#32. Homecoming In Eureka

The last weekend of September, after weeks of being 'cooped up' in Chicago, we decided to head out on our first American roadtrip. Luke, Clare, and I (Papa Chris would come down by train that night) packed up the car early on a Friday morning and headed down I-55 on our way to my hometown, good 'ole Eureka, Illinois!!

This is the sign heading from the east into town...population now a whopping 5300!

Luke and Clare did great for their first long trip in the car.  I don't think I heard much of a stir until I could see the courthouse while driving past the cornfields many miles in the distance.

The iconic Woodford County Courthouse at the center of town

Our original trip to Eureka was planned to see family and attend a baby shower for Clare and Luke, but sadly, the visit ended up being for other reasons as well.  My Uncle Dave passed away earlier in the week and his visitation and funeral were held over the weekend.  Uncle Dave was a happy, charismatic guy and our family will miss him dearly.  While it was sad to attend all of the arrangements, it was nice to see so many family members I haven't seen in awhile.  Rest in peace, Uncle Dave.

Perhaps the one person most excited in seeing the twins was their cousin Keira!  She proved to be a big hit and help to the twins.

Helping Luke with his pacifier

Checking in on the twins with Grandma Knapp

One of the exciting excursions you can take when visiting Eureka is to the Sportsmen's Club, or as my Dad refers to it...'The Club'.  The Club is a place where our family spent many weekends camping with family and friends.  I have many fond memories of summers sitting around the campfire, swimming and fishing in the lake, and walking around the grounds.  While Uncle Jason and Grandpa Knapp went shootin', the rest of u relaxed up at the campsite.

Keira and her cousins at The Club

Clare finds The Club relaxing

Always lending a helping hand

Losing to a 4 (now 5!) year old

Saturday night, we all headed to Goodfield for a 'shindig' at my cousin Matt's.  The twins met many members of the Knapp side of their family, including my cousins, the twins' great aunts and uncles, and Great Grandma Knapp.

Four Generations of Knapps

On Sunday, we had some friends over to watch the Bears play the Packers.  Luke and Clare were dressed in their brand new Bears outfits from Grandma Knapp (that didn't help the situation!).  The twins made some new friends.

Ivy and Amelia with Luke

Ivy's a natural with Clare!

After the game, my mom, Aunt Deb, and Aunt Tricia threw a very nice baby shower to welcome Luke and Clare to Eureka.  Many Knapp and Snyder family members attended.  The party was where all big events tend to occur...in my parents garage!!  There was food, drinks, big delicious cookies,

Clare's Cookie

and presents!!

Quilts for the twins from a longtime family friend

However, the best part was meeting so many family members that welcomed Luke and Clare with open arms (that quickly closed to hold them!).

Great Grandpa Snyder gets his hands on Clare

Great Great Aunt Jean couldn't wait to hold Luke

Great Aunt Barb is a hit with Clare

Of course, Grandma had to have a turn!!

Just as the night before, we were able to get the coveted four generations photo, something very meaningful to me.

Four generations of Snyders

We also got some other great shots with family.

Chris photobombs the 4 generations shot

Dad, Mom, Jason & Keira, Me Luke & Clare, and Grandpa

It goes without saying that a good time was had by all.

Uncle Jason, Cousin Keira, and Clare agree

So does my cousin Clint, posing next to the economy sized container of kitty litter...awesome!

Bigtime thanks go to the many special people that attended the shower celebration and everyone that made this trip 'home' so special.  Clare and Luke will be back in Eureka many more times in the future.