December 2009 Schedule

December 2 Class and Trails, Isle A La Cache Museum, Romeoville
Time: Arrive between 11:00-1:00 to explore the museum and trails and no later than 1:00 if participating in the class. The class holds 30 kids and it will be on the first come first serve basis with the cost per family depending on how many people show up but not to exceed $5 total per family.
Isle A La Cache has miles of trails that can be hiked, if weather permits, and if people are so inclined they can go cross country skiing. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available. They also have many indoor activities in the general museum that can keep everyone (maybe younger ones more than older) entertained for at least and hour or possibly two.
Youth group programs offered to kids ages 5-12 will be announced and will be one hour long for each program.
Cost: $5 or less per family
Address: 501 E. Romeo Rd. (135th Street), Romeoville, IL 60446
http://www.fpdwc.org/isle.cfm

December 9 Tour, Rock Bottom Brewery, Lombard
Time: 11:30-1:30 (Please email kramercathy@sbcglobal.net by 12/1 with a confirmation number of adults and children that will be attending)
Our group will be lead by the head brew master through the scientific process used in brewing Rock Bottom’s drinks.
This trip does end earlier than our usual time. Afterwards we could dine at Rock Bottom, meet at Panera in Downers Grove, or head over to Yorktown Mall. Let me know if you like one of these ideas or have ideas of your own.
Location: 94 Yorktown Center, Yorktown, IL 60148
http://www.rockbottom.com/DisplayLocationRBR.php?FKLocationID=10144

December 16 Bowling, Fox Bowl, Wheaton
Time: 1:00-3:00
Join us for an afternoon of bowling. Outside food will be allowed but no messy foods such as popcorn or chips. Also, there is food available to purchase.
Cost: $2.50 per game with free shoe rental.
Address: 1101 Butterfield Road, Wheaton.
http://www.foxbowl.com/

December 23 & 30 Winter Holiday
See you January 6, 2010!

Halloween

The day of our Halloween party many families were home sick and then it rained all day. However, several of us still made it out to celebrate.

First we took a hike in the rain.

Then explored the cave.

We checked out the nature center and then did some "trick or treating" from room to room.

Thanks to all the families that made it out on this rainy day and "get well soon" to all the families who missed out on the fun today.

November Activities

November 4 - Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Time: 11:30-3:00
Join us for a day of exploring, hiking and fun with friends. Let’s plan to meet in the children’s area. If arriving late, please contact a friend by cell phone.
Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, IL—is just west of Interstate 355 and north of I-88 on Illinois Route 53 (sometimes known as Lincoln Avenue or Lincoln Highway).
Cost: $7 Adults (18–64)
$5 Youth (2–17)
http://www.mortonarb.org/

November 11- Cantigny
Time: 11:30-3:00
Cantigny offers walking trails, a museum, and of course tanks to climb on with friends. Please join us at the tanks and then we can decide where to go from there.
Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
Cost: Free due to Veteran’s Day!
http://www.cantigny.org/

November 18 Pilcher Park, Joliet
Time: 11:30-3:00
Pilcher Park has a fabulous nature center as well as beautiful walking trails. Come with us and enjoy the great outdoors before Mother Nature hits us with cold days inside.
Address: 2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet 815-741-7277
Cost: Free
http://www.jolietpark.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=172&Itemid=172

November 25 – Thanksgiving Break
Thank you to each member of WILL that contributes to making this group a success! Together with Many Rivers Unschoolers, we are making great leaps towards providing for the needs of our children. It is fun to watch each of your children grow and develop into such wonderful people and to observe and be a part of the friendships between parents in the group. I am thankful to have each of you along my family’s unschooling journey. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break! ~Cathy

Indian Boundary Park

Our last September park day was spent exploring a new park. It provided equipment, walking trail, and lots of running space.

Joliet Senior Walk Volunteers

Several of the WILL/MRU older kids participated in a volunteer opportunity offered by the Joliet Park District. The kids arrived in time to help the seniors carry their food to the table, get drinks, provide cookies and help with clean up before enjoying a little food themselves. Great job guys. The park district received many great comments on your work.

Yeah.....I had my camera on the wrong setting for most of the pictures.

October 2009 Activities

September 30 –Indian Boundary Park, 990 West Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 11:30-3:00
This park offers a playground (meeting place), trails, tennis courts, a skate park and open fields for playing ball.

October 7 – Honey Hill Orchards, Waterman - or - Seven Gables Park, Wheaton
Contact Person: Dawn
Time: The tour will begin at 12:30 PM. We can arrive early (11:30ish) to picnic there before the tour. Before and after the tour, we are free to pick raspberries, apples, and pumpkins, see the animals, and otherwise enjoy a day in the country. Here's hoping for lovely fall weather!
Tour cost: $5 / person
If you would like to be added to the group, please email Dawn with how many will be attending and the ages of your kids (the “goodie bags” attempt to be age appropriate) by 10/5. Also, please submit money to Dawn by 10/5 and make sure to contact her as early as possible if your plans change.
http://www.honeyhillorchards.com/
Seven Gables Park, Wheaton
Time: 11:30-3:00
For those not attending Honey Hill Orchards there is still the option of meeting up with friends at Seven Gables Park in Wheaton.

October 14 – Phillips Park, Aurora
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 11:30-3:00
We will plan on meeting at the playground equipment. The zoo is walking distance from the equipment.
http://www.phillipsparkaurora.com/phillipspark/zoo/phillipsparkzoo.html

October 21 – Danada Hay Ride, 3S507 Naperville Rd, Wheaton
Contact Person: Dee
Time: 11:45-3:00 Hayride starts at 12PM
Cost: $5 per adult and $2 per kid. Money must be given to Dee by Oct. 15
Danada will have a bonfire going when we get there and it will stay lit until 45 minutes after the hay ride for no extra charge. Please bring your own roasting sticks and any food you would like to roast. (Hot dogs, smores, etc)

October 30 **Friday** – Halloween Party at Red Oak, 2343 S River St, Batavia
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 12:00—3:00
Join us for an afternoon of exploring, hiking and trick-or-treating!
Please come dressed in your Halloween costume along with a bag of goodies to share and a bag to carry goodies home in.
http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/?q=node/6

Park day

This week's parkday can be summed up in two pictures. I love parkday!