Camping in Yankton

 A couple months ago, we decided to reserve a camping weekend in September. When we made our reservations, we had no idea there would be a volleyball team, when the soccer games would be, or that this weekend in September would be 87 degrees all weekend. We were planning for a nice fall weekend, with beef stew and sweatshirt weather, and that's not at all what we got. We also missed a volleyball tournament in Watertown for Emma, and a soccer game for Elliott. But, both kids were ok with missing those things, and were super excited to camp. 

On Friday, we got packed up and headed out as soon as we were home from school and work. By the time we made it to the campground, it was around 6:00pm. We got unpacked, and settled, and then ate a nice supper. Jim, Barb, and Katie also camped with us. Jim was nice enough to pull our camper down to the campground and get it set up for us. After supper, we all went on a short bike ride, and then we got a fire going and enjoyed a beautiful evening around a fire. We had some s'mores and then the kids headed in to watch a movie, and we had some adult time around the fire. 

On Saturday, we woke up to a beautiful morning. It was around 65, sunny, and just beautiful. We made some breakfast sandwiches and then we headed to Mazing Acres, which is a pumpkin patch about 5 minutes away from the campground. I got tickets a week ago when they were 50% off and we all enjoyed a nice morning at the pumpkin patch. The kids had an absolute blast. They went on the tube slide, obstacle course, corn crib, apple cannon, paint gun, corn maze, and many other activities. It was a hot day, but we were all having a good time. I was really impressed with all the activities, and it wasn't super busy there, which was also really nice. They also sold some beautiful mums and just had a really nice vibe. 

After a solid 3 hours, we headed back to the campsite and ate some lunch. The kids were hot and tired, so they headed into the AC to chill for a while, and Katie, John, and I headed to Yankton to Ben's Brew Station to have a couple craft beers. It was really nice, and those beers tasted really good after the hot, busy morning. 

After an hour or so, we got back to the campsite. Jim and Barb rented E-bikes for the weekend, and everyone had a really good time trying them out. John, Katie, and I rode bikes to Pearson Ranch to meet the kids and Jim and Barb for some pickle ball. We played a couple rounds of pickle ball, and then headed back to make supper. We had some burgers, watched the Jackrabbit Football game (they beat Augie) and then we all called it a night around 10:00pm. We were all pretty tired from the busy, hot day. 

Today, was also busy and tiring. We started the day with some pancakes, sausage, eggs, and toast. Then, John, Katie and I went hiking at Gavin's Point. After our hike, we painted some pumpkins with the kids. Then it was time for a light lunch, and to pack up and head to the farm. 

At Jim and Barb's house we unpacked the camper, helped with some bunny chores and let the kids hold their bunnies and chickens, and then we finally headed for home. Now, we are catching up on laundry, getting ready for another week, and watching Modern Family. 

This next week is going to be even more insane. John leaves for Boston on Tuesday, and I leave for Boston on Thursday, and we have all the practices and meets and such. We have to get kids packed up and to their grandparent's, and I have to get myself packed up. It's going to be crazy. But, I am super excited to travel to Boston and explore the city. 

We are officially done camping for the year. We had a pretty quiet camping season this year, but when we did go, we had a great time and had fun. We plan to camp more next summer, but until then, I'm ready for a break. Here's to another busy week!

Fall Activities

 We are now in the full swing of things for fall sports and practices. We have cross country practices and meets, Volleyball practices and games, and soccer practices and games. So, needless to say, some of our weeks get a little crazy. On Mondays, both kids have cross country practice until 4:00pm, and then Emma has volleyball practice from 6-8pm. So those nights are pretty busy. 

On Tuesdays, Elliott has soccer from 6-7:30 pm. And Wednesdays are the cross country meets at 4:30pm. And then the rest of the week is filled with homework, late shifts at work, and meetings. We know how to stay busy. 

Last weekend, Emma had her first volleyball game at Bethel. My parents decided to come to town to see the volleyball game, and then Elliott's soccer game on Sunday. My parents came straight to Bethel since the Volleyball game started at 10:00 am. They arrived right as the game was starting. The Bethel/Good Shepherd Volleyball team did really well for their first match. They had a lot of learning to do, and it wasn't always pretty, but they did a great job. I was super proud of Emma during the games. She was the best server of the day, and I was so proud to just watch her improve every game. She seemed to really be enjoying herself, so that was great as well. Her volleyball team sure knows how to have fun. 

