Black Hills - Day 4: Reptile Gardens and our final night

On our last full day, we woke up to a very very very hot day!

The kids all wanted to see snakes, turtles, and alligators so we headed back over to Rapid City for Reptile Gardens.

It was at least 102 degrees and humid. We knew it was going to be an uncomfortable but the kids really wanted to go! 

The reptile dome was hot and humid but there were beautiful creatures to see!

The kids loved trying to spot the chameleons, parrots, and other lizards.

But, the best part for them was petting the 150 year old tortoises

and watching a man "wrestle" an alligator.

After our tour, we enjoyed a picnic in the parking lot trying to cool down.

It was also Jess' birthday so we headed back to the cabin to cook one last supper. 

The kids played, the adults talked and cooked, and we stared and stared at our lovely view!

This was such a fantastic trip and we are very thankful for the memories we made!

Black Hills - Day 3: Spearfish Canyon & Date Night

We woke up to this beautiful day ready for a hike!

That is, after a glass of wine, dance on the deck of the cabin, and cup of coffee to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!

After we packed up the vehicles full of food, bug spray, sunscreen, and secret water balloons (shhh!), we drove the long windy road to Roughneck falls. 

This was a 2 mile hike and the kids all did great!  

It's amazing what a great view and the promise of a water fall does to encourage those little legs and feet. 

This is one of my favorite spots in the world. 

After the hike we were ready for some shade and food!

The kids chowed down and so did the adults. 

Eddie and Andy snuck away and surprised the kids with a water balloon and water fun fight - the kids were ecstatic! It was the perfect way to cool down after our hike, too!

*****

After a few naps and relaxing, the kids were ready for their baby sitter (Jess' Aunt) and the adults headed out for a special dinner in Deadwood.

We enjoyed a long meal full of conversation and lots of laughter. 

After some dancing and drinks, we headed back for a night cap at the cabin on the deck. 

What a beautiful way to celebrate 10 years!

And just like that, she is 7

Today, Marie turned 7!

How?  I have no idea....

I have tried and tried to stop her from growing, but alas, here she is:

 

This picture was taken on her birthday morning while at our vacation cabin in the Black Hills.

Her birthday wish was to go see Mount Rushmore. 

Her wish came true!

  

After her special day, we sang "Happy Birthday" over a big chocolate fudge cake and enjoyed a dance party with her buddies. 

Prior to our vacation, she enjoyed a night of bowling, pizza, and ice cream cake with her friends.

Marie Beth at 7:

favorite color: Gold

favorite subject: math

future career: artist

You are a kind-hearted child with the ability to reason, ponder, and make sense of even the most difficult of topics. 

You are always helpful with your brothers and they adore you for that.

Friendships mean so much to you.

Reading, drawing, and writing are some of your favorite things.

This year you are developing your athletic skills and finding your competitive side. 

Your dad and I love watching you play sports and learn more about them. 

Happy Birthday, Marie!

XOXO

Black Hills - Day 2: Mount Rushmore and Bear Country

On Day 2, We woke up and wished Marie a "Happy 7th Birthday!"

Her big wish for this trip was to visit Mount Rushmore so that's exactly what we did!

 It was a hot day but the kids did pretty well walking around the viewing areas and inside the museum.

 Marie walked in, took off her visor, and said the Pledge of Allegiance. Like I said, this was really important to her!

Bennett is George Washington's, "biggest fan," so we had to spend some extra time learning about him.

 After Mount Rushmore and some lunch, we drove through Bear Country.

 The kids loved watching the different animals move around, especially the bears splashing and playing in the water.

 The kids (and I) spotted an ice cream stand and definitely needed some!

It was the perfect way to cool off.

 Everyone was exhausted after this day!

Black Hills Day 1: Badlands

 We took the ultimate family vacation this summer to the Black Hills!

What makes 7 hours in a car even more fun?  

How about having the car behind you be filled with your buddies and you get to communicate with walkie talkies the entire way!

 The Dickes clan joined us on this road trip. 

First stop: the Badlands.

Here we took a few hikes in the heat and hills.

 The kids were champs and really liked the scenery but didn't like the "beware of rattlesnake" signs.

 We also stopped and listened to someone teach us about fossils. 

The kids enjoyed the hands on part of this!

 After our long and hot hike, we just had to stop at Wall Drug for our free ice water and ice cream.

 Wall Drug is such a unique place but we always have to stop and take silly pictures with the cowboy.

Day one ended at the cabin near Spearfish.

The kids claimed their bunk bed, we went out for supper, and got our groceries for the week.

Day 1 - Success!

An Afternoon with Grandpa Rick

On a sunny and windy afternoon, we took a drive to visit Grandpa Rick. 

We packed a blanket, snacks, books, and even a football. 

Our plan was simple: spend an afternoon with Grandpa. 

We read books on the blanket, played catch, and enjoyed a snack. 

As usual, we cleaned his "lap" (headstone) and got rid of all the bird poop and weeded around it as well. 

This year we added a pinwheel with all the names of his grandchildren.

We spoke about him: his likes and dislikes, job, favorite things.

We spoke about ourselves: telling him what we were doing now, how old we were, what we were looking forward to this summer.

We spoke about heaven: death, funerals, rising up to greet Jesus.

This was a happy place today, but of course we were a little sad, too.

As I listened to Marie and Bennett bicker back and forth about silly things, and I watched Brooks pick up and throw the football over and over, I felt sorry for myself, for them, and for my dad for about 5 minutes. I allowed myself to feel it and sort of wallow in it for awhile. 

It left me tired and sad.

After 5 minutes, I shook myself out of that feeling. 

I listened to Marie and Bennett read a story, I watched Brooks climb up and down from Dad's stone, and I felt peace. 

Peace that my Dad's body was well long enough to have me as a his child so I could be blessed with these three beautiful children. 

Peace that my parents raised me in faith so I know we will see him again. 

Peace that my Dad's spirit is so strong that I continue to feel him with me today. 

Peace that I have such beautiful memories of my Dad even when he was sick. 

One of my favorite memories of my Dad was going to A&W and getting lunch. We stopped at the gumball machine on the way out. I got a blue one that turned my teeth blue of course. We went home and rode bikes on the driveway. I was 4 and I will always remember the sun shining on the driveway that day and my mouth full of gum.

This is one of the most simple pleasures in life - a silly gumball. However, I continue to stop at gumball machines with my kids. I want their teeth to turn blue, and I want them to 

remember it with a smile. 

We all believe that Grandpa was with us there today. We spoke to him, welcomed him into our silly, crazy, loud, loving little family, and I think he had a wonderful afternoon with us!

Soccer Season

Marie and Andy wrapped up their 2nd soccer season for the year. 

This spring she was on an all-girls team and she LOVED the experience.

Marie is aggressive and really likes to score.

It was fun watching her use her newly learned skills and push through a few minor injuries and sweat. 

This team of girls was a special and spunky one! 

Andy and his assistant coach (me) had a handful at times!