Croup

Camden struggled through a bout of Croup late last week and over the weekend. She alternated between sounding like Darth Vadar when she talked and coughing like a barking seal. Usually you just have to let it run it's course and treat with 20 minutes in a steamy bathroom (which we did). However we went to the doctor early enough and she exhibited the "strider" breathing even when at rest/in sleep, so they went ahead and gave her steroids. It definitely made the croup much less severe and we got some sleep!

At the last minute on Saturday afternoon, we decided to go to Indianapolis to do some shopping, have dinner, and spend the night at a hotel. Again, that means Camden and I got to enjoy the hotel, because Kevin had to work. However, after he got a "nap" on Sunday morning, we finished up our shopping and ended our excursion with lunch at Chuck E. Cheeses. I was hoping they would have a small ball pit or at least some little kids play area, since it was raining and Camden really wanted to run around.

It turned out that they had neither, but Camden was still thrilled. She loved walking/running around and watching everyone. We even bought a handful of tokens when she braved up to riding the little cars. I don't want to go very often, but it was an enjoyable experience.


I love how her eyes are squinty because she was just starting to do her full-cheese smile!

Ball Pit

Camden needed a few more toys. Especially ones that were good on rainy days inside and/or good for all the outside time we will have as the weather continues to get nicer. So while at Meijer this weekend, I found this great ball pit. It's big in our small living room, but she LOVES it.

He dumped the box of balls into the top the first time we set it up (video)...now he sits on the couch and shoots hoops with the stray balls that Camden tosses out. It's a fun game for both of them.

Doin' Laundry

Earlier this week, Camden hopped in the laundry basket as I was loading the washer. I had to snap some pictures of this cutie and her baby blues.

Well...here's an attempt to get a smile AND decent expression. She's always so squinty when she "cheeses."

AAAHHH...then a good one. Love it!

And I even managed to capture those mischievous eyes. I see the little grin under that nippy!

Our Gardening Girl

We have decided to plant our garden again. Last year we put the house on the market and wanted to show the yard better. We missed our corn and tomatoes and other fresh veggies. So Kevin tilled up the back yard space and we got the potatoes planted on Tuesday night.

Camden, of course, needed to be in the action. She started on the porch while Daddy plowed.

Then she moved to her own "equipment" to see if she could help at all.

She decided just holding a handful of dirt and sitting on the sidelines wasn't good enough. So off to the garden she went.

She explored all sides of the area, testing to see which dirt was the best.

Finally, she plopped down on one side and played with the dirt.

We tried to get the potatoes in the ground without her "assistance" since that meant picking up the potato pieces we had just planted and throwing them in one direction or the other. She seemed content when we gave her the empty potato bag and let her fill it with dirt.

After a bit she just couldn't stay away any longer and Daddy showed her how to properly plant the potatoes.

Tonight we'll get the onions planted...and in another few weeks the rest of the garden. We are so excited!

Camden in the News

Camden had her picture taken at daycare earlier this year. Apparently a bunch of the kids all wore colts attire one day and they took a picture. Someone sent it to the newspaper and it was published last week.

Pictures of pictures in a newspaper aren't the best....but we wanted to share.

The woman holding her is the assistant teacher in her class, Ms. Jess.

Turkey Run

Another beautiful evening outdoors. Nothing like a little walk in the woods.

Camden did a good job looking at the camera. She looks a little shell-shocked, but at least she's looking and not putting on a "cheesy"-face as her smile. We found this log with a nice view overlooking the Sugar Creek and some rock formations.

Oh how I love my baby girl!

Making Bubbles

I came across some other photos from our Columbus visit. After we came back from town, Camden and Gramma played outside. Camden can't get enough of the great outdoors; she is her happiest. Every evening this week we've gone outside for an hour or so and I have to drag a crying child back inside. Anyway...

Camden likes it when we blow bubbles. So Gramma happily indulged her.

Then she tried to teach Camden how to blow through the wand. Camden kept putting it in her mouth like a spoon. Guess she doesn't mind the taste of soap!

Finally, Camden had repeated success...

Gramma had this really cool croquet-like set. Camden liked hitting them since it was similar to golf.

Then figured out she could also play basketball into one of Gramma's flower pots with them.

So much fun at Gramma's!

Ice Cream at Zaharakos

There is a landmark ice cream shop in downtown Columbus. It's one of those old-fashion fountain shops. It was closed for a few years to renovate the whole place, but now it's open and was a great stop after playing so hard at the park.

Camden sat at the counter and chatted with the guy next to her while we waited for a table.

Then she had a good time looking at herself in the mirrors while we waited for our treats.

She and I shared a red raspberry malted milkshake.

There was a little museum in the second half of the shop that had all kinds of trinkets and a little table just perfect for a little girl.

Such a fun day in Columbus!

Columbus Visit

Kevin, Camden and I ventured down to Columbus on Sunday afternoon to spend the day with Gramma Pat and Grampa Jim. It was a beautiful day, so we headed to the local park. I was soooo jealous. It was the perfect place for Camden. They had the best play set for the 2-4 year olds, in addition to the bigger climbing structure. Plus there were swings and grassy areas and other park features that I want to have close to us.

Camden was running everywhere. It took all three of us to keep up (especially since I was trying to capture everything on camera). She really wanted to play in the "big kids" area and almost got plowed over once and knocked off the top. Gramma hollered at the boys in a nice way (I'm glad she did, cause I almost went off on them!)

Camden loved having Gramma along. By the end of the day, she wanted Gramma to hold her instead of me! They had such a fun day together.

I loved how everything gave Camden's fine hair such static cling.

She loved going through all the tunnels, too. I loved the colors!

The time at the park was topped off with one of the best things - a dog! Camden's still not quite sure what to do when she's around them, but she adores the idea of a dog and wants to be close to them.