The Flood of 2013

They're calling this The Flood of 2013, and you wouldn't believe the rain we've had around here. I've heard they are talking about Peoria on the national news even. Go us.

If you are wondering about our brand-new basement, we were dry. The power did go out one night, and Ryan was down there from 5:15-6am one morning baling water out of the sump hole until the electricity came back on. He said it was pouring in faster than the sump could spit it back out, even with the electricity on. No wonder lots of the ward and the neighborhood were wet in the morning. It was rough.

It poured and poured and poured for days - and nights - in a row. It was nuts.

Anyway, we finally bought a real camera. That's right - We actually have more than just a point-and-shoot. I still prefer the one I can throw in the diaper bag, but Ryan has been wanting a real one for years, and I finally caved.

In honor of its purchase, we headed downtown to take a look at the flooding. It was worth it.

It was a little bit of a hassle to get down to the riverfront. Lots of roads were closed and most of the parking we usually use was underwater too.

Riverfront parking garage





This is a pavilion where bands play for the 4th of July fireworks. We usually sit on the terraced concrete area to the right of the pavilion. Oh wait, you can't see any of that.

 

We loved the irony of a submerged sign telling us not to enter. Maybe it means to enter by canoe only.

See that little fire hydrant poking up? We've had LOTS of water.

 



E Peoria Steak n Shake patio seating



 E Peoria Steak n Shake drive-thru

We took these pictures on Monday night, and when we returned on Saturday it looked like Steak n Shake was still closed. The Caterpillar plants in E Peoria were closed for the whole week too. I was jealous of all the guys who got to work from home (Ry doesn't work downtown).

Our week of rain was followed by a week of BEAUTIFUL 80 degree sunshine, so I'm not complaining. The buds are FINALLY on the trees, and the grass has greened up. We needed the rain and warmth, but maybe not to such extremes. I guess that's just the Midwest though.

Happy Spring!