Lincoln's Tomb and War Memorials State Historical Site

Abraham Lincoln

16th U.S. President

1809-1865

 "Now he belongs to the ages"

 

 

After viewing the tombs we walked through Lincoln Park to see the re-enactment camp setup for the first Lincoln Funeral Re-enactment to commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's Funeral.

 Of course, the kids see a trail and they have to explore it...

 Camp Life...

 War Memorials State Historical Site

 Vietnam Veterans Memorial

 Korean War State Memorial

 World War II Veterans Memorial

 

We spent the evening upon arrival hiking the cemetery and park.  

The memorials and tomb were a sight to see...very somber and humbling. 

It was nice to walk back in time with all the reenactors. 

Destination:  Springfield, IL / Oak Ridge Cemetary and Lincoln's Park
Lincoln's Tomb and War Memorials State Historical Site

p.s.  We camped out at the Springfield State Fair Campgrounds and they were really nice!  If you find your way into Springfield looking for a place to stay I highly recommend them.  Just off Interstate 55, reasonable rates and within close proximity to everything we wanted to see for the funeral re-enactment they were our top pick!

 Springfield State Fair Campgrounds

801 Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

(217) 782-6661

~deer~

Why I love to get outdoors

 

Growing up, I truly never felt closer to our Creator than when I surrounded myself in nature.
The woods became a church.
Whenever I felt weak I knew in my heart I would feel renewed basking in the glory of creation. 

Our souls need to find that peace in nature.
It is both humbling and beautiful.

~deer~

I Heart Sunrises

And the thought of warm weather around the bend...

~deer~

Attitude is Everything

 

When it comes to opinions our little family of four is as divided in opposition as the day and night.  We all want and hope for the best when picking gear and locations to explore but sometimes you just have to put aside your agenda and make the most of it.  Our last hike through the St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock went off with a few hitches.  First, our son ran right into what looked like frozen ice all too late to realize it was 4 inch deep slush in regular tennis shoes right at the beginning of our hike.  He did have a spare change of socks but that didn't help with his non waterproof shoes.  His feet were plum soaked.  Then as I was climbing frozen ice formations behind the waterfall I slipped and in an effort to save the camera I landed in the same 4 inches of slush while banging up my arm and hip pretty good on the way down.  Soaked pants, undergarments and the hurt pride of walking around with a wet bum throughout the park.  Then, our daughter who followed my path done the same thing but I was able to catch her before she completely fell in so only her lower legs were wet.  She said she hit her rib on a piece of ice and it was tender.  Then while trying to hike our way up to the Lodge to dry off my poor husband slipped down a set of stairs on his bum catching himself on the railing at the bottom. 

We take our family outdoors to have fun.  Reconnect with nature.  Unplug and unwind.  

Sometimes we get hurt.  

Sometimes it is cold and wet. 

Sometimes we're hot and sweaty.

Sometimes we get grouchy, argue, and bicker.

Sometimes we see new things while exploring our own limits

Sometimes we get up close and personal with wildlife.

Sometimes our snack is the best tasting snack we've ever had {that day ;) }

Sometimes we smile, giggle, and laugh.
Sometimes we are completely humbled by the experience as a whole.

Just like our opposite opinions we choose to be thankful for the good and the bad.  We are always learning!  And at the end of the day we are always grateful for all we have been blessed to experience together.

Attitude is everything.

~deer~