Deuteronomy 4:35

You have been shown these things that you might know the Lord is God besides him there is no other.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Hiking Mattheissen State Park

 We took a bit of a road trip last week and made a stop at our favorite state park hiking spot in Illinois.  When Em was little, she and I would hike Matthiessen State Park regularly.  I knew Jilly would be in her element as you literally hike down a creek in the canyon.  To say this girl was happy just doesn't do the day justice.  Jillian was ecstatic!  
 It was warm, but not too hot so the day was perfect!
 Anna doesn't usually love dirt or bugs, but she was great.  I think she enjoyed herself too.
 There are lots of places to stop for pictures and Emily tolerated my requests to pose.
 Have you ever seen a bigger smile?   At one end of the trail, you find this deeper swimming hole that is fed by a magnificent waterfall.  It is truly spectacular, and made Jillian so, so happy.
 I photographed Emily on this rock many, many times when she was young. 
 We literally parked here for an hour just watching this amazing little girl play!  It was wonderful.
 Sometimes it is challenging to find something that everyone can do and enjoy, but this day was fabulous!
When we left the park, the girls slept for a couple of hours as we hiked three and half miles.
This tiny little one is much like her sister Jilly in that she is all in where mud and water are concerned.  She hiked most of the three miles herself!  What a trooper.  We are so blessed to have a day together to enjoy the beauty God has created!  They did so well that I think more hiking is in our future.

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