Iowa

Iowa was our first "New State" on this trip (fun fact...we will hit all the I states).  We knew we were in for something special when we crossed the Mississippi river.  Then it was a series of small highways, roads, a dirt road, and then another dirt road. When we topped a rise on one of the last roads we saw road kill number 100+, but this one came specially supplied with a trio of huuuge vultures that lazily flapped away as we approached...the last one swooped right at our onrushing van. We were hoping for a rural Iowa experience, and we got it!

We received a very warm welcome from the Gentrys, proud parents of our wonderful neighbor Tara Lewis. This is perhaps the furthest ranging play date we've ever set up for Julia...guess we just couldn't have the summer go by without a chance to play with her great friends down the street who are spending the summer in Kansas City. 

The kids eyes were immediately drawn to the pond out back, complete with dock and swinging rope. Undeterred by the cold water or the annoyance factor of our having to dig out their swim suits, all three plunged right in.

John was particularly fearless...

But everyone had a great time.

There was then much feasting.  We certainly could have (and should have) run a 10K or done some hard-core farm chores after a delicious meal of pork chops, baked beans, green beans, potato casserole, Asian crunch salad, watermelon, etc., etc., topped off by dessert of homemade texas sheet cake, homemade ice cream, and homemade chocolate sauce.  I really hope there aren't any weight limits on the bridges to come.  

All of this was then followed by a bonfire, tenting in the yard for the big kids, and a sleepover for the middle kids.  More than once we heard: "This is the best day ever!"

The next day, we used the tourist excuse to drag the Lewis family to the American Gothic House, made famous in Grant Wood's painting.  The Iowa Historical Society has put a lot of funding into this landmark, and it's all worthwhile.  The interpreter at the information center saw us coming and opened early--2 hours early--so we could come look around.  That also meant learning a great deal about the painting and Grant Wood.  But best of all, and Joe's absolute favorite thing, the photo op:

It was REALLY hard not to crack up.

Off to South Dakota, but first a remarkable lunch stop...