zach did literally ALL of the planning for this trip and we were just along for the ride. It was strange and also lovely to just be along for whatever the day brought. We visited a ton of wineries, hiked for a few hours each morning, drove all over (or at least it seemed like we did), had beers, wines and even found a cool cocktail bar one afternoon. Oh, and the boys even got in a round of golf while Jamie and I hung out a nearby winery.
The weather was perfect, though if you ask Zach, he was disappointed that we missed most of the leaf change. It was warm enough that we all had a hard time packing. You needed to dress in layers so you could add/remove through out the day. Add in the mix of activities - hiking and sitting around drinking...and I think we all packed a little heavier than needed. LOL!
The hikes we did were beautiful - Zach, you did a great job picking them out. We saw all kinds of cool rock formations. It's too bad it's such a far drive, we hiked a hike the kids would have LOVED on Sunday morning before we struck out for home. It included hiking down a (very small) waterfall and back up again in (very small) river. The kids love anything that includes a little challenge and the opportunity to get wet.
We had an amazing weekend away, making memories that'll last a life time, and I'm so glad to have such a great group of friends.
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