Inland Aquatics

We spent a few days after Easter on a "mini-vacation."  We spent the first night (Sunday) in southern Illinois.  We stayed at a hotel with a pool so that Camden could put her new swimming skills to the test.  After driving to Oconee we made our way back to Indiana and spent the night in Terre Haute.  Before checking into our hotel for more swimming, we stopped at a store in called, Inland Aquatics.  I found it on the internet while searching for things to do in Terre Haute.  It's just a retail store, but it was supposed to have more tanks full of exotic fish than most aquariums.  The did have tons of cool fish, but it was kinda dirty and not the same as visiting a public spot.  I wouldn't recommend it to most people, beside those who keep a full-blown aquarium at home and who love fish (Joseph!).

But Camden liked the fish we saw...especially all the "Nemo" ones.

Oconee, IL

The extended family on my side had a small farm in southern Illinois.  I spent many weekends and summer visits there.  A lot of the outbuildings and the apple orchard are gone, but it is still a very special place of memories for me.  It was sold a few years ago and is no longer the "family farm," but I still wanted Kevin to see it.

The farm is on the outskirts of a little town called Oconee.  One of the regular activities we did as kids was go to the little store (in the old Bank building) and get penny candy, or ice cream, or pick up a grocery item that was needed.  The woman who ran it kept it open until her death a few years ago.  We stopped by and talked to the postmaster in the Post Office next door about the store and got a picture of Camden on the front steps.

Finally we went to the family cemetary and placed some flowers on the grave of my Great Aunt Mirna and Great Uncle Bud. They are Grammy's older siblings and were surrogate grandparents for me as well.  They were two of the the strongest, most faithful, and admired people in my childhood.  It was glad to be able to remember and honor them with my family.

Illinois Easter

We made our annual Easter trek to southern Illinois for Kevin's families Easter celebration.  Camden ran in and gave Great Grandma Beasley hugs...and of course, GaGa and Grandpa, too!



After a wonderful HUGE lunch, we got changed and headed outside to the playground.  Unfortunately it had rained A LOT and most of the place was flooded.  We did find a few swings that we safe to try, so we spent a little time there before the rain started again.  I was really impressed with the actual swinging (complete with pushing off with her legs) that Camden did.

Then it was time for ANOTHER Easter Egg Hunt.  Because of the rain, it had to be done in the gym.  No worries, the kids had a blast!

There were even enough eggs for Camden to get a few extras from Cousin Laura.

Then it was eat, eat, eat...chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.  I'm glad Easter chocolate only comes once a year! 

Easter Treats and Dress

Camden had her school party, complete with Easter Egg hunt on Thursday and we went to the community Easter Egg Hunt in Lafayette on Saturday.  We were getting maxed on chocolate.  But I like holiday traditions, so when Camden woke up on Sunday morning, she discovered that the "Easter bunny" had visited and left her a basket of goodies.

The bunnies ears were eaten, then the chocolate was crushed on the trip to Illinois to visit with Great Grandma.  Oh well...she definitely still had a chocolate buzz for the day.  SOOO much candy this week!

Kevin helped me pick out a really cute dress at Once Upon a Child.  There was a little chill in the air, so we added tights and a shirt.  It's a great, practical dress she can wear all summer.  She looked adorable!  At first, she wouldn't stand still for a picture, but I can't complain...I love the side profile.

I eventually got a few nice front views as well.

Last Swim Lesson

Easter Egg Hunt

Best.Pizza.Ever.

Camden wanted to be a big cousin and hold Hali for a picture, but it was a no-go on the littlier ones part.

We all chowed down on the pizza. Even Camden, who usually only eats the best.breadsticks.ever with "red dip", ate a whole piece.  It's hard to describe why this pie is so good.  But the crust is perfect, the sauce is perfect, and all the toppings are perfect.

The other reason Up the Creek is our go-to pizza shop is the ice cream.  They have wonderful flavors of Edy's, but also added soft serve this year.  Camden got hers with sprinkles!

My favorite picture at the moment...shows off her baby blues!

Camden is really into sharing right now.  She thinks it's really fun.  She happily offered her cone to Hali.

Hali didn't want any, but suddenly turned into a ham and was very interested in Camden and the camera!

Fun times!