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so young and on a ten city run

Day 1: Rockford, IL to Newton, IA

photo of Fancy the cat sitting in a packing cube at home
Fancy, feeling abandoned at home.

We’re on a road trip, I remember I have a blog, this is how it goes. Happy 2022, blog reading friends.

photo of our packed car
photo of our packed car

Westbound, we rarely miss the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Walcott, Iowa, where we might not call them traditions but we still do them every year.

photo collage of 4 years of Ada sitting in the same spot in the Iowa 80 Truck Stop
photo collage of Zach holding Ada in front of a semi truck over 4 years

I’m sure you all can relate to Ada’s struggle not to blow her entire trip’s souvenir budget on a pink truck stop guitar.

Ada pointing at a pink guitar hanging on the wall in a store

We’re in Newton for the IndyCar doubleheader. We arrived just in time to watch practice on Friday afternoon, where Will Power clocked the fastest time and Ada debuted baby’s first Coach bag (which she picked up at the Williamsburg outlets an hour prior) because it matches her hearing protection.

photo of Ada standing in front of a vintage GMC pickup truck at Iowa Speedway

Historically, if Ada is at an IndyCar race, Will Power’s chances of winning or doing really well are greatly increased. We have nothing against Will, but Ada is not always excited to see him win again. And again.

collage of photos of Beth and Ada making grumpy photos after watching Will Power win
#WillPowerFace

Practice was followed by checking in at our favorite Knoxville, Iowa hotel, dinner with friends, and testing out the kid’s new Prime Day score of mermaid flippers in the hotel pool.

A fantastic start.

Today’s title from “Truck Stop Girl” by The Byrds.

July 23, 2022 By beth wagner townsend

Filed Under: racing, travel Tagged With: summer22roadtrip

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