be happy for this moment.

But I prefer to think of Iowa as I saw it through the eyes of a ten-year old boy... filled with the wonders of Iowa's streams and woods, of the mystery of growing crops... days should be filled with adventure and great undertakings, with participation in good and comforting things.
Herbert Hoover

This past weekend we took advantage of Nick's last day off for the next eight or so weeks and headed to visit his parents for a quick overnight trip. We were able to catch up with some of his high school friends (+ wives + kids) for dinner, then spent the night at his parent's house and enjoyed breakfast with them the next morning.

On our way back home we had the whole day so we stopped into West Branch, Iowa. As the birthplace to our 31st President Herbert Hoover in 1874, there is a beautiful historic site and a cute downtown. We had lunch at a local pizza place and then walked through the historic site which was the Midwestern farm community where he was raised. The former president, along with his wife, are buried up on a hill at the site. Under beautiful oaks, overlooking the prairie I'd agree that it would be a lovely place to spend eternity.

Downtown West Branch.

Main street.

Heading up the hill to their memorial.

Graves of President and Mrs. Hoover.

With my favorite prairie dog.

Hoover Presidential Library

Nick walking ahead with Winnie on the site.

The town meeting place (aka the Quaker church).

Two-room birth home of Hoover.

Out back!

Historic homes along the road. Plus a horse/Beagle hitching post.