Kansas Love…My heart is never happier than when I am on the road and this last trip was no different. We flew out to see family and to rest and I fell madly in love with the Midwest and Kansas.

I learned about family, the land, and the house; it was built by Izzy’s Great Grandparents and Great-Great Grandfather, just as the house next door had been. The garden took up most of the side property, and everything was used, or put up and canned or pickled. We listened to stories about working on phone lines, and one room school houses, and how the family had worked as guards and wardens at Leavenworth. Everyone in the family worked hard, and did right by their family and friends.

For a week, we just sat and listened to stories, and chatted. The air was thick and warm, the beer was cold and plentiful, and the love; the love was true and kind. I don’t remember a time I felt so welcomed, so comfortable, and relaxed right away. Late nights were spent sitting on the porch, listening to cicadas, chasing lightning bugs and watching storms roll in. Each day was full of peace, happiness and adventure for all of us. I drove farm equipment down a street, watched cows, ate mulberries right off of the tree, and tried my darndest to get a picture of a hummingbird. I limited social media exposure and just sat and listened. It was perfect.I explored this new place through Izzy’s eyes and watched as she happily met new family, picked up new bugs and excitedly took in her new surroundings.

I can’t say enough how amazing the whole trip was, and how much we can’t wait to get back there. This trip helped us see how much we want a life like this for Izzy and how much I want for her to be able to run around and explore, safely. It really solidified how much I want a farm and more critters of my own. It was really like we found just what we wanted from life.

I hope you enjoyed this post and the pictures and that they convey even a tiny bit of the adventure we had, and happiness we found.

Yours in travel, and in happiness,

Raina