Iowa calls again!

July 3-10, 2020


Frankie had fun with Pippin and Rosie!

On our way from South Dakota to Wisconsin, we found ourselves in Iowa once again.  We spent a couple of days in West Des Moines with Maggie and Luke!  They had begun a kitchen remodeling project the week before we came.  Lauren and Adam and the kids came down from Minneapolis to start the demolition and do some of the electrical work the previous weekend.  While Luke did most of the work while we were there, we were able to support the effort with a little painting and drywalling.




Always a highlight while visiting is connecting with our granddaughter-in-waiting who we anticipate being able to hold later in October!  She was kicking up a storm the evenings we were there.  I like to believe she was excited to have Nana and Papa visiting!





























We happened to be in West Des Moines for the 4th of July.  While COVID-19 cancelled all of the fireworks normally displayed, we certainly didn't lack for fireworks!  I think all of the Des Moines area  residents made up for the cancelled displays!  The next morning, the air was still thick with evidence of all the fireworks.  Apparently, Des Moines had the worst air quality in the US that morning!  While we didn't set off any fireworks, we did celebrate the holiday.  Luke treated us to more of his grilling talent!  This time we enjoyed burnt ends!  So yummy!

We did a few other odds and ends while at Maggie and Luke's, including a little yard work, picking up the final fabric for making Baby Girl's baby quilt, and talking Luke into a little woodworking in repairing a shelf that needed some extra support in one of our end tables.  As always, time flew by and, before we knew it, we were headed to Cedar Rapids.


The Cranes!

Highlights of our time in Cedar Rapids included:
  • Several 20-mile bike rides on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail with Brad and Kathy!
  • Evening campfires with dear friends!
  • A day trip to Cedar Falls to spend time with our niece, Amanda!
  • A short visit with our former neighbor, Charles (who turned 95 in April!)
  • Stopping by Czech Village for kolaches.
  • Visiting with Linda, my former co-worker from Harding Middle School!
Visiting Amanda!

Cedar Valley Nature Trail


Charles

Linda visits Squaw Creek Campground

Our way to Wisconsin took us through Dubuque, where my sister and her family live.  It worked out to meet Patti, Jim, and Paige at a park for a picnic lunch! 



With  Iowa filled in on our camper's US map, it's time to head to Wisconsin and check out parts of that beautiful state that we've never seen!

Next up:  Wisconsin!

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