First 'vacation' since Erik was born- Moline, IL

The car is all packed.  We are still in the driveway.  4.5 hours to go.  Left Rochester at 930 ish and arrived to the hotel at about 5.

Stopped in Calmar near Decorah for a pee stop for Erik and milk for Laina.


The next stop was Dyersville Farm Toy Museum.  They had a play room and LOTS of toys.  Saw a Lindeman crawler tractor that was about 5 feet long by 3 feet tall and MADE of WOOD.  I didn't believe it, it looked like painted steel. It was in glass, that was my favorite I think.


Leah was there too, she got out when we were on the second floor and walked around a bit.



Here is our hotel.  There were 2 rooms in our suite (thankgoodness).  A huge couch/dining area and then through french doors a bed/closet/bathroom.  The kids played in the cupboards together. 


Here is the John Deere Pavillion.  It was free, I'd compare it to an expo/ kids museum.  They had huge and unusual vehicles that the kids can all play in safely. 

There were 2 fellerbunchers. One was a concept vehicle that had legs like a spider or a mars rover vehicle.






Here is the concept vehicle.  They had audio and video descriptions about it.  Very cool.


Luke and Erik are in a simulator of a back hoe.  Luke did a good job, but still caused damage to the vehicle.


Erik playing side by side with some fellow john deere fans.


Laina was there also, she was a good girl and slept.

Leah got out and LOVED the tractors too- we were surprised.  She really fussed when we took her out, she kept fussing until we went in another vehicle.