Dearest Friends and Family,

We just wanted to let everyone know we made it safely to Iowa City. We actually made pretty good time -- driving straight through in under 36 hours. Wind, snow and ice there was -- but not as bad as we expected. We arrived at 2am last night. Slept, showered and went to pick up Rowan.

I swear I my heart almost stopped to see him. He is so big. The expression on his face was of shock and delight. He is so happy to see us that he talked constantly. We marveled at how articulate he is. (Certainly not on the phone.) He seemed intent on spending the first several hours trying to show us everything he knows. He is so happy to see us that he keeps patting us, calling us Momma Dawn, Daddy Troy and Daddy Lon with wonder in his voice. He remembered us and wants to play all the old games with us as well as new ones. We played with him and played with him until we were all exhausted. He sleeps now (still snores). That beautiful angel face. He lays on the bed in Troy's arms. The two so much alike in expression that it always startles. I keep crying with both delight at finally holding him again, at how beautiful he is and at how much we have missed. Troy and Lon smile and laugh so much I had almost forgotten how happy we are when we are all together.

So we hope to spend every minute possible with Rowan and also share time with friends. We will check in later. Hope all is well with you.

Dawn