For the fourth year in a row, we traveled an hour south to Milo for their annual Independence Day celebration. This year’s group was especially large, as Josh, Natalie, and kids were staying with us for the holiday weekend, and our friend Kelly, who has gone with us all four years, recruited five new attendees of her own.
Multiple kids and strollers at the 2014 Milo parade.
The well-done, hour-long parade in Milo was followed by a short walk to the city park, home to the bulk of the weekend festivities. After lunch consisting of grilled brats and cheeseburgers, the kids took their turn in the bouncy house before a ride on the barrel train.
Noah waved at everything and everyone in search of free candy.
Emmie decked out in Independence Day apparel.
Amanda, Natalie, Rory, Emery and Sadie spent time in the shade.
Kelly was sure to get her annual Milo photo with Noah.
Emmie wasn’t sure what to think of her barrel train ride.
The drive to and from Milo requires travel through Indianola, home to Iowa’s best ice cream at The Outside Scoop. Serving hand-crafted ice cream since 2012, the small shop features a mix of traditional and innovative flavors, from blueberry lemonade to white chocolate strawberry cheesecake to maple bacon.
Ice cream at The Outside Scoop.
After carryout pizza from Casey’s for supper, Josh, Ella, Rory, Noah, and I drove to Des Moines proper for a visit to the Heritage Carousel in Union Park. The underrated attraction provided the kids with great entertainment at an unbeatable price of 50 cents per ride. While the carousel ride was top-notch, our visit to the park was somewhat marred by a heated argument near the rocket slide.
The carousel at Union Park is always a hit.
The rest of the weekend featured visits to Blank Park Zoo and Adventureland, ice cream from Classic Frozen Custard (on SE 14th in Des Moines), dinner from Jethro’s in Ankeny, and entertaining games of Ticket to Ride and Taboo.
Despite her face, Emmie did like her Dippin’ Dots.
Emmie’s first amusement park ride: the Infant Ocean.
Amanda, Ella, and Noah may have been the most adventurous of our Adventureland crew.
Ella and Noah both enjoyed taking in the views on the Adventureland Ferris Wheel.