Saturday, July 11, 2015

Birthday Time

June is birthday month at this house.  Yes it is true I am a mother of a teenager and a double digits aged brother.  In case you are wondering I am not growing older just the children. 
 
 
 
Dave made Ellie an elephant cake at her request.  She is very into elephants.  We think it is because her Uncle Colin has always called her Phant and given her elephants, but she says that is not why.

Backyard Birthday Fun
 
This cake looks just like Sam's hockey jersey.

Sam had great fun with his friends at the Owatonna outdoor pool/water park for his birthday party.

Black Hills, SD

 We started the summer with a little family trip to the Black Hills.  We jam packed our days with fun and site seeing.  This post is a bit long but I had to add a photo from  most of our stops. 
Quite possibly running into my co-worker was the most exciting thing about this place.  But Corey and the kids had never been there so we had to stop.

There was plenty to see at Wall Drug

I think I may need a giant tortoise for a pet.  And who would have thought I had a blast at Reptile Gardens.

One of my favorite photos of Sam.  Mostly because he first took one with a smile and then said, wait that is not the right face and had me retake this one. 

Bear Country- After you Bears...
The Cosmos Mystery Area was a favorite of ours.  It is so weird how you think you are standing straight, but you are not.

Go Carts are a favorite of the kids- mom just watches as she is too slow and careful. 


Both kid did rock wall climbing too.

1880 Train Ride - such neat views along the way.


A little family fun at Mount Rushmore.

Sure Buffalo we will wait for you on this winding road.

Wind Cave and Wind National Park- kids had never been to a cave before.  We all loved it. 
Laura and Corey posing at the Bad Lands

Sam had fun climbing up and down on some of the Bad Lands formations.
We all had so much fun and can't wait to see what our next year's adventure will be. 

It's Baseball Season

 
 
Sam is playing baseball with other 9-10 year olds this summer.  He is on the Lion's team and he can't figure out who picks out a black shirt for hot summer baseball.  So far he hasn't melted.  He definitely is catching on to the game and prefers first base or short stop for his positions.   I just have fun watching!