Grizzly Jack's

The Ecklund Reunion was at Grizzly Jack's in IL this past July.  It was the same place we went last time (2 years ago) which was nice because we knew what to expect.  Elias was also older and could participate in more things.  It was also the first time everyone got to meet Ezra.

Grizzly Jack's is an all inclusive resort with an awesome pool (three giant slides, wave pool, kids area, water guns provided by Roger and Judy...loads of fun) and an indoor amusement park.  They also have a good old fashioned outdoor playground, and we saw fireworks one night!

Elias enjoying a ride.

I didn't get sick!

There is wonderful hiking very close by at Starved Rock.  I was most impressed with Elias.  He hiked the whole way (both days) without complaining.  I heard most of the parents mentioning that they thought the hike was a little too long for their kids (all older than Elias), but he loved it.  Hopefully we are that much closer to hiking some Colorado fourteeners!

Stepping stones

 

 A cave

 

Good thing Ethan didn't have to carry Ezra far!

 

We did some wonderful crafts planned by each group...bubbles, stickers (Elias got a second sheet),  tie dye shirts, and mini wooden turkeys.  We had delicious food, a dance party, collected acorns, played hot turkey leg and had wonderful catching-up conversations.  

 Cheese

 

 Cool shirts!

My favorite part was hanging out in lawn chairs right outside our units, playing games (softball, soccer, keep away, frisbee, water balloons that wouldn't break, a parachute...) and chatting.

 

 

Bubbles

 Kiernan

 The parachute

          

Audrey at the balloon toss

 Eleanor

 Isabella

 

 Batter up

 

Swing

 

The Little(r) Ones (Left to right: Tate, Audrey, Violet, Eleanor, Kiernan, Isabella, Hazel, Elias, Ezra, Ethan and Kyra)

 

The Whole Gang (except for Greg, who was there, but had to leave before we did a group photo. Should have planned that one better.  Sorry Greg!)