Just like home.

 I have been surprised that with a little creativity, even a kitchen this tiny can work.

Had to run to the doctor, for what I could have sworn was strep....turned out to be a week long virus whose sole symptom was sore throat!

The kids got to see wind power in action as we drove across the wide open space between Peoria and Bloomington.

Working puzzles...

Fighting germs....

Playing games....

Doing schoolwork and crochet....

Visiting the library.....

Keeping it 'normal' for everyone.

T h e library has an extensive selection of 'digger' books. Love it!

We're even got in a very short nature walk....very short, and very cold!

Drove the Grand View Drive 2.5 Mike linear park with stunning views of the Illinois River valley.

The ice on the river was really something to see

New Surroundings

All unpacked in the hotel. We turned a couple end tables into a bookshelf. Why is it hotel rooms never have bookshelves, doesn't everyone travel with books?

One of the bedrooms has a great work spot for Aaron.

So a king bed fits three little Alldredges and mama.

Cartoons at the breakfast table? Breakfast buffet every morning? We're going to be spoiled!

Keeping up our creativity.

We've yet to see anyone else using the pool.....which is not a complaint.

Levi can touch bottom in the shallow side!

Isaiah hangs out on the steps or in my arms

Nashville fear!

We're wearing him out.

Play dough, all around awesome toy.

The beginnings of a crochet sampler afghan.

Play time for 1-5yo at the recreation center.

The boys burnt energy while Rebecca and I did school on the bleachers.

So cold I had to wear a coat for the first time in years!

Isaiah is smiling here, but most of the day he was on the verge on tears "I'm so cold" "I'm too cold" "my hands got snowy"

How cool is this?

Beautiful, but $$$!

Peoria was a booming river and mill town once upon a time. Some of the old buildings are renovated. This one was an interesting modern art gallery. I personally was more interested in the old architect than the 'paintings'.

Metal art that the kids thought was cool.

Riverfront museum and planetarium 

HUGE clock with exposed gears.

That's Rebecca's face and hands

Building blocks and

Water tables are a hit everywhere, every season

Familiar Spaces

 Evansville on Friday evening. It's always strange to go back to a place you called home for years. Even subtle changes catch your attention.

Grandpa and Ginger's house is full of fun vintage toys and fuel for imagination. Joint effort on a fairy house here, and Grandpa even helped fashion a fairy playground from twigs.

You can't go to Evansville and not stop at Rural King, the local farmers store. Free popcorn!

Isaiah likes this place.

The baby chicks were already in stock!

The kids wanted one of these bunnies. Imagine traveling with a rabbit!

I'm looking forward to meeting my new nephew and his mommy and daddy are going to LOVE this onesie! John Deere/Case IH opinions run hot in the midwest.

Almost all of the Alldredge cousins here....missing one nephew.

Settling into our very roomy and homey hotel in Illinois. 5 states down 15 more to see!