SoDak overview

So, we're back from South Dakota and we had a phenomenal time. Aside from the 13-14 hour drive each way, I look forward to this trip every year. My grandmother, at 86 years old, is in great health and has a very sharp (and sometimes naughty) mind. She's a blast to hang out with and LOVES to have fun and laugh.

Emma gets huge accolades for her behavior on, what can be a long, long drive. Especially for an active 16 month old. Making the drive through the night helped as she was able to sleep most of the time.

We always stay at my aunt and uncles home where we feel like honored guests, royalty or whatever you want to call people who get waited on hand-n-foot. My uncle and aunt are amazing hosts and always make our vacations to SD immensely relaxing!

Some of my favorite things about South Dakota:

• storms (predicted, but never came): you can see them rolling in from a long ways away.
• landscape: unadulterated beauty that is endless (I could go on and on)
  
• memories: rush over me with each mile closer to our destination
  
• simplicity: hard work, farming, family, survival, nature
  
• family: roots, stories, genealogy
  
• surprises: I encounter a newness with each visit...even after 34 years.
  
• fresh air: crisp, invigorating, glorious

One afternoon, Joel and I took off to visit the Missouri river valley. It was insanely windy and nearly knocked my wafer of a body over (Ha!). Anywho...we had a marvelous time exploring the gorgeous terrain and even took in some history as we visited the Fort Randall Dam which is along the Lewis and Clark trail. I even tried to enjoy a bit of plaque reading for my husband's sake :)