Spring Break

As I think about it, I realized this is the first year in probably my life that I haven't had an official "Spring Break" So Andrew and I decided we'd take a little one. :) Well actually, Stephen had a training in central Illinois for an entire week. So instead of being home by ourselves, we decided to jump in the car and tag-a-long. I wouldn't put Peoria, Illinois on my top ten places to visit, but I'm always up for a little get-a-way and love to see new places. While we were there, Andrew and I tried to find a few things close by to keep us busy while Stephen was in meetings. We came to realize there's not much to "do" in Peoria....It's funny because we asked a waitress this same question and it took her a second to respond....then the only thing she could come up with was to go bowling. Goodness. I could go bowling anywhere and just had to laugh at that response. We didn't go bowling, but we did find some fun things to do.

I will admit we had such a relaxing week. First of all we had ZERO doctor appointments. There's something to be said about just getting out of the house and all the daily "To-Do's" that go with it. That was probably the best part for me. Getting a nap  in almost every day was also wonderful. We had lots of fun hanging out at the hotel, playing and splashing in the swimming pool... a favorite of Andrew's.
One day, we decided to head to Springfield, Illinois. It was just a little drive and we got to see some neat historic sights. I have always loved history and loved teaching a bit to my kiddos in school. Abraham Lincoln was a president they knew and could understand...he's on the penny right? That was about their scope of understanding...Well, I've read a few books about his life and really admire this man and what he did for our country. It was neat to see some of the sights.

Outside Lincoln's Tomb

They let us go inside the monument. There were some neat
bronze sculptures and amazing quotes from his time
as president. He was a wise man who was close to God.

Before our tour of the Lincoln's Home in Downtown Springfield

Lincoln's Desk. This is where he wrote his inaugural speech.  Pretty neat.

Afterwards, we walked over to the capitol building and had some lunch outside by the fountains.

Enjoying a day with my boy!

Peoria is right around a bunch a big rivers. They had some neat bridges all over the city. One day Andrew and I went on a walk along the river and went exploring. Here's a view of one of the main bridges into town.

The best part was we were only 40 min from Stephen's sister Meghan and her family. We headed over there lots and saw them a bunch of times during the week. I just love hanging out with them. We had too much fun relaxing and playing we didn't take a single picture. But we've sure have loved living so close to them this last year. I've decided everyone needs a Spring Break...regardless. Here's to Spring Break 2012!