It's all about Lincoln

I have never been to Springfield, IL before, but having gone there today, I can tell you that everything there is about Abraham Lincoln!  We went there to see the Lincoln Museum, and while we were there, we also went to his house and tomb.  Throughout the town there are many references to places where Lincoln had worked and lived, etc.  And there are many things with the Lincoln name such as the Lincoln Public Library (not to be confused with the Lincoln Presidential Library!).  We even were able to look out of our hotel room at night and see a glowing Lincoln!

Almost like a moon!

Thursday morning we went to the Lincoln Museum. I had read a book titled Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, and this inspired our trip.  It was interesting to see how many facts about Lincoln and his wife were in this historical fiction book.  The museum was top notch in quality...almost Disney-like.  But not many pictures were allowed.

Camden Lincoln

Camden Frederick Douglas

We fit right in!

Sites in downtown Springfield

After the museum, we headed to lunch at Charlie Parker's diner.  When we first starting planning our trip, Camden saw this restaurant on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.  So of course we had to go there!

Camden got a plate size pancake!

After lunch we headed back downtown and went to his house.  We were able to tour the family's original house and see items that Lincoln himself has used.  I realized that we were in the same rooms he had occupied and we were looking at actual items that Lincoln himself had used and it was very cool.

The most photographed view of Lincoln's house

The neighborhood he lived in

We finished our tour of Springfield at the tomb of Lincoln.  We were able to go inside the mausoleum and see several sculptures and the tombstones of Lincoln and his family.

I am not sure why, but everyone ahead of us was touching the nose of Lincoln as they walked by, so we did it too.

We headed back to Memphis after out Springfield day, and we decided to take a different route and a little detour through Metropolis. Camden had read about Metropolis, so we finished our adventure there!

The final picture from our day was the rainbow that we saw while driving through the rain.

God keeps his promises!

St. Louis Road Trip

Camden and I took a road trip to St. Louis for his Spring Break.  Before you think we left Nathan behind, don't worry.  We sent him to California to visit family and he got to go skiing on a good ski mountain for two days!

We did leave Dave, but someone has to work! (and he also had his Spring Break earlier this year!)  Our trip started out with our Easter Memphis visit, but since the cousins are all in school this week, we decided to take a road trip.  So off to Missouri we went.

The visitor center for the Arch is in the Old Courthouse.

Then on to the Arch!

It really is tall!

View of the Mississippi River and Illinois

The Cardinal's stadium

St. Louis

At the top.  Camden wanted to be able to stand on top; I am very glad we were inside!

Enjoying the view!

Inside the capsule we took to the top.

The opening to the tram...not very big!

Gotta take a selfie!

And of course we got caught in the rain!

We were planning on going to the City Museum next because we have heard how fun it is, but with the rain (which turned into a downpour!), I was told they close the outside, and that is the best part. I only knew of two other options; the zoo and another National Park.  Not wanting to go to the zoo in the rain, we headed to the Grant National Historic Site.  We got some northern education for our southern roots :)  

At least we had an umbrella his time

Camden being a rebellious rebel!

Now just being silly!

We had fun exploring the site using the Junior Ranger puzzles and activities.

Of course, every road trip has to involve good food!

Very yummy donuts!!

We found a great restaurant in The Hill section of St. Louis.  There are Italian restaurants on most every corner in this Italian neighborhood.  We lucked out and found a good one!

Camden really liked the food!  Even the stuffed mushrooms!

We ended the evening in Springfield, IL, where we will have more adventures tomorrow.  A dip in the pool was a must for the night too!