Camping Fever + Other Summer Events

To say this summer was a whirlwind is an understatement. We really broke in our camper and spent a lot of time on the road. We also had some other fun events this summer that were noteworthy. Tim and I tend to be penny pinchers in a lot of ways but he has told me many times that one of the best things he's ever spent money on was 1) my engagement ring 2) our camper. I'm a fan of these investments of his as well :) Here's some of the quick trips we made this summer!

• Moving Crew: We spent a couple days moving my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew to Arkansas. Though we were sad to see them go, my brother is doing his residency at a hospital in Little Rock so we were also excited for them! Tim came for 2 days then flew out for work while I stayed a little longer with my family to help with the process. There were a lot of boxes to move and unpack, as well as a lot of organizing, wall paper stripping, and painting to be done. We also took some time and explored the area with them so we knew where they'd be!A couple memories that stand out from the trip...

Driving a large diesel truck with 2 fish tanks, 2 dogs, and a UHaul to Arkansas - Tim and I got this job. I was too scared to drive so Tim drove and I was just moral support :) Our passengers were cute atleast! Though they did roll the window down and try to jump out once...on the interstate. 😅

Our car ride companions

Playing with these cuties! They were so excited to show us their new house.

The cutest people in the moving crew

All the wall paper. My little brother Nate and I removed a lot of the wall paper and and my-oh-my. We were starting to get a little loopy toward the end of the process. But it sure looked pretty after! 

Our stop on our way home....Lambert's! Too bad I was still on Whole 30 at the time when we stopped 😢

Standing in front of Lambert's

• Prophetstown State Park: We went here for the weekend with another couple we know from UIndy. We had never been but really liked it! It was very hot because the park is primarily tall grassy areas, so we all agreed it might be a better park for spring or fall. However, it was still really fun! We walked around some of the trails through the grass, hiked to a recreation of an Indian village, explored a working 1920's farm, went to the site for the Battle of Tippecanoe, played cards, and sat around the campfire. We are definitely adding this to the list for next year...though maybe in the fall instead :)

The view of the prairie by our campsite

• Clifty Falls State Park: We went here with another couple from UIndy as well as Tim's parents. This is one of my favorite places to go! I always spend some time in downtown Madison. It has a cute downtown area with shops, restaurants, old homes, etc. This time we walked around the shops, had lunch, and toured the 1st ever Grand Mason Lodge. We also hiked one of my favorite trails - a trail that goes through a tunnel! Ali and I loved this...Tim was not so fond. Our friends also brought their 2 pups so Ali had a blast with all the puppy play time!

The pups all worn out

• Indiana Dunes: We spent a weekend here in late August with Tim's parents. This is one of Tim's favorite places to go! I think he likes it so much because you don't have to drive far yet you feel like you are in Florida at the beach :) We spent most of our time at the beach but we also walked down to the train station, went to Michigan City and it's lighthouse, and went to see the "World Fair" homes - these are 5 futuristic homes that were in an old World's Fair that you can now drive by and see. We both agreed next time we will have to give ourselves enough time to go into Chicago by train too.

• Brown County: We spent a weekend here with friends in September. We thought we would have more trees changing and fall weather, but it was actually warm and everything was still green! Crazy Indiana weather :) We hiked around both of the lakes in the park, sat around the campfire, and spent one afternoon going into downtown Nashville! We got coffee at my favorite - The Chocolate Moose. The boys sat with Ali and hung out on a bench while the girls went in a few stores then we got pizza at Tim's favorite - Big Woods Brewery. All around a great weekend! 

• Springfield, IL: We spent a weekend here for our anniversary and it was one of my favorite trips to date! We camped in a campground about 20 minutes from downtown Springfield. We loved getting to learn all about Lincoln while we were there! We went to his home and the surrounding "village" and got to tour his home and walk around all the houses. We also walked around downtown Springfield, exploring the old courthouse, his law office, the train station he left from for Washington, his tomb, etc. We also went to the Lincoln Library and Museum. Much of what we did was free - the only thing we paid for was the museum - but the museum was worth it we both thought! Afterward we both were obsessed with learning all we could about Lincoln! 

Coffee in the village before exploring

Lincoln's Home

Train Depot where he left for Washington

Exploring the older part of downtown

Lincoln's Tomb

• Summer Visits: We were lucky to get a couple visits with our niece, nephew, brother, and sister-in-law even though they had moved into their new home! Kinsie (our niece) came home for a week and stayed with my parents a couple weeks after we had moved them in. She helped us work in the garden, decorated the chalkboard at Tim and I's house, and went to the county fair with us while she was here! Later, over Labor Day weekend, Tim and I both went to see them in Arkansas! We loved having them all to ourselves and got plenty of playtime and Disney movie watching in. We also got to explore a couple parks, go to the farmers market downtown, and go to the Little Rock Zoo with them! Kara, Brax, and Kins also returned in late September for 2 weeks around Kinsie's birthday. They spent lots of time hanging out with family and before they returned Ryan came for a day and we threw Kinsie a birthday party with the whole family! 

Playing at the park by the Farmers Market

This little ham is the cutest

Feeding the animals at the petting area at the zoo

Little Rock Zoo Day

Little Rock Zoo

These were our main trips and events this summer though there were more. We loved all the time together exploring but also looked forward to slowing down as fall hit and being home a little more...though not always! Next on the blog...New York City :)