24

We just got back from 24 hours camping at Hoffmaster State Park. Even though it was a quick trip, it felt like it was much longer than that! The weather was perfect and the water felt great. We've learned to go to the beach in the morning...there is no one else there! Sandwich makers in the fire, marshmallows getting burned, smoke in our clothes, listening to other people's babies cry, losing at Cities and Knights of Catan to my daughter by lantern-light...what could be better!?

And I must say, Hoffmaster is still one of the greatest camp grounds around! I couldn't believe how quiet it was: all was silent by 10:00 p.m. and nothing woke us up early (not even Brant!). Amazing!

If you could pick a camp ground to camp at for one night, which one would it be for you?

Flying Soon?

It seems like whenever I fly somewhere, including our trip to and from China, most often we get seats near the back of the plane -- as far away from first class as you can get! I have never been too happy about that...first to board, last to get off, no hot towels left over from first class. But after reading this article (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4219452.html) from Popular Mechanics, I believe I'm glad that I get placed in the back. It has been proven that the farther back in the plane you are, the greater the chance that you will survive a crash. So, why is it then that they put first class in the front? Hmmm...

China Pictures...

I can't post them yet!!!! The day before we left China I dropped our camera and broke it. I just found out that it costs more to fix it than to buy a new one...very sad! So as soon as I get a new camera and can load them on my computer, I will start sharing some pictures from our AWESOME trip to China!

Micronesia meets Central Iowa

So, we are driving back from Colorado yesterday (Friday). This leg of our drive takes us from Omaha, NE to home. The challenge of that drive is staying awake through all of Iowa (sorry to all of you Iowa fans...). This drive was much more interesting than usual, however.

Soon after entering Iowa I saw an airport fire truck being hauled on a flatbed headed west. That was somewhat interesting. But my interest was greatly heightened when another one came by and I had time to read it. It said Palau International Airport. Since my brother lives in that area, I found that interesting. A little while later another one came that said Chuuk International Airport. Even more interesting since my brother has visited the island of Chuuk. Then, much to my surprise came another one labelled, Pohnpei International Airport. Pohnpei is where my brother lived! Just for good measure, one more came back headed for Kosrae International Airport.

I was transported from the cornfields of Iowa to the Pacific Islands as I drove. And even though my brother couldn't be at our family reunion with us, I obviously thought of him the whole drive home! What are the chances of encountering the world of the Micronesian Islands in the middle of Iowa?!