These days, for all of us, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done! Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. We are all guilty of it. Society tells us we have to Superman/Wonder Woman and do it all, every single day, or feel guilty and inadequate. Well….I refuse.

Keegan’s first job is located in Bushnell, Illinois. Population of around 3,000 people. Greenery and corn stalks roam the hills as far as the eyes can see (which literally isn’t far due to the terrain!) and it is gorgeous. No sprinkler or irrigation well in sight because they actually get moisture here, unlike back home (oh how we wish it would though!).

Macomb, Illinois, home of one of the inventors of the infamous homewrecking, friendship destroying game Monopoly, Lizzie Magie, is 15.5 miles southwest of Bushnell and has plenty to offer. Home of Western Illinois University, we enjoyed some amazing pizza at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria in Macomb’s historic downtown but the best part, Gelsosomo’s even had a play room for the kids to go while the parents ate! (Seriously! Why don’t more restaurants offer this?! It’s a game changer!!!) I also got a facial at R&R Spa and it was heavenly to say the least. And of course, can’t NOT treat yoself when they have both Dunkin’ Donuts anddddd Starbucks so yes, I enjoyed both LOL!

There was a tinge of guilt on Keegan’s first full day off, I run off and get a facial but why? Why shouldn’t I have at least an hour to myself every once in awhile? Why did we allow society to put weight on our shoulders then, when we attempt to manage that suppressing weight, we feel bad? We matter too. Our mental health is very important! Our happiness is vital to success in every aspect of life.

To be a little selfish in life is necessary to ensure the happiness and survival of your family. And you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Yesterday, we went to Peoria, Illinois, the largest city on the Illinois River (cue Turpike Troubadours) and had a lot of fun. We started out at the Peoria Zoo (ya know, I’m still not used to the humidity so walking around midday is NOT an option! LOL). Caterpillar (the heavy equipment manufacturer, not the insect) is located in Peoria and very involved in the community and since heavy equipment runs in my husband’s blood, we had to experience THE DOUG OBERHELMAN CATERPILLAR VISITORS CENTER and it was jaw dropping to say the least! From the history to the future of the industry, there was so much to see and do!

We then had some of the best BBQ we have ever had (and we are pickyyyy about our BBQ) at the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. If y’all haven’t had Carolina Gold BBQ sauce (along with their Brisket Philly), y’all are missing out! Delicious. Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern is located directly on the riverfront of the Illinois River so we were able to take in the beauty (and walk off lunch!) of the River with a walk on the river on our way back to the car.

We then took in a Peoria Chiefs baseball game at Dozer (more Caterpillar LOL) Field. They lost but they made up for it with an amazing fireworks display afterwards!

We took full advantage of the fun to be had in Peoria and slept so good when we got home to our camper in Bushnell. (OU also won their season opener against UTEP so it was a great day all around. BOOMER!)

I believe God had a hand in sending us somewhere remote and slow in pace for a reason. We all need reminding to slow down and breathe. I was able to read 5 books in the last two weeks, watch my babies swim in the swimming pond at the campground and have a blast every second.

Be a little selfish. Take a second to breathe. Have fun. The dishes, laundry, and the to do list will all be there when you get home. They do not have an expiration date on them, but you do! Make sure to live a life of “I’ve been there” and “I’ve done that” instead of “I wish!”

God is good, y’all! Off to Geneoso, Illinois tomorrow, southeast of Quad Cities. Lots of the fun awaits us!