A Great Summer After All

We have had wonderful weather here in Chicago.  I have enjoyed this summer so much!   And it's not over yet, we have at least 2 more months of pleasant weather.

We were finally able to take some camping trips, the mid 90 temps of early summer were replaced by delightful 80s through most of August.  We went to IL Beach State Park for 2 nights and had a great time camping.  We got to play in some gigantic waves on Lake Michighan.  They were way too big and powerful to swim in, especially for the 5-yo, so we just held tight to her hand and jumped around as the waves crashed on shore.  She loved it and we had a blast.  The only downside to this trip was swarms of mosquitoes, the likes of which I have not seen in years.  A result of the horrific flooding in the area this summer.  We got bitten up, even though we slathered on the bug spray.  I feel guilty complaining about the mosquitoes when so many people lost their homes.  :(

Then a few weeks later we went to Rock Cut State Park in Rockford.  Another great place to camp.  Nice trails, and a nearby water park that had an amazing wave pool.  So, more frolicking in the waves!

Lily had a great trip -- until the very last 10 minutes.  Oy.  She was sitting at the picnic table, watching us attach the trailer to the tow hitch.  We were cranking it down when we heard a series of very loud screams from the area of the picnic table, like someone was being murdered.  It was a dastardly daddy long legs, crawling on Lily.  OMG, she was so freaked out, and I don't blame her.  I hate those things.  I ran over and brushed it off her and crushed in the sand, buried it and stomped on it and spit on it and called it a few choice names.  Lil stood by, sobbing and shaking.  I sort of hate myself for this now, but both Dan and I were a bit less than patient with the hysterics.  I gave her a quick hug and told her to pull herself together, and Dan said something like "such a fuss about nothing".   In our defense, we were breaking up camp.  Any camper would understand that we were a bit less than cheerful, and ready to just get the heck home.  But I hate those stupid creepy spiders so much, I totally understand.  I think if I had one crawling on me I would give out a little yelp too.  Maybe not a hysterical screech, like Lily, but then again maybe so!