Back to the Black Hills.

In true Munce form, we don't sit idle for long. It seems we get up and go every chance we get, which is so fun, but also slightly exhausting (if you ask me, Dave would never concede to that). We had been pondering a Labor Day Black Hills trip since about mid summer and finally pulled the trigger on a cabin a few weeks ago.

The day before our departure, Piper came down with a stomach bug that completely grounded us, she had a fever and vomiting that lasted about exactly 24 hours. We started packing at about 8pm the evening before we left because it was so up in the air. Off we went, we headed west and made decent time, we read books, watched shows and iPads, and before we knew it, we were in the Northern Hills at our cabin. We unpacked, went for dinner and came back for a hot tub before hitting the sheets.

Saturday was a full fun day. We did morning reading and then had lunch in Hill City before hiking Cathedral Spires with the kids (and no carrier- one thing we overlooked when packing, darn). It was lovely 2 mile roundtrip hike through streams, rock formations, and raspberry bushes. Next we met the Barkers at Sylvan Lake for an afternoon of fun. And it was so fun. We walked, canoed, and had dinner together. The kids played so well, Rhys and Sully explored while Bea entertained Greta and Piper for hours, literally. It was such a nice rendezvous and Im so glad we took the opportunity to connect while we were there.

Sunday was another full day. We eased into the day and much to our delight- the kids FOUND A TREASURE MAP! What are the chances, the last time we were in the Black Hills during the summer, we also found one. We had so much fun following the clues and finding the treasure. We headed out for lunch in Keystone, stopped by Mt. Rushmore, found our favorite candy shop, then drove to Roughlock Falls for one of my favorite hikes in Spearfish Canyon. Piper had been in a funk for most of the hike and just after we got to the waterfall, she threw up all of the candy she got from the candy store. It wouldn't be a true Munce family vacation without a puker ;). We went back to Deadwood for pizza, had one last dip in the hot tub and then watched a shark show with Sully and Greta before going to bed. We definitely squeezed everything out of Sunday.

Monday was a travel day- a long one, but we arrived home around 5:30 and we were happy to be home, but more happy to have pulled the trigger on the get away. It really is so good to get away from the daily grind and all of the pulls of everyday life, even if just for a few days.

Simple little hike with kids ;).

Easy does it, Pip (I cut Dave out of the photo, but he was
VERY near-by in case of a misstep :)).

We did it! 

It didn't happen unless we do a self timed photo.

Barkers and Munces!

Canoeing on Sylvan Lake. 

My copilots.

The crew- minus Greta and Piper, my arms aren't long enough. 

The treasure map! 

Hunting for the treasure. 

WE FOUND THE TREASURE!!
The looks on their faces says it all. Haha! 

Mt. Rushmore

Too much candy.

Roughlock Falls. 

Lobsterfest

I may be biased, but we have really awesome friends with fun ideas, and the dedication to pull it all together. Maybe nine months ago, one of my lovely friends who also happens to be my back yard neighbor sent a message to our trivia group of this vision she and her husband had about having lobster boil. He was inspired by a tradition a family friend of his started in his college days and he totally pulled it off. We scheduled the first available summer weekend for all of us, which happened to be the last weekend of summer. There was decor, amazing food, beverages, dessert, and a fire pit. We are excited to make this a more regular occurrence going forward. Thanks to the Baloun-Whites and the rest of the crew for the fun and memories.

The lobster cake.  

Flowers from the garden.

Brett prepping the food. 

Rebecca, Skipper, and Dave. The shuckers. 

The Barkers. 

The Kimbers. 

Dave and I. 

Pam and Skipper. 

The lovely host couple, Brett and Jenny. 

The crew.  

An ariel view. 

The fire pit. 

Back to school!

We are officially back to school over here, which brings on all sorts of emotions, routines and excitement.

Greta is in kinder with Sr. Noranjo, although I don't know him well yet, I have always appreciated his enthusiasm and energy with the kids. She started out scared but excited, our first day was going so well, I was so emotional but held it together, and then it was time to go in and she melted. Ugh, my sweet sentimental girl. It breaks my heart. We actually melted together. Drop-offs since have been pretty hard, Sully lines up with her now to take her to class and then goes on his way. Although her body is full of tears and emotions, she does walk in willingly with the class, so at least I have that going for me. After a good positive talk last evening, she was set to be extra brave today, but then Sully came down with a fever and couldn't go to school so she had to go it alone and all plans were derailed. That was when I realized how much she depends him, he is her little slice of home during the day, a five minute overlap at recess, waking by him in the hallways or in the lunch room, they are such little best buds and it makes my hear swell with love for both of them for what they do for each other. Here come my tears again ;), I wonder where she gets it? Haha. We are going to keep trying, everyday is a new day, and everyday she gets off the bus after school with excitement "my day was amazing!" She gives me all of the details and I catch her singing songs in Spanish from the day and she is happy as can be. We will get there.

Sully started first grade with Sra. Osorio, he really loves her and 'her kind look' as he calls it. Her reputation is that she is sweet, kind, and has incredible patience with the kids, all things that are exactly what Sully needs to succeed. He didn't miss a beat over the summer and was ready and excited to go back to school. He loves it. We are dedicating more time to reading with both of them this year and even after just a week or so, I'm noticing good progress.

Piper started preschool! Her first day was yesterday and she rocked it. I've been a little anxious about how she would manage because of Greta's history, but she was just fine. She was a little scared before we left home, but when we got to school, I gave her a squeeze and kiss and she turned to Dave and said "bye dad!" (not even daddy) and walked to the carpet and sat down. I looked at Dave and we got out of there. Just like that, they are all three in school. And I exhaled.

All three kids have great teachers and are in great school communities. Its going to be a great year, and I am going to enjoy the little bit of newfound freedom Ill get this year having 4 mornings to myself. Yeehaw!

Open house fun. 

Greta and Sr. Naranjo 

Sully and Sra. Osorio (Sully looks a little nervous).

First day of first grade! 

Greta is in kinder!

Piper gets in on the fun. 

Growing up so fast.

Quick family photo. 

Selfie with mama before they went in. 

Greta, so excited to get off the bus.

matching bracelets to remind us of each other during the day. 

Best big brother. 

Meeting Miss Ashlyn. 

We love Miss Tiffany. 

Piper is so proud on her first day.