Our weekend wrap up - Trip to Galena, IL (8.7.15-8.9.15)

This weekend, we went to Galena, IL and it was our first family trip with the four of us. The kids had a great time and so did Dave and I.

On Friday evening, we had to can some corn and black bean salsa so the tomatoes were awaiting us when we got back on Sunday. We got twelve jars! Even though it is a lot of work cutting up the peppers, onions and tomatoes - it is well worth it when the slow is flying and we're eating the food we canned.

Corn and Black Bean Salas that we canned.

On Saturday morning when the kids awoke, we got them ready and hit the road by 8:15. Their Woody's in hand, we ventured off to Galena, IL. They've never seen the movie Toy Story, but for some reason they love the doll.

Once we arrived to Galena, we stopped by to visit C's old teacher, Kelsey. Kelsey was more than just a daycare teacher to C, she was a true inspiration to her! The kids loved visiting her even though C was a bit shy at first. She is so excited to tell everyone that Kelsey painted her fingernails.

C's favorite daycare teacher.

After we left Kelsey's home, we ventured to downtown Galena to check out the shopping district. We had a great time looking in some of the cute shops.

She was hoping her Dad would let her buy this giraffe.

A little selfie shot of Dave and I.

One kid completely out on our brief walk once we arrived in downtown Galena. We wanted to enjoy the nice trail and pedestrian bridge.

Checking out the trolley.

Checking out the railroad in Galena, IL. It's now the Chamber of Commerce Office.

The cute downtown shopping area in Galena.

 Once we left the downtown area, we headed back to Dubuque to stay at our hotel. C didn't make it over 2 minutes and she was out, sucker and all.

Once we arrived in Dubuque, we unpacked our things and headed to dinner. Both kids were hungry and thankfully there was an Applebee's right beside our hotel. They had kid friendly food that both kids enjoyed.

The food at Applebee's was thumbs up!!

After dinner, we took the kids swimming and then called it an early evening! Wow, they both had a long day and so did Mommy and Daddy.

On Sunday, we all slept in until 9 a.m., ate breakfast and went swimming before we headed home. Both kids had a terrific time and R-man even jumped off the side without holding our hands. That scared us a little though because you had to keep close tabs on him as he walked around the pool.

R-man jumping and me trying not to get a face full of water.

The best shot we could get of the kids.

Once we packed up everything, we hit the road and stopped at McDonald's in Waterloo. The kids had fun with this cool table with lights.

On the remainder of our trip, we thought both kids would sleep, but only R-man did. I'm not sure what is up with C, but she hates to take naps. We tried to entertain her by showing her photos of Woody driving the car. Hey, we do whatever it takes to keep them happy on the 3 1/2 hour trip!

C's Woody driving home.

R-man's Woody driving. C had to make sure he got a turn too.