Badlands Astronomy Festival

The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts spent the weekend camping in the Badlands for the Astronomy Festival.  During the day, we got to use some high powered telescopes to check out the sun, then got to see the stars the night.  There was also a presentation on night animals and how they co-exist and hunt during the night.  Gracie and Ethan both went with their respective troops, but Eric and I got to tag-a-long.   It was windy and a little chilly, but so worth it!  I hope we get to do it again next year before we move.  

Gracie's Day  

Ethan's Day 

1st Visitors of the Summer

Earlier this summer, we were excited to welcome our first visitors of the year.  Eric's parents flew up and we got to show them all of our favorite South Dakota sweet spots.   The kids loved having their grandparents here, but as always, family visits go by too fast.  At least we got a chance to see them this year and catch up!  

Pactola Lake 

Mount Rushmore 

Sylvan Lake 

Needles Highway 

Deadwood Town and Cemetery 

Crazy Horse 

Sweet Softball

Gracie played softball this spring and proved herself a valuable player!  I think it helps having an older brother who plays baseball, because for not playing any sport before, she rocked this one!  She will ask Eric and Ethan random questions about baseball because she wants to make sure that she's doing the right action at the right moment.  She's my worrier and control freak so it fits.  Gotta love her determination and competitive nature.