South Dakota trip in August

The kids and I made a second trip to South Dakota in August. We had a great time. We were able to help Grandma Jan with her gardens and ate lots of yummy fresh foods! We made a trip to Mount Rushmore. Collin really wanted to see it. Jan taught me how to can tomatoes and make homemade jelly. It was a great visit!

Getting ready to head to the airport.


This was just before Nate had a meltdown. Not sure what happened but I think he was sick of posing for pictures.

Grandma and the boys.

Mount Rushmore really is amazing.

Boppa and Nate

One of the gardens.

They love this tractor!

Bear Butte in the background

Helping with the other garden.

The boys painted some flower pots for Grandma Jan.

NATE TURNS 3!!!

We had a little party for Nate this weekend. I cannot believe he is 3. We had a Toy Story theme with Alien cupcakes and Buzz Lightyear cake. I will get some pictures of those up soon. They were taken with another camera.

Collin, Jonah and Nate watching Cars.

Shelbi and Rebecca

We played Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Evan getting close.

Nate and Jonah decided to sit the game out and eat their goldfish.

Sweet Luka

Water time! The kids enjoyed running around the yard and jumping in the splash pool and through the sprinkler. The had some fun with water balloons thanks to Colleen :)

Jack, Collin and Jessica

Nate, Tyler and Jack

Shelbi is helping Collin down the slide.

Jonah in the playhouse.

Time for cake. The kids were so wet that we ate outside. It was a bit windy so the candles would not stay lit. We did cake again on Sunday and he did get to blow out candles for his birthday.

Jack eating an alien cupcake.

Presents! All the kids helped Nate open his gifts. It was basically a free for all! He got some great stuff and the kids all had fun.

Watching Mater and the Ghostlight before bed.

South Dakota trip in June

We had a wonderful time in South Dakota. The weather was great and the boys enjoyed every minute. The loved going to the barn, helping with the gardens, feeding the kittens, driving the tractors, fishing and more. The boys and I are flying back next week to help Jan with her garden in hopes of harvesting some. She is going to teach me how to can fruits and veggies. It will be nice to get out of this 100 degree heat!

Here they are feeding some trout at the Trout Farm.

We went for a little hike after feeding the fish.

The kids had a great time at Storybook Island.

This was a little train the kids could ride around the park. They were both excited to ride but at soon as the left Nate started to cry. He screamed the entire time around the park. Thank goodness it was only about a 3 minute ride. he is in the last car and Collin is right in front of him.

He got over this very quickly :)

This was once of the kids favorite kittens. They named her Colleen. (There was another one they called Brandy.)