Southern IL

Our Trip Down-South...

We just got back last week from taking our trip down to southern IL. It was such a fun trip and one that we will always remember. Steve's Dad bought a car from a lady he knew up by where we live. So we picked up the car and delivered to him to Metropolis, IL. Yes, it is the town of Superman ;0)

We spent the night at Steve's Dad's house and then we went and stayed in a cabin about 1.5 hours from where my father-in-law lives. It was one of the only state parks that had cabins to stay in as well. It was so beautiful. We were one of two people staying there that night.

On the way home we came across another park that looked interesting and it had a hotel there. The hotel had fireplaces in each room (which is what Steve was hoping our cabin would have but didn't) so we decided to stay the night there as well.

Below are some pictures of our little weekend trip!

The proud new car owners (Jerry & Petra). That's the car that Steve drove while I followed him behind.

This is down-town Metropolis, IL. As you can see in the store window there, it's all about superman.

This is there Superman statue. The fence that's all around the statue is in the shape of the diamond like on Clark Kents chest.

Here is the cabin we stayed in at the state park. It was so isolated and quiet. It was just beautiful at night with all the stars as well.

There was this tower at the state park that was 86 steps high, so we climbed it and took this picture.

While we were leaving the next day, we came across this sign that said "Covered Bridge" with an arrow. Steve looked it up in our travel book and it is only 1 of 5 still remaining in IL. We followed the signs and this is what we found!

This is what was posted on the bridge.

This is the golf course park we came across that day. As we were driving in we saw wild turkeys crossing the road and deer all over were feeding off of the green. We probably saw 30 deer eating.

In the summer time you can bring your boat here and dock it. The grounds were just beautiful!!

Here is the resort where we stayed. It is the off season right now (mainly because this park is for golfing) so it was really cheap to stay.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon!

We decided to have a lazy day today because I was not feeling well at all this weekend. Steve has been taking good care of me ;0) I came home on Friday with a really bad sore throat and my whole body aching. I decided to just relax and do nothing this weekend.

Steve and I were starting to get hungry this morning so I decided to make cheesy fries. I haven't made them in a really long time, Steve's sister Amy taught me how to make them to taste just like Outback Steakhouse's "Aussie Fries". They were so good that I decided to post her recipe. They are PERFECT for when you want to have that lazy day!


CHEESY FRIES with BACON
Bag Ziestie (crispy) Fries from Ore-Ida
1 Bag Colby Jack shredded cheese
1 Bag Bacon Bits

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Bake the ziestie fries as directed on the bag (I only use 1/2 the bag at a time for the two of us but we always have tons left over). Make sure that they are all the way done and crispy. While they are cooking (this takes about 20 minutes) you can spray a pie pan with cooking spray.

When fries are done leave the oven on at 425. Place half of your fries in the pie plate and cover with a thin layer of cheese (I would use about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of cheese). Spread the rest of fries ontop and more cheese, I just make sure the fries are all covered. Lastly spread your bacon bits (as much as you like) on the very top and bake 5 more minutes (or until cheese is melted). ENJOY!