Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Vacationing in the Black Hills ~Mount Rushmore National Memorial

I will never get tired of visiting Mount Rushmore.
It is just. so. majestic. 

State Flags are displayed all along the walkway.



When planning our trip we had talked about 
staying until dark for the lighting ceremony. 
But the weather had other ideas.

It was raining and chilly...like 53 degrees.

So we got back in the vehicle 
and drove around the “backside” of the mountain...
This is a stop we made at Sheridan Lake.

We stopped at a little steak house in Hill City 
to share some South Dakota Chislic. 
I was delighted that it came with a side of fresh vegetables.

We took Sheridan Lake Road for a 
very scenic drive back into the city.
Hubby drove his pickup and I helped watch for deer.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, July 30, 2018

Empty Nesters ~On the Road Again ~This Time to Rapid City

Hubby had a work assignment in the Black Hills.
He invited me to go along and be tourists for the weekend 
before he had to report to the office.

Stopping in Pierre at the State Capitol 
is a great chance to get out of the car and stretch our legs.

We walked around to the far side of the pond.
Hubby tried to interest the ducks with his sunflower seeds.

We also discovered this beautiful fountain area.
I wish we could have spent more time there.

On the way out of town, we drove past the Oahe Dam.
It is known to be one of the largest earthen dams. 
This is the view to the north.


This is the view across the road to the south.

We were able to drive down closer to the water.

There were families on both sides sides of the road... 
boating, fishing, and swimming,

We enjoyed our little road trip. 
I am glad I could accompany hubby on his work trip. 
Stay tuned for photos of our trip out to Mount Rushmore.

Take care,
~Natalie

Friday, July 27, 2018

TGIF ~What’s Been Happening on the Homefront Since our Family Vacation

While shopping in the cities, 
Hubby and I found a basket for Lucy at the Home Goods store. 
She is adjusting to her new bed quite nicely.

We made a batch of BBQ Ribs...
Hubby’s absolute favorite meal.

I tried a new Couscous Salad...It tasted like summer!
You can find the recipe on my Pinterest Page.

In the summer, I usually schedule 
my annual physical exam.
The last couple of appointments have found my 
blood pressure a bit elevated.

So, for the first time in 62 years, 
I am taking a prescription medication, 
on a daily basis.

What really makes my day... 
when Amy sends a photo of our sweet grandson.

As you can see,
Not much happening around here.
Hubby and I enjoy an occasion night out, 
enjoying a beverage and sharing an appetizer.

I hope summer is treating all of you well.

Take care,
~Natalie

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

These Empty Nesters Return Home from our Week of Family Vacation

Hubby and I cherished the time we spent 
with our family all together.

Emily and Jake had an early flight, 
so we hugged goodbye at the airport.

Amy and Nick loaded their rental car and then 
we all said goodbye to the Airbnb.

Hubby wanted to shop for some clothes for work
 in the Maple Grove area.
We stopped for lunch at one our favorite places, 
the Claddah Irish Pub.

Much to our delight, there was live jazz music!

I also enjoyed the fish tacos.

Remember when we were kids, 
there was no air conditioning in our vehicles?
Yeah, I don’t know how we survived!
This was the actual temperature,
The heat index was 108 degrees!

About half way home, 
we were just tired of sitting in the car, 
so we got out to walk along the trail 
in the Appleton City Park.


It was hot, but it was just the break we needed.


\

Once home, it was time to pack up 
and return the borrowed baby equipment...

...And to store away the remains 
of our Fourth of July Celebration.

Amy and Nick were spending 
the rest of their vacation in the states with his family.

Emily and Jake were spending a week 
with his family at a reunion in Canada.

Baby Jack was adjusting to his new Pack ‘n Play,
Sleeping at his Grandpa Steve’s.

Precious memories.
We are blessed.

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, July 22, 2018

All Good Things Must Come To An End ~Our Family Vacation

Winnie the Pooh’s quote is spot on...
We were blessed to have time with
our whole family all together this summer.

Papa and this Nana cherished one more opportunity to babysit.
Baby Jack’s Daddy and Mama 
had a quick errand to run in the cities.

So we were in charge of his entertainment 
until it was time for an afternoon nap.

Staying at an Airbnb was the best idea.
There were three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 
so everyone had their own personal space.

The kitchen was perfect for a family gathering.
Nick was usually up first and went out for a run. 
I enjoyed my early morning coffee and grapefruit juice 
while I prepared a list for the supermarket.

We all enjoyed playtime in the living room.

The house was near recreational areas.

Lake Calhoun is now called Bde Maka Ska.

The weather was perfect to sit out on the patio.
Do you think Baby Jack is saying,
“What is my Mama talking about?!”

After a fun-filled week, 
it was time to say goodbye to this home away from home.

Let’s all do it again next year!

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, July 16, 2018

More Highlights from our Family Time in Minneapolis ~The Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center ~The Utepils Brewing Co.

Our family stayed in an Airbnb that was within walking distance 
of several family friendly attractions. 
So many times we have driven past the Sculpture Garden 
and we’ve seen that very large spoon with a cherry.

This time, we saw it up close and personal.

This tree was filled with wind chimes.
I do love the sound of wind chimes, 
but pretty sure the neighbors would find 
this many chimes annoying!

Many children were enjoying this swing...
Our girls took their turn.

Baby Jack had his afternoon cat nap in his stroller,
while we walked around the Gardens.


It was a hot and windy day!
The air conditioning, glass of water, 
and cold beverage at the Walker Art Center 
was a welcome relief from the heat.

Jake and Emily have good 
college friends in Minneapolis.
We all met at the Airbnb and then 
walked to the Utepils Brewing Co.

This may have been Baby Jack’s 
first visit to a Brewery.

He does look a little bit concerned, 
doesn’t he?!

Our dinner came from a food truck, parked outside.
Quite delicious!


We enjoyed time with our family and friends.

Then, hubby and I had a peaceful walk 
‘home’ through the neighborhood.

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...