On Labor Day, the day after the wedding, my sister picked Bob and I in Naperville and took us to her new house in Rockford, IL. We spent our time with her exploring the Rockford area as well as visiting other relatives in the area.
My sister Brenda helping us enter the Rockford MuseumRockford is home of the sock monkey — my sister and I channel our inner monkeyRockford is also home to the Rockford Peaches, inspiration for the movie A League of Their OwnMe and Brenda on the bridge near the old mill on by the Rockford MuseumThe LZ Peace Museum to Vietnam Veterans near the Rockford Museum
We spent a lovely half-day in Madison with my Aunt (and godmother) Terri who we had also visited in Seattle.
Brenda, Terri, and me at the Wednesday farmers market in MadisonA view of downtown Madison and Lake Monona from the observation deck of the state Capitol in Madison
On Wednesday evening, Brenda took us to the Rockford Conservatory where we listened to a great local band and viewed a light installation by Bruce Munro.
The ConservatoryPart of the light installation before it got darkLights in bottles — part of the installationLights on the little lake outside of the conservatory buildingFancy flamingosWater and land lights
On Thursday, we spent a great day at the very beautiful Starved RockState Oark outside of Utica, IL. We definitely want to come back!
The lodge where we hope to stay when we returnOne of the many boardwalks within the parkA view from the Starved Rock lookoutWatching a barge going through a lockLooking back at some of the overlooksViews along the trailVisiting my mom in Janesville — me, my mom, and Brenda
Peckish Travels 