Tractor Ride Days 3 and 4
If you read my last post you'll remember that I talked about planning the WHO Radio Great Iowa Tractor Ride could be a reality TV series. Here's the twist for the show from yesterday...what do you do when 525 tractors are spread out across the county and a thunderstorm warning/tornado warning has been issued with wind damage and severe lightening being reported? Well, if you're Molly Pins and the WHO Radio staff, you don't panic. You rely on the good people of Iowa. John Deere employees opened one of their buildings to my husband and the many tractors behind him. A woman stopped tractors in one spot and made them take shelter in her basement. A man opened his machine shed for shelter, then popped some popcorn and served Kool-aid while they waited for the storm to pass. A church in Jesup sheltered many drivers as well. Everyone was safe...that was all that mattered.
The day started out hot and just got hotter. By 10:30 a.m. when I arrived in Independence with the kids, the truck said 86 degrees and it was stiffling hot. We went into the Heartland Acres Agricultural Center where the fun meter was going to the high side and the cool air was turned low! There were so many wonderful hands-on activities for the kids. The first time I've been in a museum telling my kids "sure, touch that."
Including, milking a cow.
There was even a wonderful exhibit of traditonal hooked rugs. I wish I'd had time to take pictures of them all.
Henry got a chance to take a picture with Mark Pearson, host of PTV Market to Market (our Friday night entertainment) and co-originator of the Great Iowa Tractor Ride as co-host of the Big Show (a must-listen show for farmers). He's a fun-loving kid of guy...and always friendly.
The rest of our afternoon was spent in Independence at my cousin Anne's house. While Henry went swimming with cousins Matthew, Stephanie, and Liz, the girls and I took a much needed 2 hour nap. I even got a 30-minute nap. Whoohoo...just what we all needed. Then Jeff called and said turn the weather on. Sure enough, storms were headed our way. The kids and I sat tight and waited until they passed. By the time we got back to Waterloo, picked up Jeff, and got supper it was time for bed.
Today was a new day. One more swim in the hotel pool. Then off to see the tractors roll in one last time.
We're proud tractor riders...
Goldie and Henry were drafted to help the WHO staff (in green t-shirts). (Thanks Janine for being so sweet.)
After one last group lunch and group meeting, it was time to load up and come home. Click here for my video clip of Henry and Jeff discussing where to put chains.
Here's our truck-and-trailer loaded and ready to go. Click here for my second video clip on Henry learning from Jeff as to where the chains go.
With this, I say goodnight. (Virginia left, Goldie right)
The day started out hot and just got hotter. By 10:30 a.m. when I arrived in Independence with the kids, the truck said 86 degrees and it was stiffling hot. We went into the Heartland Acres Agricultural Center where the fun meter was going to the high side and the cool air was turned low! There were so many wonderful hands-on activities for the kids. The first time I've been in a museum telling my kids "sure, touch that."
Including, milking a cow.
There was even a wonderful exhibit of traditonal hooked rugs. I wish I'd had time to take pictures of them all.
Henry got a chance to take a picture with Mark Pearson, host of PTV Market to Market (our Friday night entertainment) and co-originator of the Great Iowa Tractor Ride as co-host of the Big Show (a must-listen show for farmers). He's a fun-loving kid of guy...and always friendly.
The rest of our afternoon was spent in Independence at my cousin Anne's house. While Henry went swimming with cousins Matthew, Stephanie, and Liz, the girls and I took a much needed 2 hour nap. I even got a 30-minute nap. Whoohoo...just what we all needed. Then Jeff called and said turn the weather on. Sure enough, storms were headed our way. The kids and I sat tight and waited until they passed. By the time we got back to Waterloo, picked up Jeff, and got supper it was time for bed.
Today was a new day. One more swim in the hotel pool. Then off to see the tractors roll in one last time.
We're proud tractor riders...
Goldie and Henry were drafted to help the WHO staff (in green t-shirts). (Thanks Janine for being so sweet.)
After one last group lunch and group meeting, it was time to load up and come home. Click here for my video clip of Henry and Jeff discussing where to put chains.
Here's our truck-and-trailer loaded and ready to go. Click here for my second video clip on Henry learning from Jeff as to where the chains go.
With this, I say goodnight. (Virginia left, Goldie right)
You are making me so homesick! I grew up in Independence and now live in Colorado. We will be heading to Iowa in about 3 weeks for Ragbrai and it is the highlight of my summer. My kids get to experience an old fashion summer with Grandma and Grandpa in Iowa!
Reply to this
Independence is a great town! Have fun on Ragbrai...another great Iowa tradition.
Reply to this
There is nothing better than kids sound asleep in the back of the car, exhausted from TOO MUCH FUN!!!
Reply to this
I'm always excited to go on vacation, but I'm always excited to come home...the kids all slept nearly 12 hours last night in their own beds. It had to feel so good!
Reply to this
Hello dear Hiedi and Jeff: You have a wonderful happy family. Will you be in DM area for WHO ride announcement on the 29th? I did not go last year (too many other good things to do.) But I do miss seeing all of the great friends on the ride. Thinking of going this year, so I will be at the Machine Shed. Mike
Reply to this