Creek Baptism

Kevin was baptized as a small child and has wanted to do it again as an adult.  Our church does a creek baptism every summer and Kevin took part this year, along with 22 others.  Part of the Sugar Creek runs through our pastor's property.  A hundred + people came out on the hot day to celebrate. 

Thankfully they had rides for those, like GaGa and Papaw, who couldn't really take the 1/2 mile trek back into the woods.  Camden and Grandpa hitched a ride too while the rest of us walked.

 The crowd gathered along the banks, sang a few songs, and threw rocks into the creek.

 (don't ask about the hat and sunglasses...he thinks he's cool to look like this in the 90 degree heat).

 Kevin's turn...

 Camden wanted her turn, but settled for a short wade with Daddy after the event.

Then back to the house for cake and tire swings.



Big Girl!

She's officially a "big girl."  At least in her book.  Her daycare asked if we would be willing to move her up to the 4-year-old class now (rather than in August) to make room for a new family in the younger class.  We really loved her teacher, and I struggled with the decision.  But in the end decided a few months wouldn't matter.  Her first week included water day and her first field trip.  The four and five year olds went to Jump It! in Lafayette.  This is an inflatable playground of sorts.

I saw her off (so I could get some pictures).  Loved watching her line-up, pose with her friends, and get a "buddy" for the day.

 Then it was off to the big blue bus!  I wasn't crazy about some of the safety issues in riding the bus, but I will deal with it going forward on future outings.  She was very excited to ride with her friends.

 

Crawfordsville Cupcakes!

We love cupcakes!  We love finding new spots to check out fun and yummy flavors.  Imagine how excited we were to learn that a new cupcake shop was opening in our little town of Crawfordsville.  It's in a storefront across the street from Little Mexico, so we have watched with anticipation for several weeks. 

On Tuesday after school, we drove down that street and saw, "OPEN."  Sure enough, lights were on and door was unlocked.  With 5 minutes to spare until closing, we went in hoping for a pink cupcake.  Unfortunately she had to settle for a second best option - chocolate peanut butter complete with a mini Reese cup on top.  I had to stop at two bites because it was DELICIOUS (well...and hers!).

It's a cute, bright, family owned and operated business.  We wish Lil' Sweetums much success...and we'll see you again real soon!

Borders Boys' Graduation

My cousin Scott's oldest boys graduated from high school this weekend.  We made the trip over to Noblesville to congratulate these two fine gentlemen.



Matthew is going into a 1 year program at Noblesville's Riverview Hospital to prepare him for a job and Michael is attending Evangel University in Missouri majoring in Military History and Biblical Studies with the intention to be an Army Chaplin.

Camden enjoyed watching gifts be open, playing with the "baby shower" girls (getting filthy feet by running around barefoot in the process), and, of course, eating cupcakes.

The Sun Place

Camden's favorite and most requested dining spot in Crawfordsville is "the sun place."  This is also known as Little Mexico, but she loves the big bright sun painted on the window and throughout the restaurant and so affectionately gave it this nickname.

She loves the rice and chicken nuggets, as well as the chips and salsa.  However, one of the big draws is the fountain in the city park across the street.  We always have to throw a penny or two in it and jump off the side.

Bear and A Show

We cooked up a grill full of bear meat on Memorial Day.  A sampling of burger, italian sausage (cooked as patties), back strap and loin.  Kevin marinated the backstrap in italian dressing and the loin in olive oil and fresh garlic.  Every single bite was delicious.  Everyone had a different favorite, but we all agreed that it wasn't very gamey and actually a bit better than venison.  Made Kevin even happier about his successful bear hunt.

 While waiting for the feast to cook, Kevin shared pictures from the adventure. 

GaGa brought yummy crab/mango appetizers and deviled eggs, while I made baked beans, a veggie tray with hummus, and my mom's fresh strawberry pie.  A great feast with great family.

Camden NJ Reunion

UrbanPromise, the organization I worked for in Camden, NJ, is having a 25th Anniversary Alumni Reunion this August.  I am helping to organize the event and took a quick "business" trip there this past week to take care of some prep work.

While I didn't get as much visiting done as normal, I did do a few "mini-reunions" in the three short days.

Mary "Rosebud" Weer was a long-time volunteer with the organization in the late 80's and 90's.  Despite her challenges, she was a faithful worker and everyone's "sister."  She disappeared from everyone's radar in the the early 2000's and no one knew how to find her.  A former StreetLeader who is now a nurses aid, ran into her at a nursing home in Camden. 

Greg Collins, a child in the program when I was there, who is now a 3rd grade teacher in Camden joined me in our visit.  Rosebud is responsible for bringing Greg and his brother to the program for the first time when he was 7 or 8.  He, in essence, is part of her legacy.

I also got a brief visit with LeeLee.  She was 11 years old when I moved to Camden after college in 1990.  She was one of the first kids in my first afterschool program.  She was quite the handful!  She also came home to Indiana with me one Thanksgiving (1991, I think) and always is quick to ask about my grandma (Grammy) and my mom.  She is now a mom to 3 young kids.  Still full of mischief and laughter.

Jodina is one of the early pioneers of UrbanPromise and we have worked side-by-side for much of our 20's and early 30's.  She left UP the summer before I did to get her law degree.  She's worked a number of prestigious jobs since, but returned 2 years ago as the Executive Director of UP.  She has brought such passion and history to the organization.  She also just adopted a 2-year old, Carter.  I enjoyed a nice evening and dinner at Chick-fil-a getting to know this charmer.

He and Camden will be quite the pair when they meet at the Reunion!