Independance Day

To celebrate the 4th of July; Mom, Dad, Sarah, Sam, Elizabeth, and I spent the day touring the hills. We started out going through Custer State Park. Of course we saw the tatanka but the most exciting part of the park was the two donkeys climbing into the front seat of my mini van with me! Okay, maybe it wasn't that dramatic... but having their heads in my window started to freak me out after a few minutes. The saddest part, Elizabeth was sleeping and we couldn't get her to wake up.

Next we stopped at a little restaurant/campground where Elizabeth was given the opportunity to sit on a horse. Unfortunately, every time the horses made any noise, she freaked out. So, our free horse ride was out but we did enjoy sitting on the porch watching the horses. Our next stop was Sylvan Lake which was, as always, beautiful! The lake was pretty busy and Elizabeth couldn't understand why she couldn't push her doll in her stroller right next to the lake. Finally, we ended in Hill City where we ate some awesome ice cream and visited Bruce and Lisa's gift shop. We were all exhausted at the end of the day (who knew riding in a minivan could do that to ya?) but all thankful we were able to spend the day in the beautiful hills together!

Mini Van Momma

Well, I've finally done it ... I broke down and officially entered the world of motherhood. You'd think that having a 2-year old or even being pregnant with my second would've thrown me into this arena but in my mind, the ultimate act to officially be part of this club is owning a mini van.

I can now proudly say (okay, I'm not quite to the proud stage yet...) I OWN A MINI VAN and yes, I'm only 23...! It's taken some adjustment and I will admit that I've hidden my face at red lights and even purposefully walked by my new chariot in parking lots so as not to be seen hopping into my gold mini van... I just have to remember, there's no denying the practicality of our new vehicle and I'm sure one day I'll beam from behind the steering wheel!

Downtown Rapid

Sam and I spent a very hot afternoon downtown Rapid checking out the shops. The Heritage Festival was going on downtown so all of the shops were busy. I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture but my sunburn was so sore I couldn't stand having anything touch my shoulders or back... (You'd think I know better!)

First trip to the beach

This last week Elizabeth enjoyed her first day at the beach. Mike's girlfriend Sam came to town for a little vacation and to come to the baby shower. We headed up to Sheridan Lake with Shirley, Thomas (who were visiting from MT), Sharon, Raedon and Laeton. The sun was really hot (despite years of my mother scolding me about sunscreen ... I decided to be an idiot and got pretty red!) but the water was nice and cold (after your skin went numb...). Elizabeth wasn't too sure of the sand and water at first but by the end of the day she was running around by herself and didn't want to leave!

Four Mile Fire

Andrew's first big fire of the season was at Custer State Park and burned 2500 acres. Here are a few pictures Andrew was able to take.

Training with helicopters

Andrew spent a few days at the beginning of the summer training with helicopters. If he wasn't on a fire right now, I'd be able to give you more details ... I do know that he really enjoyed the experience.

Fathers Day

On Fathers Day we headed into the hills nearby - Andrew and I in the buggy; Elizabeth, Mom and Dad in the jeep; and Mike on his dirt bike. The sun was pretty hot and the grass was very tall and green. We didn't stay long but enjoyed every minute. Mom rode with Andrew in the buggy on the way home ... I could hear her giggling long after they left!

West Blvd. Festival

Every year my Aunt Margaret and Rexanne set up a petting zoo and give pony rides for the West Blvd. Festival. I was able to help out for awhile this year and had a ton of fun. It's an absolute blast to be around the kids for the pony rides - I had a great day at the park! Here are a few pics of the set up and then some of my aunt and then me and my grandma.

Going for a buggy ride

These pics aren't the best but that's because I scrambled to get pics of Elizabeth riding in the buggy (in her pjs) with Andrew. Andrew built this buggy from the ground up and it is a blast to ride in! Elizabeth grinned ear to ear the entire trip around the yard!

Dare devil

Elizabeth loves to climb everything in sight with no help from anyone around her. She also loves watching out the window for "Da" on the "bike!" Here she's wearing Mike's shoes and sunglasses!

One more...?

Grandma Maloney taught Elizabeth to say "one more" while they were setting the table one night. This soon became Elizabeth's "cute" way of asking for more. This morning Elizabeth convinced Uncle Mike that he needed "one more" doll to cuddle with. This soon turned into Mike being covered in every stuffed animal and doll in our house. So cute!

4-Wheeling in the Black Hills

We finally took Andrew's jeep out 4-wheeling. My brother Mike and brother-in-law Lee came with in my Dad's jeep. It rained a ton here so we hit quite a few mud puddles... Andrew went easy on us though since the doors were off and his tires spit mud like there's no tomorrow. Elizabeth loved the ride! It was so much fun to see the beautiful hills again!!