Des Moines, IA - Capitol #11 - 9/6

Iowa's Capitol is beautiful. From the gold leaf covered some outside to all the detailed painting, woodwork, and decor inside!

We had to wait for the governor to finish meeting with some Chinese delegation before seeing his office. 

I wonder what's in the red and gold gift box in his desk?

Beautiful tile work

And paintings 

And mosaics! This young boys feet look as though he turns toward you as you pass by. 

Many antiques to be seen. Thermostats! And our tour guide told us the elevators used to be hydrolic - powered by a tank of water I the basement and one in the attic that moved the elevator by displacement!

And, oh, the library!

My picture doesn't do justice to this amazing and beautiful room!

Looking up... 

Climbing up... (91 stairs from the 3rd floor!)

Looking down!

This is the whispering walk. I told the kids we had to whisper, but turns out, you don't. It's called that because of the circular shape. You can talk directly across in a regular voice and be heard perfectly. You can also whisper to the wall and it will carry your words to the other side.

Our family had the tour guide to ourselves and she answered EVERY question my kids asked - patiently and seriously. (I could learn from her example!)

We so enjoyed the 1 1/2 (!) hour tour of this Capitol. There were so many beautiful details, but it didn't look overdone. 

Iowa. Who knew?

Labor Day - 9/5

Shooting practice. 

1st Annual Grubb Family Labor Day Horseshoe Tournament! (or AGFLDHT#1)

Prior to the festivities, the RV got a good cleaning and laundry was accomplished here at camp. Quite a productive and fun day!

DeGroot's Backyard - 9/4

Hanging out in the deGroots backyard (RV park) for a few days. 

We really are in someone's big backyard in the middle of nowhere/cornfields of Iowa. 

Our first night here, we saw fire flies. There aren't many left, but it was really exciting for the kids to see them in real life.

Yesterday was rainy, but the kids had fun running around in the rain. We only left to go shopping in the nearest town, 8 miles away. Sadly, we didn't get the mask. But we did get the toaster (to replace our fire hazard)!

We also took the time to conduct a science experiment to see which toilet paper breaks down best so that we have more options of toilet paper to use in the RV. 

We had a warm and yummy dinner from the crockpot then snuggled together for a movie night. We still don't have a TV. But since we have Wi-Fi here, we were able to stream a movie on a computer. It was a special treat on a cold rainy night!

Lincoln, NE - Capitol #10

Most beautiful Capitol! 

But first... Our Walmart overnight was a success. We did feel some rocking in the early morning hours, but since we were still hooked up to the car, we assumed it was kids moving around in their beds shaking the trailer. Later, we heard it was an earthquake. Who would have thought? Here in Nebraska, people were really talking about it. 

We also found a horseshow at the fairgrounds next door. 

Everywhere we went people were wearing red, even at stores employees were wearing red instead of their uniforms. And not just any red, Nebraska Cornhuskers red. This town has spirit!

We had lunch at a fun park. Talking with another dad about our plans to see the Capitol, he cautioned we may not find parking because it's near the stadium. Really? At 1, when the game starts at 7pm?!? He said it may be difficult. But we tried anyway. 

Thankfully, we found parking pretty easily - because it was a 1hr spot. But by the time we left, the streets were packed!

Outside, the building looked typical...

But inside... It was amazing!

So many beautiful details. 

So many elaborate decorative ceilings. 

So many gorgeous murals. 

Interesting fact: Nebraska has one legislative body - not a house and senate like every other state we've seen. 

Supreme Court where judges are appointed, and the population can vote to remove after 3 and 6 years. Another interesting system. 

Dome up on the 14th floor. 

Tiny beautiful elevators with inlaid wood. 

Even the elevator waiting area has detailed decor. 

The state seal is only found outside - and it's a fountain, so it's pretty challenge to get a photo. See the reflection of the Capitol?

This was my favorite Capitol so far. Such great architecture and finishes. Loved it!

Back to Iowa to hang out for the holiday weekend before we see their Capitol. 

On Aunt Kathy's farm, Chandler, MN - 8/31

The VanderLugts were hosts of part of my summer adventures when I was little. This past couple weeks has been full of visiting places and seeing people that I've not seen in 30 years! 

Reminiscing in the barn I played in...

Rope swing!

They don't have livestock anymore and so they don't use their hay mow, but they put fresh lightbulbs up today so we could have this pleasure! I am so blessed!

The kids enjoyed their tree houses.

We were treated to a yummy dinner (aka: lunch) and dessert of homemade popsicles - just like when I was last here. Thanks Aunt Kathy!

After eating we got a tour of the newer additions to their property - the wind turbines that are part of the buffalo ridge wind farm and their workshop where the magic of ReBorn Home Furnishings happens! 

I am so thankful for reconnecting with these ladies, my mom's cousins, who  have shared fun stories of their teen years and escapades. (:

Au revoir VanDykes. Hello Nebraska.

So, we are family, but these last days have been really great, and these people are not just family but they're "like family." (: 

Alas, we were sad to say goodbye. But it is only au revoir for now - which made it easier.

Before we said goodbye, Scott had to make a quick run to the eye doctor to have some metal removed from his eyeball that was acquired while installing additional stabilizer jacks on our camper. It was entertaining to find out that the doctor attended school in Fullerton at the Southern California College of Optometry. Small world!

Upon entering Nebraska, the first sign we saw, was for a Mormon trail historic site. So we hopped off the freeway to go check it out. 

The brown sign makes you think you're about to go to a regular historic site. 

But when you get there, there are missionaries to greet you at the door and you find out that the LDS church runs the historic site.

We had an enjoyable tour of the site where the Mormons spent their first winter as they were moving along the Mormon trail. Our missionary hosts were kind and Scott had the opportunity to share with them, at their request, why after studying their book he does not agree with the authenticity of it.

The kids had fun trying to pull a handcart and observing some other replicas of historic artifacts from the journey the Mormons made across the Midwest. 

Tonight, we are spending our first night on the road in a Walmart parking lot! We are really excited about this because people have been telling us we have to try it. But it never worked out until now. We are super close to the Capitol and will head there in the morning.