I tried to have too much structure this past summer. It didn't pan out. So we got rid of most of it and just tried to do stuff on our summer bucket list. . . while staying inside a lot because our whole state was on fire for most of June and July and well into August. My favorite was going outside to find ash on the trampoline. Yuck. But, of course, I was very grateful that our own home was not affected, and I really felt so sad for all those who lost so much in the fires.
But it was kind of a relief to head out of state for our annual pilgrimage to South Dakota. Zach had to fly somewhere for work (Texas, maybe?), so he missed out on the 17 hour drive there. But my dad happened to be in UT, so he drove with me and the kiddos. Except Eli. My sister Becca flew to SD this year, and she took Eli with her. It was wonderful. (And it felt even MORE wonderful after we experienced the return trip with Eli crying for 14 of the 17 hours.) But I digress.
We decided to stop at Martin's Cove for a few hours on our drive, and we took out a few of the handcarts. We didn't have long, but we walked long enough to feel an extreme appreciation for those who walked across the country with these babies. And the only thing we were pulling was a couple of kids.
After Martin's Cove, we spent a few more hours in the car and stopped in Gillette ("Juliette" ala Adam) for the night. There's nothing better for the kids than water slides and a lazy river in the hotel. We let them swim again the next day, and after a few stops to eat, and Cabella's (whaaaa?), and then to meet up with Zach and pick up Becca, Hannah, and Eli from the Sioux Falls airport, we finally made it to the homestead. Good times. Though I'll miss visiting SD every year, I don't think I'll miss the drive.
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