Fun at Freedom Farm in Freeburg, Illinois

What a fun and interesting week we all had at the Freedom Farm a few weeks ago. I (as well as close to 200 other people... including my 2 daughters) started our day at the girl scout camp at the Freedom Farm in Freeburg, Illinois. We spent the whole week doing all sorts of things. They got to ride horses; go swimming; learn about horses; do crafts; make desserts; perform skits; make friends; etc. My girls absolutely adored the vacation!

I am placing this blog here for all those interested in the culmination of the week's activities on Friday. Ahemmm, yes, I forgot (or more accurately) left my photog equipment at home until the very last day. After all, it is quite heavy and I was volunteering in the tags unit. Too cumbersome to haul around while keeping track of the younguns. Thanks older tagalongs... and certainly Cheyenne & Madison too. You made my job much easier. Oh, and I can't forget to thank Maria for being there. I had to follow her lead. She is an old pro... Well not "old". Sorry. Meant to say that she is way more experienced in the ways of girl scouting and the whole process.

Before clicking on this girl scout camp slideshow link .... please note that you need to click on the Freedom_Farm_2008 button to see the images. Oh, and make sure to view it using the full screen option. It is much more enjoyable that way. Hope you enjoy!

Oh, and I wanted to extend a big thanks to Tammy, Jodi, Robin, and the other volunteers. It wouldn't have been such a nice experience without each and every one of you!

Mothers Chatting at the YMCA

About a week ago, while engaging the children in a really fun activity, Splash time at the YMCA, in downtown Belleville, IL, I met some really nice ladies. Our children were signed up for the same FREE Splash Class, for members, at the Y. Having the children home day after day during the winter break was exhausting, so I really enjoyed their daily time swim class (and so did they). It was a nice break & also nice to chat with other mothers. As a work at home mom, my interaction with adults is minimal.

One of the mothers was delightful. She is a bailiff at the courthouse. Another lady I met, equally as nice btw, has a website with her husband called Guidepost USA It is a really fascinating site and highly recommend it if you are going on a trip. The premise of the sight is that for FREE you can plan places to visit while in the comfort & convenience of your home, before you leave town. One of their nicest features that they boast, is that you can search by interstates! What a great idea!! You can plan where to eat, where to lodge, what attractions to see, etc.

Currently, a hometown Belleville, IL search of all categories, yields 131 results. Impressive! Heck, you don't even have to leave town to find some great family outings to try. Here are a few of the listings... Henry White Experimental Farm; The Edge, world's largest laser tag arena; China Town, which has excellent food, I can personally attest to that... as well as a fantastic, economical lunch menu; The Shrine Restaurant, located at Our Lady of the Snows, has a wonderful buffet and the shrine has a multitude of events throughout the year... a perfect family excursion; & St. Clair County Victorian Museum Home and Library. These are just a smattering of local interests you will find on their site.

Now you don't have to leave town with an incomplete itinerary and scour the tourist welcome center's stacks of brochures, bleary eyed. You may miss the perfect attraction and only learn about it after you are miles down the road. Simply spend a little bit of time before your trip and then your trip will be much more relaxing and fun... the way it is supposed to be! Guidepost USA is a great hometown business.

If you would like to advertise your tourist related business their basic listings are free. However, for $50.00 a year, you get all sorts of extra benefits... ie a clickable link to your website & email address. A great deal for only $50 a year!

Looking for activity related things to do with the family? I highly suggest a membership to the downtown Belleville, IL YMCA. They are constantly adding new programs and events.

Breakfast with Santa @ Westview Baptist Church, Belleville, IL

Wow, only a couple short weeks away from Christmas! I better start my Christmas shopping and get the tree up or will have some very unhappy kiddos... This weekend was Breakfast with Santa at Westview Baptist Church in Belleville, Illinois. It seems like all had a great time. Frosty and Mrs. Frosty were very cheery and the kids loved them. I kinda think they upstaged Santa! Event picture slide show.

The Day After Thanksgiving... Belleville, Illinois Santa Parade!

No sooner do we have Thanksgiving under our belt and we are starting the Christmas holiday season! The highly attended Belleville, IL Santa Parade takes place the day after Thanksgiving. Some may be shopping but I can tell you there are lots of Bellevillians at the Santa Parade. It was a bit windy and chilly but we braved the elements along with countless others. The streets were lined with people, hot chocolate, candy and folding chairs. This was my first year but my family really enjoyed it. Quite an affair!

Please excuse the blurry Santa pictures. Was awaiting his arrival and he got by without getting a great shot. Oh well, maybe next year... What would the Santa Parade be without the climax of Santa's arrival. So, included the picture anyway. Santa Parade photos!