In the morning, we drove another few hours to Independence. It was HOT, but we had fun picnicking and checking out the Little House on the Prairie site--there was a school, post office, log cabin, farm animals, and a little shop. The kids LOVED the donkeys!
After our visit, we still had some time to spend in Independence, so we drove to a free zoo/park that we had read about. On our way, the kids noticed an aquatic center that looked amazing for such a hot day. After letting the kids play and checking out the small zoo a little bit, Tiffany and I decided that $4 apiece for the aquatic center sounded like a great way to spend the afternoon. The kids were thrilled, and we all had a blast!
From there, it was another couple of hours to Springfield, MO, where we stayed for the night. We enjoyed eating at a Steak 'n Shake and swimming in the hotel pool before bed.
In the morning, we drove to Mansfield, MO, where we visited the Laura Ingalls museum and toured her adulthood home and the Rock House that her daughter Rose had built for her. We also visited the graves of Rose, Laura, and Almanzo and picnicked at a local park.
We had about a 6-hour drive to Mara's house in Iowa that afternoon/evening. We hit some rain and traffic in Kansas City, but enjoyed a meal and play area at Chick-fil-a just outside of Kansas City. We made it to Mara's around 9 that night.
In the morning, Mara spoiled us with egg bake and donuts, and also treated the kids to making bath bombs and a water balloon fight. We then spent the afternoon at Living History Farms before heading back home. We were able to see the Christian Carlson farmhouse and barn, and the kids enjoyed the little town. I think they would have enjoyed it even more if the weather had been a little cooler!
So after 4 days of travel, we can now say that we've visited all of the "Laura" sites--it has been so much fun checking these out with Tiffany and her family!
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