Saturday, April 27, 2013

{starved rock state park}

I had been wanting to take the kids to Starved Rock ever since we moved here.  We were told it was beautiful and had actual "mountains" to climb.  They are also known for all their waterfalls.  One day it just worked out and we piled in the car with snacks, our swimsuits, and hiking shoes.  They have a huge water park just a couple of miles away.  Our plan was to go hiking and have lunch and then head for the water park.  Both kids were SO excited!  

Well, it has been raining a lot lately.
  We have had record rainfall and record flooding in some parts of our area.  Downtown Peoria got hit really bad as did Chilicothe.  One day we went to see the flood and it was so shocking.  The parking lot that we usually park in when we got to Henry's science class was covered. 

 Anyway, I did not think too much about it because where we were going was about an hour away.
I was wrong.  

I still can't believe the roads were opened. 
 There was water all the way up to the road on both sides in some places.  We saw woods and houses and streets flooded on the drive up to the state park.  When we got there I found out because of the flooding all the hikes were closed.  The water park was also closed because it had flooded.  We were all so disappointed.  We walked around a little bit and it was definitely really beautiful.  I can't wait to go back and try again!  I noticed there was an indoor amusement park on the way home so we stopped in and the kids had a really great time.  Eliza loved all the fast rides and even put her arms up on some of them.  They rode rides and then Henry played laser tag (with me) for the first time. 
 He was very impressed. 
 Eliza was very scared. 
We splurged on a really yummy lunch in a small town cafe and then drove home.
  It turned out to be quite the adventure! 

















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