Ga-lorious Galena

Last weekend Matt and I went on our first full weekend getaway since Luke was born to celebrate our 8th anniversary. We chose Galena as our getaway destination, eager to experience the quaint town, Fall colors and some fun hiking. It did not disappoint! Thank you so much Gram and Grandpa B. for watching the Dukerson while we were away.

We both took the day off of work on Friday to get a head start to Galena (about 4 hours away).  Before we left we couldn't resist an outing with our little stinkers to Didier Farms.  We went there last year for their fall festival, but Luke was too little to do the activities.  This year he was a great age for all of them, and we had our fill of everything they had to offer.

While in Galena we relished two full days of relaxation and togetherness:)  We stayed in a luxurious bed and breakfast called the Goldmoor Inn, we went to two gourmet dinners, we shopped 'til we dropped in Galena and at the local fair that was going on, we raced down an alpine slide, had breakfast served in our room, we both got massages and then went hiking at two gorgeous places soaking up those Fall colors that I can't ever get enough of.  It felt like we were gone for a week!  We had a great time.

Feeding all the animals carrot sticks.  This was a favorite activity for Luke.

Matt and Luke must have gone down this slide 10 times.  Luke kept saying "more!".

We were a little worried about him going on these rides by himself, but he loved  them all and did great!

Picking out pumpkins, what a Hercules!

Seriously, he pulled that wagon with 4 pumpkins on it all by himself.

We got little pumpkins and paint for Luke and Kira (Isolene's niece) to make some masterpieces. 

The view from our B&B in Galena was gorgeous!  That is the Mississippi River.

Flaming tree outside our room at the inn.

Anniversary lovebirds:)

Downtown Galena, super cute!  Like going back in time.

President Grant lived here - pretty interesting museum

That looks like Pres. Grant himself!

The Galena County Fair was going on, which we learned makes that weekend the most crowded of the year!  We just happened to pick that weekend because of our anniversary.  It was about 20 degrees cooler than normal, thus my hat and scarf.

pretty Galena River and downtown

Alpine slide at Chestnut Mountain

Breakfast in our room on Sunday morning before our couples massage  - so relaxing!

Hiking around Galena.

Hiking in Apple River Canyon State Park on our way back home.

Super pretty!!

On our actual anniversay, October 9th, Matt made us a campfire and we ate dinner outside.

Burritos al fresco.