We were planning to stop at Des Moines for the night only and continue on to Branson, MO – then start heading South to come home.  However, I found an amazing place in Iowa that I thought we had to do.  After some pleading, Craig agreed to drive 316 miles, out of the way, to make me happy.  We were so glad we did.  The kids had the BEST day ever IN NATURE truly exploring caves.  There were 16 caves we got to explore.  Some had streams in them to cross, some were very muddy, some you had to crawl on to see the inside (we could not fit but the kids loved going in anyways).  We let Kenzie and Zoe lead us, which ended up going off path and over a bunch of fallen trees. We followed them (Craig a little reluctantly as it may not have been the safest path).  They had so much fun and led us to a hiking trail for about a mile until we decided to make our way to the parking lot and start back in the caves again.  Kenzie and Zoe took turns holding the flashlight and both worked together to get through the caves.  It was 100% what I imagined this RV trip would be.  I will say Kenzie thanked Craig this morning, at our family meeting, for allowing them to do all the kid things that mommy wouldn’t have. haha!!!  Guess we balance each other out nicely.

Maquoketa Caves – HIDDEN TREASURE IN IOWA!!

Dubuque and the Mississippi River

We tried to find a paddle boat to do a cruise on the Mississippi River; however, we could not find one that was open on Sunday and within driving distance.  We settled on a yacth style boat that also does lunch or happy hour.  Unfortunately, lunch was sold out and Craig could not wiggle his way in (he tried).  So, we were on the Happy Hour boat.  Sounded decent on phone – he would get free tap beer entire 1.5 hours… Until, we got there and found out the beer was Busch and Busch Lite.

Kenzie and Zoe got to drive another boat.  A nice family asked us to take their photo on the boardwalk to which Zoe took my phone, got in front of Craig and started taking tons of photos of them.  At least they laughed about it.  But, if you see a random photo of a family you don’t know with a fingerprint in the screen, you now know why.  Kenzie took my phone at dinner and I saw about 50 silly photos of Zoe and Daddy as I was loading pictures.  Glad they can self entertain.  The last three photos are: 1. Mississippi River 2. Dam and Lock on River and 3. Just the sun setting.  Was a beautiful, orange ball.