After the game, we all headed home, and got mom and dad settled in. We ate a light lunch, spent some time outside visiting, and then decided to go and do something outdoors since it was such a beautiful day. We decided to go to Pallisades State Park. We did quite a bit of hiking, let the kids climb the rocks, and just soaked in the beautiful day. After all the hiking, we came across a winery called Humble Hill winery. We had never been there before, so we decided to check it out. It was very mediocre, but it was a fun environment, and we were all glad we at least checked it out. 

After the winery, we were all pretty hungry. So, we headed back into Sioux Falls, and ate supper at BBs. We sat on the patio, and enjoyed a nice supper and some beers. The kids even finished with some ice cream. 

On Sunday, we went to church, Sunday School, and then had a nice brunch at home. In the afternoon, we had the Bethel Bike Ride, and mom and dad weren't too interested in that, so we went to the bike ride and mom and dad went antique shopping. The bike ride was pretty fun. We biked from Bethel to Family Park, which was about 6 miles all together. It was another gorgeous day (a little hot) and we all had a great time. After the bike ride, we had some ice cream, and then rushed home to get Elliott to his soccer game. 

Elliott played pretty well in his first soccer game. He played goalie, and then defense. His team lost 4-5, but they played well and were pretty fun to watch. It was a nice afternoon to watch soccer and visit with mom and dad. After the game, mom and dad headed home, and we went home to catch up and get ready for another busy week. 

We had a great, busy weekend with mom and dad. It was filled with sports, good food and activities, and beautiful weather. I love this time of year. 

Cross Country- Emma ran a 8:27 mile 

Elliott ran a 10:38 mile

First volleyball game 

Pallisades Park (Photo by Emma) 

Supper at BBs

Campfire at home 

Elliott's first soccer game 

Labor Day Weekend

 Already, I am falling behind on my blogging. Life is just cruising by. We had a great Labor Day Weekend. On Friday, Elliott was out at Grandma and Grandpa's house for the day, and John and I had to work. After work, it was a beautiful day, so John, Emma, and I went downtown to Falls Park to walk around and see the sights. It was a beautiful evening and we really enjoyed walking around the seeing all the sights. 

After Fall Park, we headed to Papa Woody's for some pizza. Emma had never been there before, and she really enjoyed herself. We had a nice little pizza date, and then we were ready to head home for the night. We watched a little TV with Emma and then called it a night. 

On Saturday, we headed out to pick up Elliott. We spent some time on the farm, and then we decided to head to Lake Vermillion and go fishing. Jim and Barb decided to join us. We had just bought Emma and Elliott some new bikes, so we brought those out as well. The kids and I enjoyed some bike rides, while the adults fished. And then we would come back around and fish as well. The fishing was pretty slow, but it was another beautiful evening and we all had a good time. 

On Sunday, we went to church, and then we packed the kids up to go back to the farm. They spent the night at the farm so they could head out to the South Dakota State Fair with Jim and Barb early in the morning. They went to the State Fair to buy some chickens and bunnies. They had a great day at the fair, and they had great success finding animals. They bought three chickens, and three bunnies. The kids were super excited and couldn't wait to show up and tell us about them. 

John and I enjoyed a quiet Sunday evening. We stopped at BBs to get a patio beer, and then just headed home. On Monday, we had a little adventure and we decided to go to Devil's Gulch in Garretson, SD. I had never been there before, and it had been a long time for John. We hiked some trails, read some informational signs, and took some pictures. It was a beautiful, hot day and we enjoyed ourselves. We drove through Pallisades park to see all the new camping spots, and then headed for home. On the way home, we found Wilde Prairie Winery and had a tasting, and then a glass of wine. It was pretty fun. We hadn't been to a winery in a long time, so it was fun to do something different. 

In the evening, we ran out to pick up kids, saw all the new animals. and then ran back home to get unpacked, cleaned up and ready for another week. It was a wild, busy weekend, but it was a good one. We spent a lot of time together, and spent time out in nature. It was great!

Volunteering at the Humane Society 

Falls Park 

Chess 

Fishing 

Devil's Gulch