Munstream Advenuteres: Black Hills + Dave's birthday.

We kicked off the summer with a camping trip to the Black Hills, something we have always wanted to do. We reserved a campsite at Devil's Gulch KOA and hit the road on Dave's birthday. The day and drive was relatively uneventful with an earlier than expected arrival and a smooth parking job. The kids immediately went off to explore the grounds on their scooters, hitting up every general store they could find while Dave and I relaxed with a glass of wine. We celebrated Dave with a so-so dinner, but thankful to be away for a week. 

It was a great week, we hiked our favorite Roughlock Falls and a new fun hike called Devil's Bathtub, both in Spearfish Canyon, not to far from eachother, Devil's Bathtub follows a stream, so there are plenty of opportunities to get wet, and even some natural slides. The kids loved it. We also hiked Blake Elk Peak which has a 1,200 ft elevation gain and is 7.1 miles out and back. It was challenging at times, but was fun and extremely rewarding for all of us. We rewarded ourselves with food and drinks at Sylvan Lake Lodge which is near the trailhead. We filled the week with other favorites like Old Time Photos in Keystone, Candyland, an afternoon picnic on the beach at Pactola Lake. One of the highlights was a Hayrack Ride and Chuckwagon Dinner near Blue Bell lodge. We all loved our tour guide and the wisdom he shared, and got a kick out of the live music and group activities at the dinner sight. It was fun for all. 

It was a great way to start the summer. 

A quick happy hour while the kids explore. 
Happy Birthday, Dave! xoxo 

Birthday pile. 

Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon.

Devil's Bathtub trail in Spearfish Canyon.

Beautiful and fun! 

Fam photo op.

Nature's slide, all three kids tried! 

Greta on the Black Elk Peak trail. 

This is the highest peak going east until Spain. 

We made it to the tippity top! 

Lovely day, lovely hike. 

We did it!!!! 

Next up, Keystone! 

Old Time Photo

The result, its as fun as it looks! 

Keystone boardwalk. 

Chuckwagon Dinner

With our tour guide, Kieth. 

Lake Pactola veg session. 

It was a great week! 

Sophia and Blake's Wedding

After much anticipation and excitement, Sophia and Blake got married! The girls were honored to be flower girls, so we participated in a weekend full of fun. 

The rehearsal was low key and a fun excuse to get dressed up. We went early for the wedding run through and dinner and came home to get some good rest before the big day. 

We made the most of the wedding fun with nails and hair and make up, myself included ;). The weather looked meh all day and miraculously cleared up in time for the outdoor ceremony... we even had a sunset! The wedding itself was lovely, Sophia was the most beautiful bride and the dance party was fun for everyone, especially Sully ;), he loves to dance, I love that about him. 

We are so excited for Sophia and Blake and thankful to be a part of their lovely day. 

Rehearsal dinner. 

Greta, so excited. 

Piper

The girls are ready- looking so nice. 

Grandma and the flower girls.
Sabrina, Greta, and Pip. 

Officially taller than me. 

Fam photo with Sophia and Blake. 

The original crew. 

My parents were the last ones standing with 59 years of marriage. 

Sully and Grandpa Paul

Congrats! 

Maycember

Between the big events, May brings absolute chaos... its fun, its a coordinating puzzle, but somehow, we manage it every year. Enjoy the recap in pictures...

Sully runs track for Edison. 

Piper's school carnival. 

Greta's choir concert. 

Avera Cancer 5K.

The crew, an extra special year as we ran in honor of Jeff
following his prostate cancer journey. 

Piper's talent show. 

Sully's soccer team. We made it to the finals this year, 
it was the most fun. These soccer moms are among my favorites. 

Last day of 4th, 6th, and 7th.

Bruno Mars

My Aunt Patty invited Maggie and I to a Bruno Mars concert under the only requirement that Jeff secure the tickets. Much to our surprise, Bruno toured and had pit stop in Minneapolis, the dates worked all around, and it was on the calendar. 

We had so much fun, we stayed with Patty, arrived in time to see her pup Bernice and to hear about her recent Ireland travels and to head to the concert. We walked to the Monte Carlo for dinner and then to the US Bank Stadium. The show was fantastic we had awesome seats and the energy was top notch, until the very last song when the power went completely out on stage. It was bizarre, but after about 10 minutes, all was well and he was able to finish. It was a really fun experience with Patty, and fun to be with her as she took it off her bucket list. We had full hearts when we returned to Sioux Falls. 

Ready for the show in our Bruno glasses. 

Fantastic seats.

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day, not only because Dave is so thoughtful, but that my kids (ok, mostly the girls) love to go all out which really brings Dave to the next level. This year, the (handmade) breakfast menu had a burrito feature, but it turned out, most of the ingredients needed were not on hand, so it made more sense to run to the local Mexican drive through restaurant to simplify things, and I think we stumbled upon the best kept secret. It was quick, easy, and no mess for Dave to manage. I loved breakfast in bed, followed buy a long walk with Maggie, and finally to the State Theatre for Mama Mia. I love my village. 

Burrito made exra fancy with the salsa smear. 

The girls 'sharing' my berries and cream. :)

Inflower flowers and coffee. 

Mama Mia!

My 20th Workiversary

I celebrated 20 years at my job on May 1st and was humbled with a small celebration including a cookie cake :). Im so proud of myself for continuing on with my nursing career through babies and life's changes and everything else. Props to Dave for seeing the value of my job and stepping up at home and being such a supportive partner in order for me to make my work commitments. Nursing isn't a very glamorous gig, but its rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways and it works with the ebs and flows of life. Im so thankful I made the decision to be a nurse at the ripe young age of 17 as I was applying to colleges, it was one of the best ones I've made and has lead me to a full life. 

Im thankful for the many many friends, and one husband (:)) I've collected along the way. 

Dave was even invited to the party. ;)

A handful of my fantastic current coworkers.