Do you Red White and Boom or is a smaller celebration more your style? We asked you to name the best fireworks display from Springfield to the Quad Cities, and everywhere in between. We received so many great replies, but we know there are more! According to you, here's the list we have so far of the greatest fireworks shows for the 4th of July in central Illinois and northwestern Illinois:

Last week, we asked you where your absolute favorite place is to get ice cream in Illinois and SO many of you answered with delicious locations to try! According to you, the best locations for the cold stuff include: Uncle Bob's of Eureka, Double D's of Pekin, Gene's of Bloomington and Whitey's in the Quad Cities. Each of these received numerous votes on the WCIC Facebook page. Here are ALL of the wonderful ice cream shops mentioned {is yours here?}:

Here's a quick, fun, & {most importantly} EASY recipe for summer. You and the kiddos can whip this up for a unique, refreshing treat for your next pool party, family reunion, or just to munch on at home. Thanks to the folks at Macaroni Kid Peoria for the great idea!

Father's Day is always interesting for me. So many feelings of joy as we celebrate my hubs and my step-dad. But, still a void where my dad used to fit. It also challenges me to embrace forgiveness while trying to remember the good times, even when the good time are a little hard to remember.   

One thing I dislike as a parent is having to make the big, hard decisions. I really wish there was a Decisions-Made-For-You Hotline I could call when I just can't choose. But...I'm the mom. I have to work with my hubs to come up with what's best and go with it.