Pictures! Finally!

Welcome to Iowa!
Crossing the Mississippi River, you come across major flooding in the area, caused by rains and melting snow. Homes were surrounded, and trees looked like they were growing in the middle of rivers.
Then we arrived at Chad's!
My granddaughters Tara and Kiley
there great chocolate lab Winston, who kept me company during the day and made it easier to be away from my little menagerie at home,
and Lily the Guinea pig welcomed me with open arms!

Recognize this Kathy!? My sister was at the furniture store and saw this set in the clearance section. When she went back to buy it, they had just sold it. Guess who bought it and where it is!? In Iowa!

It was a cloudless day when we went into Des Moines, Iowa's capital. Their capital building is amazingly beautiful, set against the bright blue sky. Click on the pictures to see fanastic details!

I was able to get a picture of my little family with the capital forming a beautiful backdrop.

Beautiful statues grace the capital and surrounding area. This one is a tribute to the West and Native Americans.

Tara and Kiley sitting on one of the fountains, which Kiley thought was Abraham Lincolns urinal!

Beautiful statue of Abraham Lincoln and Tad.

Each side of this monument honored different people and their works. Tara and Kiley are coming around the front of this one and were mortified by the bare woman holding her breasts. Kiley informed us very disgusted, that "this is NOT rated PG!

I loved the horses and their cavalrymen.
The detailing on these century + statues is amazing.

We then went to The Brass Armadillo, an antique store. It's huge! I saw these frames of embellished antique quilts and have some great ideas!

These are a couple of the hundreds of booths and displays. I am saving for the trip back in October, where I will promptly drop some cash!!

It's nice to be home, but this trip holds a lifetime of memories with my kids, that will always be close to my heart. I had the most wonderful, fun time, and can't wait to go back!