Kankakee, IL July 26th

We had such a great time in Custer.  That is such a wonderful place.  It is amazing just how much you can "live" in a short span of time when you really give it a whirl.  I can see my children growing right before my eyes.  From Lowman taking steps to manhood, to Hailey really finding the courage to step out.  We enjoyed the new Family we now have in Custer.  Watching the Storey kids enjoy the outdoor places that they are fortunate enough to visit every summer.  Having them teach us things about life and curiosity.  The joys of just being a bunch of kids.  All the children played so well together, not one spat in two weeks is a feat in itself.  The Carrolls welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home.  I can not thank you enough for the time you gave us.  It was sweet. 
It was bitter sweet leaving Sunday.  Not wanting to leave the people we had gotten to know, but ready for the next step.  Hello highway!!
Sunday was spent driving across South Dakota.  I mean all of Sunday.  I wouldn't stop until we hit Sioux City IA.  I just had to get to a new state.  We "boondocked" for the first time there.  We stayed in the Walmart parking lot along with five other campers and a semi or two.  I felt very comfortable and we saved about $45.  The more we do that on our drives to a destination, the more destinations we can get to. 
We were up and gone with the sun on Monday.  We drove along the Missouri river, spilling over the farm land and closing highways as it pleases.  I truly feel for the farm and ranch families.  We saw houses completely surrounded by the mighty river.  We saw a sign that read "honk and pray for us", so I did. 

The drive thru IA was brutal, not brutal because it was long like SD, but brutal like this humidity is killing me.  High 80s low 90s with heat indexes well over 105.  DAMN!!!  I had no idea IA was so rolling.  The hills stretched out for miles in front of us.  Miles and miles of corn laden hills.  Tres took pictures of old barns as we traveled. 
We made great time and hit Kankakee, IL at 7:00 pm on Monday.  Seeing Tres and her sister meet for the first time in 19 years was enough to bring tears to my eyes.  It was beautiful.  We set up shop at their spread, surrounded by corn and the farm life.  Fireflies and cicadas fill the night air.  A clear star filled night is what we went to bed enjoying.