If You Build It, They Will Come

Last weekend was our annual camping get together with Jim's side of the family. This time we met in Platteville, Wisconsin at a conference center that is set up like dorms. It worked out real well for all of us. There were a total of 30; 21 adults and 9 kids; 7 of which were 4 1/2 and under!

One day Jim, our kids, and I took an hour drive to Dyersville, Iowa, where the movie "The Field of Dreams" was filmed.

Our son-in-law, Dave, brought along a bat, ball, and mitt.

The place, literally, is in a cornfield. Here is the road driving to the place.

There were a lot of cars in the parking lot. This is the gift shop.

Dave and Jim went out to the field. Dave pitched for a little bit, then hit some balls. Jim was catcher.

My son, Jason, hitting a ball or two.

At the beginning, there were just a couple of guys in the field, but all of a sudden, guys came pouring into the field from the parking lot (not from the cornfield! *wink*) It game me such a warm feeling to see everyone out there playing.

I sat on the bleachers watching the guys play and enjoying the ambiance of the place. A woman who was probably in her sixties, with a southern accent said, "I'm taking a picture of my granddaughters coming out of the cornfield. They don't want to do it. They are 15 and 17. But too bad. I want it!" She stared off into the cornfields and I could see a woman (probably her daughter) taking pictures of two young woman standing in the corn. Made me smile! Then the woman continued, pointing to a little blond girl sitting behind me on the bleachers, "You look just like that little girl in the movie. She was sitting there eating a hot dog and she said, 'Don't worry Daddy. They will come.' Oh. It just makes me cry!" And she teared up!

So of COURSE we had to take pictures of us coming out of the corn. I had to really convince my granddaughter, Lily, that it was fun!

My son, Jason, and his fiance, Reena.

And, moi!

Now, why is it that I don't have pictures of my daughter walking out of the corn? Hmmm......she's got some 'splaining to do!

Dave and Jessica brought Lily's bat and ball so she could be a part of history and say that she batted a ball at the Field of Dreams.

The house from the movie was off-limits, but you could take a picture in front of it.

All in all, we had a great time. I definitely have to watch the movie again to refresh my memory! I would recommend this place to visit - it is free. Don't forget to bring a bat, ball, and mitt if you want to play on the field!