The Spencer Family Web Page

Helen and I have decided it’s not too hard to get together midweek from time to time, or that it is essential to do so to maintain sanity…If we both drive 50 miles we can be in beautiful southern Illinois with Faye, Holly, and Margaret, what more could we ask for? I’m going to document these wonderful, hilarious, and life saving trips.

SOS Trip #1 – Tuesday September 1, 2015 at Eldon Hazlet State Park in Carlyle, IL

Helen found a state park 50 miles away for both of us and it was a find! Luckily the pool was still open and we pretty much had it to ourselves. Faye and Margaret swam, we all enjoyed a picnic lunch, and Holly napped. Success!

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SOS Trip #2 – Tuesday September 15, 2015 at Eldon Hazlet State Park (again!)

Why not? This time we took the girls on a little hike at the park, picnicked, and went to the great little creamery, Marcoot Jersey Creamery.

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I think this picture captures just how Margaret feels about Faye:

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SOS Trip #3 – Tuesday January 12, 2016 in Greenville, IL

With winter break over, it was time to get back on schedule. Helen and I needed a get together. Why not Greenville, IL?  It’s an hour drive for both of us and all we really knew was that they had a Federal Correctional Institution because you can see it from I-70. We met up at the public library, spread our germs all over the children’s room, and then went to a local coffee shop for lunch.

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Holly was recovering from a winter cold, poor girl.

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Faye and Maggie provided entertainment for the coffee shop patrons.

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When we inquired about other things to do in Greenville besides the library we were told to go to Marcoot Jersey Creamery. So back we went, reliving a stop from our September SOS trip.

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Ice cream on a 20 degree day – success!

SOS Trip #4 – TBD

Will has another harvest season and birthday under his belt. This year the birthday celebration seemed to go on and on, much to Will’s delight. In early October we made our annual harvest trip to Iowa City. Will spent the majority of the weekend riding in various farm equipment and enjoying being out with the men.

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We had a birthday celebration with Gramma Anne, Pop Pop Brian, and Larry.

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On his true birthday, October 14th, Will chose to go out for ribs and Ted Drewe’s for frozen custard, very St. Louis. It was delicious!

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The grand finale was a ninja/karate party with his friends and Vera and Faye. The party included lots of running, jumping, and obstacle courses, pizza, Will cutting his cake with a genuine sword, and breaking a board with his foot. What more could a 7-year old boy ask for?

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