Traveling for over a week has always meant packing lots of stuff. But adding a toddler to the mix? Our pile of "stuff" easily quadruples. This picture was taken before we had even packed everything we needed!
Somehow Mama managed to get everything in the car (including you AND the dog), and we were on our way.
We made a quick stop for lunch on our way to Sioux Falls, and you enjoyed your first Happy Meal. I think you were pretty happy about it...
Chasing the kittens,
Trying to eat their food,
Giving them lots and lots of kisses,
And introducing them to the Dinosaur Stomp!
We watched Noah put on an awesome fireworks display,
And got acquainted with the horses!
You refused to ride but kept insisting you help Ang take Noah for a ride.
You went on some long, country walks with Mommy,
And caught up with Aunt Ang and Grandma Moe!
It was sad to say goodbye to the Moe family (and Ellie!), but we would be back in several days. And so, we began our adventure across the state of South Dakota to the Black Hills! You handle the car rides so well, but we did stop a couple of times along the way. We stopped at some "outpost" for lunch. You were happy to be out of the car and loved shopping at a market that was connected to the restaurant!
Our second stop was at Wall Drug. Mama had never been there before, so I insisted we stop.
You weren't actually a huge fan of the place (or maybe was just slightly fussy from being in the car for so long), but you did agree to post for a few pictures...
...until you didn't anymore. And that was about the time we decided it was time to get heading on.
We finally arrived at our cabin - GORGEOUS views!
We had only been there a day or two when Mama went out to start the car and discovered it was dead. Thus started the week-long stress fest for mamas as to what to do.
In the beginning we just had it towed to be looked at and tried to just enjoy the time we had on the vacation with the family. Some of the highlights of what we did included going fishing for our dinner (Jordan was nice enough to help you catch your dinner!)
We went to a fish farm and fed fish in ponds,
And we went on beautiful drives, stopping several times for snacks and to explore the area!
We celebrated a few July birthdays,
And we went to a wild animal park, and Robyn, Dejan, and Kord made sure you didn't miss a thing!
We also stopped at the most awesome playground for little ones. You loved exploring the huge park and saying hi to some familiar faces!
Our last full day in the Black Hills we went to a lake. You hated the sand at first, but eventually warmed up to it. You never did become a fan of the cold water, though!
The best part about the trip, though, was being able to spend time with the whole family!
We spent a ton of time in the car, but you really were a trooper through the whole thing!
You got to try out your first hot tub...I didn't know if we'd ever get you out!
And you absolutely loved being able to be out in nature - exploring!
Unfortunately, as the week came to an end we were informed the car wasn't fixable, and we had to abandon it. Sad, sad, sad. The whole car thing kind of overshadowed the rest of the week, but we were so thankful it had happened there, with family around to help. They all helped so much in their own way, and we appreciated all of it. As we drove out of town, though, we waived a final goodbye to the car that brought you home from the hospital...
Jason and Grandpa took us to the airport to rent a car. Once there, though, they told Jason he couldn't use his points for a car after all, so we started shopping around for the cheapest way to get back home. Some nice car rental man offered us a steal on a 12-passenger van. We couldn't pass it up, even if it was a little...big for our needs.
Once we got back to Sioux Falls we reunited with Ellie - or YOU did, rather - I didn't know how much you had missed her until you two were back together again!
And headed home. It was so nice to be back home, even if it was only with one car. I hadn't realized how acclimated you had become to your car seat until we got home and started unpacking. We gave you a snack and you went and made yourself comfortable...in your car seat! Oy.
While the trip was unbelievably stressful for mamas due to the car issues, it was an amazing trip with beautiful sites and fun adventures with the family! It was so good to see everyone, and their kindness, generosity, and love meant so much to each of us.
Somehow Mama managed to get everything in the car (including you AND the dog), and we were on our way.
We made a quick stop for lunch on our way to Sioux Falls, and you enjoyed your first Happy Meal. I think you were pretty happy about it...
Once we got to Sioux Falls you settled right in -
Chasing the kittens,
Trying to eat their food,
Giving them lots and lots of kisses,
And introducing them to the Dinosaur Stomp!
We watched Noah put on an awesome fireworks display,
And got acquainted with the horses!
You refused to ride but kept insisting you help Ang take Noah for a ride.
You went on some long, country walks with Mommy,
And caught up with Aunt Ang and Grandma Moe!
It was sad to say goodbye to the Moe family (and Ellie!), but we would be back in several days. And so, we began our adventure across the state of South Dakota to the Black Hills! You handle the car rides so well, but we did stop a couple of times along the way. We stopped at some "outpost" for lunch. You were happy to be out of the car and loved shopping at a market that was connected to the restaurant!
You weren't actually a huge fan of the place (or maybe was just slightly fussy from being in the car for so long), but you did agree to post for a few pictures...
...until you didn't anymore. And that was about the time we decided it was time to get heading on.
We finally arrived at our cabin - GORGEOUS views!
We had only been there a day or two when Mama went out to start the car and discovered it was dead. Thus started the week-long stress fest for mamas as to what to do.
In the beginning we just had it towed to be looked at and tried to just enjoy the time we had on the vacation with the family. Some of the highlights of what we did included going fishing for our dinner (Jordan was nice enough to help you catch your dinner!)
We went to a fish farm and fed fish in ponds,
And we went on beautiful drives, stopping several times for snacks and to explore the area!
We celebrated a few July birthdays,
And we went to a wild animal park, and Robyn, Dejan, and Kord made sure you didn't miss a thing!
We also stopped at the most awesome playground for little ones. You loved exploring the huge park and saying hi to some familiar faces!
Our last full day in the Black Hills we went to a lake. You hated the sand at first, but eventually warmed up to it. You never did become a fan of the cold water, though!
The best part about the trip, though, was being able to spend time with the whole family!
We spent a ton of time in the car, but you really were a trooper through the whole thing!
You got to try out your first hot tub...I didn't know if we'd ever get you out!
Unfortunately, as the week came to an end we were informed the car wasn't fixable, and we had to abandon it. Sad, sad, sad. The whole car thing kind of overshadowed the rest of the week, but we were so thankful it had happened there, with family around to help. They all helped so much in their own way, and we appreciated all of it. As we drove out of town, though, we waived a final goodbye to the car that brought you home from the hospital...
Jason and Grandpa took us to the airport to rent a car. Once there, though, they told Jason he couldn't use his points for a car after all, so we started shopping around for the cheapest way to get back home. Some nice car rental man offered us a steal on a 12-passenger van. We couldn't pass it up, even if it was a little...big for our needs.
Once we got back to Sioux Falls we reunited with Ellie - or YOU did, rather - I didn't know how much you had missed her until you two were back together again!
And headed home. It was so nice to be back home, even if it was only with one car. I hadn't realized how acclimated you had become to your car seat until we got home and started unpacking. We gave you a snack and you went and made yourself comfortable...in your car seat! Oy.
While the trip was unbelievably stressful for mamas due to the car issues, it was an amazing trip with beautiful sites and fun adventures with the family! It was so good to see everyone, and their kindness, generosity, and love meant so much to each of us.
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