DAY 2 CONTINUTES!!!!!

Vernon Hills Public Works had an open house tonight from 4-7. All kinds of trucks and equipment were open to climbing on, riding in/on or just to take a gander. It was awesome and FREE!

Not only did we have the time of our lives, but we got dinner for EIGHT people FREE! We had hotdogs, chips, rice krispy treats and pop or Capri Sun.


Each station that was open had either a snack, piece of candy, or a trinket of some sort. We came home with construction hats, construction vests, pencils, balloons, bubbles, stickers and even a skunk pin. Caleb especially liked that last one.

We met two families from our church there. One of the families joined us at the park this morning, so the kids remembered them. It was a well thought out program.

The balloons we received are all stuck in our 20 ft. cathedral ceiling. When the helium wears out in the morning, they will be able to have their balloons again. Either that or a ladder and a broom will do the trick.

Our hall for the night:


A very patient little girl, waiting in line for a very scary ride:


Getting her safety gear on:


And up she goes:


Yes, Ava was the ONLY one brave enough to ride the cherry picker. Of course, I had to ride with her. It was really high and a little scary. Thankfully, Ava couldn't see over the bucket, so she had no idea we were above the trees. We made it back to earth, safe and sound.

Zachary and his two charges:


A silly boy with some of his prizes:

Ava riding in a bob-cat:


Zachary and Jaden in a big "twuck."


My favorite uncle:


Checking out the plows:


A real fox fur:


A lot of walking:


Hey you!


Getting way too many balloons:


They all made it home:


Even Elyse wanted one - she said she is still a little girl:


One winner:


Hey, they fit:


Another winner:


Tomorrow we give the kids back to their parents. It is going to be so quiet around here. I'll bet we can find our carpet again. The toys have never had so many hours of play. It was a GREAT week! I hope to add some more pictures tomorrow of our last finale. Stay tuned!