With summer in full swing, many people are looking for fun ways to keep their kids entertained and busy...I know I am! Today we decided to attend Stories in the Park for the first time, put on through the Gurnee Newport Library. This is held on Tuesday mornings at 10am at different parks throughout the summer, it goes for thirty minutes. Today's story time was held at Wadsworth Park.

We have gone to story time at the library many times and always loved it so I figured this would be similar. It was similar in structure, however, there was a much bigger turnout and almost had the feel of a mini kids concert. There was a lot of excitement throughout the crowd from families with kids of all different ages. Everyone was gathered under a big canopy they have at the park with their blankets laid out to sit on. There were speakers set-up so that you could hear the stories and songs clearly and there were four women from the library at the front interacting with the kids. The stories that were read were large versions of the books and they had them set-up on two easels in front so that the kids could see the pictures as they were read. Some of the stories has little props involved, like little pig stuffed animals for the book "If You Give a Pig a Pancake".

After each story, the kids stood up and sang a song that involved dancing, jumping, stomping, clapping, ect. This seemed to be a big hit with the kids! The women reading the stories had a long of interaction with the group, asking them to count, or shout out what shape they saw on a given page as they read the stories.

At the end of story time each child was given a goody bag with animal crackers and some coloring pages in them. The bookmobile (this is a traveling library) was also at the park so the kids were encouraged to go on the bookmobile afterwards to check out books and movies.

We had such a great time and can't wait to attend next Tuesday morning again. There is also regular story time being held at the Gurnee Newport Library three different times each week as well.

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Who’s your buddy? Is Fido, Spot or Fifi your best friend? Well this past weekend would have been a time just for you and Rover. Many folks grabbed their leashes, their little buddies and headed to Lambs Farm for Woofstock, a free event celebrating man’s best friend.

Everything about Woofstock was focused on your dog(s). Even the agenda for the day was written out on dog bones!

Folks came out to watch demonstrations ranging from Cross Roads Search and Rescue and Lake County’s K-9 unit to a Canine Couture Fashion Show. I have never seen so many dogs in one place at one time (well, except at many of Lake County’s Dog Runs). And the dogs were so well-mannered…no growling, not even once…amazing!

Vendors set up booths to display products and services for the tail-waggers of the group. Many even happily shared treats with your pup as you walked by. There was one organization that thought of everything. They even put out a metal bowl with an ice cube in the shape of a dog bone. All the puppies stopped by for a drink and mingled with their friends.

Speaking of bones, Woofstock unveiled what would be the world’s largest dog biscuit. They didn’t disappoint. The tasty canine treat was enormous and paw-lickin’ good for those lucky dogs that got a taste.

This was the 2nd annual Woofstock benefit at Lambs Farm and I can only imagine that it will continue to grow and become more popular in the future.

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Can you say throw back? Is that the Crystals I hear with Da Doo Run Run? No wait; is it Jan & Dean’s Dead Man’s Curve? Where am I? Is it 2009? Yep! It IS 2009 and you would be at Miller’s DOG n SUDS Drive-In in Fox Lake, a family owned landmark for 42 years! What a blast from the past…literally.


You have GOT to go and see this 50’s style drive-in for a real treat. The season opened on Saturday, May 23rd. We went this past Saturday because it was Cruise Night from 6:30 - 10:00 pm. What fun to see classic cars, listen to great music AND eat yummy food; fun for the whole family!


The summer music schedule opened on the 23rd with 39 and Holding. We will definitely be going back for Tony & The Affects, a 50’s & 60’s band on June 27th. And we may even try to catch Elvis on July 18th. I heard he “left the building” to go for an ice cold root beer! You have to check out their website to see the line-up through October www.dognsudsdrivein.com.



Speaking of root beer, the frosty mugs are second to none! You can even make it a float Mmmmmmmmm. Obviously with a name that includes SUDS, they do root beer very well! They also have a Texas Burger and Coney Dog that are unforgettable.


Miller’s thinks of everything to make you think you have driven back in time. Every Wednesday night is Kids Night with discounted meals. Your little one will be served their food in a cardboard ’56 Chevy Bel Air. Maggie wouldn’t throw it away. She wanted to keep it and put it on her shelf at home.


For a fun night out for good music, a little nostalgia and a great time, you won’t want to miss Miller’s DOG n SUDS Drive-In at the corner of Rollins Rd and Washington St in Fox Lake. Enjoy!

