Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa.

Ahhh, Field of Dreams, I love that movie! Madeline, my mom, and I just got back from a week long trip "back home" to Iowa. I spent 16 years of my life there and it still feels like home when I go back. I lived in Cedar Rapids and both my mom and my dad were born and raised there and we still have friends and relatives who live there.

On our recent trip back we took a day trip to Galena, IL then made a quick stop in Dyersville, IA to the location where the baseball field and farmhouse in the film are located. We got there too late to stand on the field so we had to take some photos from the closed gate.


The farmhouse in the movie where Kevin Costner's character Ray Kinsella lived.

The "field of dreams" as seen in the movie.

Our first day in Iowa we stopped by the Amana Colonies where my Aunt Roxie and mom were shopping. That's Roxie above.

Madeline thought the big chair was so cool...

And she loved banging on the chimes, cans, and pans.

And aluminum cups.

And she played with some wooden toys.

The second day we were there I had a nice lunch with a long-time friend, Angie. We've known each other since kindergarden, let's just say over 30 years ago! Yikes, I'm showing my age!

Saturday we had lunch at Happy Joe's which is a pizza place that we celebrated lots of birthdays growing up. Their "Happy Joe's Special" is sauer kraut and Canadian bacon. I know, I know, you would just have to try it - so yummy!

We totally cleaned up!!!

Madeline with Grandma eating their pizza.

That day after pizza we took Madeline to one of the beautiful parks in Cedar Rapids, Thomas Park (actually in Marion which is a suburb of CR). We just loved the playground!

Madeline looking happy!

Mads going down the slide.

And playing in the HUGE sandbox.

My aunts and cousin relaxing as the kids played.

And cousin Duane playing with Madeline.

One of our favorite desserts ever is the Chocolate Ambrosia Pie from Bishops. We were lucky enough to get to stop here to have lunch in Dubuque one day when we were on our way for a shopping trip to Galena, Illinois. This pie is heavenly to say the least!

A view of the Mississippi river between Iowa and Illinois. This is one big river!

A view of the shopping district in downtown Galena, IL. You wouldn't believe the number of stores! Seriously 4 blocks of stores! If you go plan to stay all day!

Madeline in front of one of the candy stores in Galena.

The candy corner at a popcorn store.

Madeline ready for a sugar high!

Moving on to Iowa City...we spent one day at the Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa City. They had a great Children's Museum there so we took a little trip with my cousin and her two little girls to check it out.

The girls just loved the miniature grocery store. Madeline had to check it out three times!

Let me tell you, this girl can shop! She did some power shopping here...

Then the girls took turns manning the cash register.

Madeline ringing grandma up.

Next we headed to the pizzaria where Madeline got to put a pizza together.

Then she put it in the oven....

And she even served it right up!

Get your hot fresh pizza!!!

Then we headed to the aviation room.

Madeline got to sit in the cockpit of a real airplane! There was also a medical display, a stage where the kids could put on a play, a hands-on motion display room, a book room, a music room and an art room. The kids had a blast and didn't want to leave!

The next day we went to the Collins Road Theaters for their free kids show complete with clowns doing balloon animals! This was Maddie with Sprinkles. We watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs for our free movie.

Madeline with my cousin's girls at the theater.

The day we left we went to an indoor play area called the Playstation. Madeline was a bit intimidated by the bigger kids playing rough and was in tears just minutes after we arrived but she enjoyed checking it out.

They even had a game room which she loved.

And the ball pit was a big hit!

Look at that smile!

We had a great stay in Iowa. I had been almost two years since we have been back. We really love to visit!