Top Ten from the Fesler Family Farm--July 2008

10—Field trip to the SDSU dairy farm. I warned the kids about the smell before we went, but they still managed to gag in true dramatic fashion when we stepped out of the car. One cow actually had a port in its side, which could be opened up and the contents of its stomach examined. Fascinating, yes. But, ewwwww.

9—Climbing the Campanile. My hometown metropolis of Brookings, SD, has slim pickings when it comes to attractions. This is #1—we climbed the 180 stairs up, ran back down and got coupons for free ice cream. 2 scoops from the SDSU Dairy Bar. Totally worth the trip.

8—2nd annual “Jump in the pool with all your clothes on” evening. I missed it last year because I was 6 ½ months pregnant. I missed it this year because it was a little chilly and I’m lazy and I have strong aversion to jumping into cold water, even with a swimsuit on. Arizona summers ruined me—I like my pool the temperature of bath water. Lucy is convinced that next year is my year. Mmmmmmm, sorry sweetie. Not happening.
7—Happy Birthday to me and Becky! We celebrated on Saturday night with homemade pizza and cake. My dad shared one of his favorite memories of me: every morning when I was little, I would go into the bathroom and my dad would put me up on the counter. I would watch him shave, while sucking on my fingers, and as soon as he was done I would leave the bathroom.
6—Dinner at Kaylee and Jake’s in Sioux Falls. A little shopping at Target before, a wonderful dinner and a trip to the waterfalls. There were lots of rocks to climb on, a beautiful park to run in, and a sidewalk for Isaac to face plant on. What more could you ask for?

5—Our trek at Martin’s Cove. We pass right by Martin’s Cove every time we drive home, and this time we happened to be driving on Pioneer Day. So we stopped for a few hours and toured the museum, watched a movie, and took a little trek for ourselves. We took two handcarts two miles, over nicely made dirt roads, with Adam in the stroller (in brake position) so he wouldn’t squirm around. The kids rode for a little bit, but often walked and even helped with the carts. Guess what? It was hard. I cannot even imagine walking another 1000 miles, in the snow, pulling my belongings behind me. But as Zach observed (as we were back again in our nicely air conditioned car, headed to SD going 75 mph, with lots of water to drink and snacks to eat, and books to read and movies to watch)—once you started, there was no quitting. I’m going back for a longer trek someday. I might be doing it alone, though . . .

4—Family, family, family: there’s nothing better than sitting outside in the evening breeze, visiting with my siblings and spouses while the kids play. I pretty much lucked out in the family field. Love them all.

3—The Enchanted Forest: Cousins Big M and Lil M spent some time renovating the fort my brothers built in our shelterbelt back in the 80’s. A new coat of paint, some mowed out ATV roads and some street signs. Viola—the Enchanted forest was born. The kids lived out there: spotting unicorns, fighting dragons and trolls, solidifying ally status with the centaurs. All in a day’s work.
2—Play, play, play: filling the slide with sand on the playset, rides on the ATV, double bike and riding lawn mower, jumping from the tree stump onto the trampoline, and swimming in the pool. I actually missed my kids a little bit while we were there—I so rarely saw them.

1—Rount Mushmore. Zach and the kids have never been, so we stopped on the way back. It was fantabulous.

We love visiting SD!