Long-Lost Family

My dad had told me over and over again that the next time we are in Iowa, we should stop to see his cousin Dick.  He said that Dick would love to see us and treat us like royalty.

Even though I had every intention of stopping in some day, my dad's passing made it seem like visiting his cousin was urgent. We drove to Iowa on Thursday and met Dick and his wife, Joan, for lunch on Friday.  They picked the fanciest restaurant in Ames and ordered like rock stars, telling the server that they knew the chef would meet their special requests: a spinach salad that wasn't on the menu, a half glass of wine, and a caramel macchiato that the chef had to Google to learn how to make.

They brought pictures to show us, including a Christmas card from 1987 in which I am making a terrible face at the camera, and pictures of my Grandma and Grandpa on trips to Iowa. I didn't hear too many stories about my dad, but it was fun to learn about his family.

I'm glad that we remembered to bring our camera!