Ok, mis-remembering on my part. The interesting details I was remembering are NOT for this case, but a similar one which mentions the mother:
http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/OP...dren-last-seen-in-Cedar-Rapids-449763023.html
I'm also fairly local and the other 3 children missing with the mother are also who I was thinking of. And the part of Iowa I'm from has been cool, windy, and heavy rain so I pray these children are warm and safe somewhere. I would almost think an adult has to be involved or we would hear more about children that young being missing by their selves!