Hill Crew: Butter Cow and Family

The boys and I headed to Missouri and Iowa for a little R&R! I love being able to see my parents and Andy's parents and also spending time with extended family! We also got to catch up with old friends that we made while stationed at Iowa State University!

We spent a few days in Missouri and I am thankful that I got to spend time with my Aunt JoAn, who recently lost her battle with cancer. The boys were happy to spend time with cousins who are just as rowdy as they are!

Next up on our trip was a six hour drive to Iowa! Jack and Davis chatted pretty much non stop about the Iowa State Fair and what it would be like. Jack was looking forward to carnival games and Davis was dreaming about corn dogs.

We made our first stop in Ames and checked into the Gateway Hotel, which was also housing a few of the Republican Presidential Candidates. Iowa State was hosting 2012 GOP Presidential Candidates debate and straw poll while we were in town. Nothing like seeing politicians over eggs in the restaurant, not to mention security in the elevators. Even though town was a little busier than usual, the boys and I got a visit into Reiman Gardens, walked around ISU, drove around the town were we used to live (Jack liked seeing his first house), and spent time with friends.

After our fun in Ames, we headed to Des Moines for the state fair (or as Jack calls it THE Iowa State Fair). It was the 100th birthday of the butter cow. Yes, a giant rotating cow that is carved out of butter. I love it! We were fortunate to be able to stay with family and meet a new cousin, too! Andy's mom, dad, brother and his girlfriend drove up for the weekend and got to enjoy all the festivities, too. Jack and Davis loved the tattoos (every vendor/school gives them out), animals, games, mini LegoLand, giant slide, and all the yummy food. Jack asked before we left Iowa, can we come back next year? Which I promptly answered, "Of course!"

Who doesn't love food on a stick and smelly animals?