Friday, August 1, 2008

River and Rocks

We took some time to enjoy some of the local sights last week while Brant's parents where here visiting. We live less than a mile from the Des Moines River, but it had been far too full to actually take the kids down to the banks until recently. It's very muddy right now from all of the overflow, which made it all the yuckier in my mind and all the funner in the kids' minds.

The other pictures are from the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa. It's only a half hour from our house and it is spectacular. I'm not into all the Catholic saint stuff, being of the Baptist variety, however this is stunning. It took two priests around 80 years to build this structure. It is a city block full of structures created from all natural objects: shells, rocks, gems, etc. It is so awesome, even the kids were quiet and observative for the hour tour. Definitely recommend it if you ever hit the upper edge of Iowa. Oh, plus it's a free tour.

Another plus, while Brant's parents were here, we got so much done. New sliding door installed, new floor layed in kitchen/dining area, deck fixed/leveled, my bike repaired -- Brant's dad is so much more of a slave driver than I ever dream of being. He and Brant always get so much done when they are together. Very productive week.

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