Instructions for Moving to Iowa

I saw this on Facebook last night and had to share.  Original source unknown. 

ADVICE FOR ANYONE MOVING TO IOWA

1. Save all bacon grease. You will be instructed later how to use it.

2. If you do run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four wheel drive with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them. Just stay out of their way. This is what they live for.

3. Remember: We say please and thank you a lot. Men also nod their heads at everyone they walk by and women smile. We are just nice like that.

4. Get used to the phrase "It's not the heat, it's the humidity". And the collateral phrase "You call this hot? Wait'll August."

5. Don't tell us how you did it somewhere else. Nobody cares.

6. If you think it's too hot in the Summers, don't worry. It'll cool down-in December (if you’re lucky)

7. A Mercedes-Benz is not a status symbol, a Tractor, a Chevy, Dodge, or Ford is.

8. If someone says they're "fixin" to do something, that doesn't mean anything's broken.

9. Every 30 miles or so you will find a Dollar General, Casey's or a Subway.

10. If you see a slower moving vehicle on a two lane road pull onto the shoulder that is called "courtesy", if you don't understand this, reconsider moving to a rude state.

11. Grilling is a necessity..No matter the weather.. someone is outside grilling something.

12. Sporting events must be taken into consideration for weddings, funerals, and divorces. Don't plan ANYTHING on game days

13. Everything is better with Ranch dressing or ketchup

14. DO NOT honk your horn at us to be obnoxious, we will sit there until we die.

15. We pull over and stop for emergency vehicles to pass.

16. We pull over for funeral processions, turn our music off and men remove hats or caps. Some

people put their hand over their heart.

17. "OPE" is a way of saying scuse me. You will catch on.

18. If you don't like the weather here, wait 15 minutes, it will change.

19. Hauling hay is a rite of passage.

20. The index finger wave from the steering wheel to everyone you pass on a country road.

21. We have a lot of Tornadoeseven in the winter.

Welcome to Iowa

St. Louis | Missouri

The beginning of this summer, my family took met for a long weekend in St. Louis.  It started as a couple of us and ended up being all 11 of us -- my sister and BIL even flew in from South Carolina.  I hadn't been to STL since I was a kid, so it was fun to see it from a new perspective.  It was a great start to summer!  A baseball game for the boys, a beer tour for the adults, and a few activities for the kids.   

City Museum
Only one photo because I was so busy playing with the kids!  I had a TON of fun here!  Wear athletic clothes and expect to crawl on your hands a knees!  Also, pro tip -- ask about renting {or bringing!} knee pads -- you won't regret it!  You can climb indoor and outdoor.  They have lots of slides -- including a 10 story slide from the rooftop.   There is a special toddler area.  Both kids loved the 'skateless park'.  It's four stories plus a rooftop space.  We spent a half day there and only saw about half.

The Magic House
Great for kids under 10.  They have a couple of outdoor play spaces as well as a multi-story building full of different hands-on exhibits for children of all kinds.  They have an entire Mo Willems area, an around-the-world space, a construction zone, and so, so much more! Plus, you can get BOGO admission.  We could have spent all day there -- we stayed a half day and didn't get a chance to see everything. 

St. Louis Zoo
I won't say too much about this since everyone probably has already heard all the great things about the St. Louis Zoo, but it's worth it!  They have a huge variety of animals and it's a great time for people of all ages.  Bonus -- it's free!  *There are several add on opportunities {the Sea Lion Show, the Carousel, the Railroad, etc.} that cost money.  Also, for the adults, they have a delicious sangria in a bag option :)

Other fun things we did while in St. Louis...
Caught a Cubs vs. Cardinals game {go Cubs!} :)

Took a Budweiser Tour {& spent a lovely afternoon on their patio!}

Places we ate...Imo's Pizza
SugarFire Smokehouse
Club Taco -- so good!

Things we want to experience next visit...Zia's Restaurant

Grant Farm

Ted Drewes
The Botanical Center

Have you been to St. Louis?  What is your favorite thing to experience?