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This past Saturday was the Dandelion Wine Festival in Waukegan. My dad and I decided to check it out. The festival is named after the Ray Bradbury book “Dandelion Wine”, so it’s not actually a wine festival, but a Fine Arts Festival. It was small but nice because it showcased a lot of local performers and some local visual artists and artisans.

It was a very relaxed atmosphere with delicious smells of food being grilled up and giggles from the kids participating in art activities. We enjoyed some Celtic dancing from Noel Rice’s Irish Academy of Music.

While we were there The Waukegan Municipal band had a jazz ensemble playing, which for my dad and I brought back memories of when my siblings participated in the Waukegan Municipal band. They always do a great job.

My dad and I both really enjoyed the renovation of Bowen Park.

Festivals like the Dandelion Wine Festival are great for showcasing this incredible park. The park was rededicated June 7th 2008 and is absolutely amazing! As a former nanny, I wish this park was around a few years ago. The park is all about connecting kids with nature, and this big kid, loved it. It has oversized slides, dish swings, a huge climbing net and tons of other fun activities.

I really suggest you pack a picnic and head out to this park at some point this summer. It’s at 39 Jack Benny Dr, Waukegan, IL 60087

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If I asked you to meet me to shop in Libertyville, you would probably think of the downtown area, with all of the little stores and boutiques. Did you know you were missing quite a large area of Libertyville for great items and services?

Destination: Libertyville is a fun way to grab your “passport”, go on shopping voyages and have a chance to win great prizes. We set sail this past Sunday and had a blast!

Here are the rules: Between May 24th and June 13th, visit two businesses in each voyage, Peterson and Buckley Rd, N. Milwaukee Ave. and Downtown, and S. Milwaukee and Park Ave. and purchase $5 minimum within each voyage. Have the business sign the passport. Deliver the passport to the Village Hall by June 17, 2009 to be eligible.

First, you can get your passport online at http://www.libertyville.com/destination or you can pick one up at Village Hall, Cook Library or participating retailers. Your trip is broken up into three voyages.


We started at the north end of the shopping district on Voyage 1. There were many businesses to choose from so we headed straight to Dunkin’ Donuts for a coffee and a donut to begin the day. From there, we ran over to the Saddle Shop. It is HUGE…and BEAUTIFUL! The folks were so helpful, even though I don’t ride often. I think I may have to go back and buy those cute black riding boots!


I could go on forever on what businesses are in Voyage 1. You have can find anything from great food at Sushi Thai to a new phone from Verizon to a new patio set at Snowbird Ski Shop & Patio. There are many more; however you’ll just have to see for yourself!


Next we went on Voyage 2. These were the stores along 21. I stopped in the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Now you don’t know, but my daughter has a milk allergy; however I thought I would just see if there was any type of candy that she could have. Pam Lockowitz was wonderful! She talked to me about Destination: Libertyville, gave me the details and sent me on my way with rock candy. Maggie LOVED it!


We wandered up and down 21 and poked our heads in many different stores. I must say I really enjoyed Cathy’s Garden Gate. You can find anything from gifts for baby or your best girlfriend to unique home and garden décor. I could have walked around for hours!


Do you like resale? Do you like designer clothing and accessories? How would you like them both in one trip? Yep…UpScale ReSale is right where you want to direct your feet. Coach, Prada, Michael Kors, purses, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc etc etc! I was there FOREVER!


Wow, we were having so much fun; we were excited to go on Voyage 3! We drove down 21, passed Rt 176. We passed the car dealerships (where I have purchased a couple cars over the years I might add) and headed into Tuesday Mornings. If you have been there, you know it is a retailer that sells first quality, famous maker closeout gifts.


Right down the strip, I encountered a store I had never been to before; however will be back and will definitely tell my “young” friends. Plato’s Closet is a unique teen fashion franchise, selling brand name, gently used clothing like Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Hollister, American Eagle and many more. They are thinking green – recycling clothing and creating another source of income in this economy, and it’s geared toward teens…brilliant!


I could have been “at sea” on my voyages for a week! I have to hurry, I need to copy my receipts and deliver them to Village Hall quickly. You may see me in the Libertyville Days Parade (one of the MANY prizes). Don’t forget to check out http://www.libertyville.com/destination!

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