WISCONSIN - MINNESOTA - IOWA



We made a fun and familiar connection with an unfamiliar state.  Wisconsin is also home to a city called "Prescott".  The kids were excited to know that we were visiting a town called Prescott and Wisconsin's beautiful downtown Prescott is set alongside the St. Croix River.  We enjoyed some pizza from a local mom and pop pizza joint while catching up on the NBA playoffs.  Then...off to Minnesota.  We will be returning to Wisconsin later in the trip for our actual donor visit. 

Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, Juliann, and Tate

Minnesota felt completely different than the previous states we have visited.  The weather changed immediately and seemed very unpredictable.  (I wish we would have packed warmer clothes for this state).  The residents accents were also vastly different from those we had encountered in the states leading up to it. 




Tate, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, and Shiloh

Gorgeous green grass grew wild across the whole state.  It was incredible the peace that was felt within the natural landscape of the vast countryside.  All of the kids enjoyed playing outside regardless of not having appropriately warm clothing for the weather conditions.  Choice enjoyed picking wildflowers (dandelions) for me...



Choice

Choice

Choice and Juliann

Vermillion Falls in Hastings Minnesota had many beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.  The kids had a heyday navigating the path through the trees and mud. 

Choice, Juliann, and Tate

Hastings Minnesota

Choice, Ryder, and Tate

 


Shiloh, Choice, and Ryder

You've got to love those parenting moments where you realize too late that you've allowed your kids to walk a little too close to the wild side.  This moment came to me as Shiloh was reenacting Cliffhanger off the side of the Vermillion Falls.  By the end of this excursion Shiloh was rock climbing with no shoes, Ryder had sacrificed his bracelet while in a recovery mission for the camera lens cap, and Morghen was kissing the ground at the top of the dangerous climb, grateful to have survived.

Ryder

Shiloh

Shiloh and Morghen

Morghen and Juliann

All along the way there have been small signs or reminders that Andrew is aware of us and watching over us on our journey.  Today we came upon another one of those small signs. This lock was attached to the gate at the Vermillion Falls. 



Vermillion Falls - Hastings MN

After our adventures in Minnesota, we said goodbye for now and ventured to the great state of Iowa.  

Tate

Shiloh

On our way to our visit, we made a stop in Clear Lake Iowa to see the infamous Surf Ballroom, the venue where rock n' roll legends Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.D. Richardson played their last show before boarding the plane that ultimately crashed and killed each of them.  What an amazingly somber and fascinatingly historic place.
 


Surf Ballroom - Clear Lake Iowa

Clear Lake is nestled up to a beautiful lake (hence the name).  Other than the strong breeze, it was a wonderful day to go down by the water and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing into the dock. 


Tate, Shiloh, Choice, Juliann, and Ryder

Juliann, Ryder, and Shiloh

The kids got their wiggles out at a playground near the lake before getting back on the road en route to Ankeny Iowa for our visit.

Ryder, Tate, Choice, and Morghen

Upon arriving in Ankeny, we drove directly to the home of Anna and Jerry, donors whom I had been unable to contact prior to making the visit.  Bless their hearts, they were very kind to allow us to deliver thank you cards and hugs completely unannounced.  Because of the way in which we popped in without them being prepared, we didn't get any pictures out of respect for their privacy.  However, it was lovely to meet them and they are one of the many reasons that I considered Ankeny a delightful town.

Ryder, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, Morghen, and Tate

While in Ankeny we stopped by the local fire station, who had also been affected by the loss of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.  We shared Be Better Bands with them and our story of working to Spread The Better throughout the country in honor of our fallen heroes. I was struck by a memorial plaque they had in front of their station with the statement..."DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CARE".  There is a common thread that runs throughout the heartstrings of first responders.  They understand courage.  They personify integrity and dedication.  And they honor those who have gone before them and fought the good fight.  This was evident in the way they embraced us and were overcome with emotion by our visit to their station today.

Ankeny Iowa Fire Department

Juliann, Tate, Ryder, Shiloh, and Choice with Ankeny Iowa Firefighters

Ryder and Shiloh with Ankeny Iowa Firefighters

Morghen

We ended our day in Clive Iowa, just outside of Des Moines.  Relaxation was imperative at this point and the only way to get these caged critters to fall asleep tonight.  So, we went and fed the ducks and geese at a pond.

Tate, Choice, Shiloh, and Ryder

Ryder, Tate Choice, Morghen, and Shiloh

Geese in Clive Iowa

Choice feeding the geese

Choice feeding the geese

Tate feeding the geese

Choice and Juliann

Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, and Tate

We will miss the beauty in Iowa as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Certainly a different terrain than this Arizona family has become accustomed to.  Trails and natural treasures such as these will be a reason to plan a return visit in the future.



Clive Iowa

Clive Iowa

I may not have a nanny with me the next time though.  Poor Morghen has got to be exhausted by now.  I should have gotten the hint when I found Choice...


Morghen

...GOING OUT WITH THE TRASH! (If she was having a good day, he would've at least made it into recycling).



Choice

Many thanks to the wonderful people in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.  Tomorrow we embark on a new leg of our journey.  Stay tuned.