Back to School

This was a big year for back to school as Canyon enters high school as a freshman and Presley enters middle school as a 7th grader. Getting ready for school included back to school shopping for both kids (but separately). Mom took Presley to Mall of America and Canyon to the Eagan Outlet Mall. They really do seem like little adults! For the first time ever, the first day of school started with pouring rain. We had to take Canyon's picture on the front porch. The rain took a pause when it was time for Presley's picture allowing us to take our picture by our front tree again.

MN State Fair 2016

We took two trips to the State Fair in 2016. The first was a Moms with boys trip. It was a great day with traditions like cheese curds and the giant slide but also new traditions like the Army obstacle course and the talent show at the Leinenkugel stage. On our second trip, Presley brought a friend and we spent time with the animals and on fun rides like the water ride and the crazy sling shot ride. Always one of our favorite annual traditions.

Last Day in SD - Wildlife Loop and Corn Palace

Before heading home to MN, we drove the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park. Wow what a wildlife loop! Before we even got on the official 18 mile wildlife loop, our car came to a halt as we were stopped by the crossing buffalo that could care less if our car was moving. After finally getting by the buffalo, we passed by some pronghorn sheep and prairie dog cities. Our last visit on the wildlife loop was with the mules, who were more than happy to greet us and almost tried to get into our car! We then started our 9 hour journey home with one detour by the Corn Palace, where we took some pictures and enjoyed some festival food. Thank you South Dakota for an amazing adventure!

South Dakota Day 3 - Needles Highway, Hike to Harney Peak, Sylvan Lake, and Time at the Cabin

On day 3, we were able to sleep in a bit. We rented a cabin at State Game Lodge. It was nothing luxorious but everyone got a bed and it was next to a nice little creek that the kids enjoyed playing near. On day 3, we finally got to spend some time in the morning and evening relaxing at the cabin.





We started our day with a drive on Needles Highway, which includes 14 miles of sharp turns, low tunnels and impressive granite spires, definitely one of the craziest and most scenic roads we have ever been on.






Our crew then ventured on a hike from Sylvan Lake to Harney Peak on Trail #9. It was about 3 1/4 mile hike to the top. Everyone did great, including "adventurous" Cristina and Kelly, who blew our the bottom of her hiking boots on the trail. While exploring the top, we took in the view, enjoyed some snacks, and watched the kids play in the water. On the way back down, Mom and Hawken accidently lost their way and veered on to Trail #4. Eventually, we met back up with the group at the bottom. Hawken was a trooper the whole way!









After our hike, the crew was ready for a swim in the chilly Sylan lake. While diving was not allowed off the big rocks, the kids did enjoy a fun jump off a smaller rock in the middle. We ended our day with a nice BBQ and game playing back at the house.

South Dakota Day 2 - Jewel Cave, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore

We rose early on Day 2 to try and get tickets to Jewel Cave, which we were told sell out early. The first group arrived by 8 am but the line was already very long. But we were pleasantly surprised when we got to the front of the line that they were still celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Parks. Not only did we get to participate in the Historic Lantern Tour, which starts at the historic entrance found by the cave's discoverers but the tickets were free! Another bonus. Our other group arrived just in the nick of time for the start of the tour. While our guide was a bit off, we all enjoyed the tour which explored the cave through narrow and winding passages.






We then headed to Deadwood, the last resting place of "Wild Bill" Hickok. We arrived just in time to watch the daily renactment of the murder of Wild Bill in front of the Historic Franklin Hotel. The kids were invited to participate as "witnesses". We then enjoyed a beautiful rooftop lunch at the Deadwood Social Club, overlooking Main Street, which had been closed for a special summer concert. We also stopped by Saloon #10, where Wild Bill was shot and Buffalo Bodega, the oldest bar in South Dakota. Before heading out of town, we experienced a crazy, crazy hail storm and then stopped by Mount Moriah Cemetary to take a picture in front of Wild Bill's gravesite. Fun afternoon.










We ended our day with the illumination ceremony at Mount Rushmore. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. Before the ceremony, we enjoyed a walk around the monument and then watched an inspiring film about America and our country's accomplishments. We were also privileged to to see American servicemen present be honored on stage, including our friend Nick Hedlund. And then it was a crazy drive home in the dark to our cabin in Custer State Park. An amazing, amazing day!