Greetings!

Weekend in Rapid City.

 We enjoyed a weekend in Rapid City, SD.  We enjoyed a visit to Mt. Rushmore...they've added a few things since I was there last.  
   After Mt. Rushmore we went to Reptile Gardens in hopes that Nolan would get enough of a lizard fix that he would stop asking for one when we get into our new house...ahem...no such luck.

Elliot liked the bird!

Standing in front of Gus the American alligator!

Think this guy would fit into the category of; when they were handing out brains he thought they said trains and picked a slow one.

Prairie dog farm at reptile gardens....I wondered why they had this at reptile gardens but than got to thinking maybe they are raising food for all those snakes.....

On the way home we stopped at this beautiful spot for a break.  The water was so clear you could see all the trout swimming around!

We stumbled upon a geochache while we were walking around there.  The kids were bummed we wouldn't let them take the piece of candy in there...

Random kids!

Westen and Hannah best buds.

I'm awesome.

Tired out after a bath and do it yourself hair do.

Who me?

Just checking my FB.

Fun ride.  Makes Mommy a little nervous though :p

Checking out what they call grass in WY...

Rock anyone?

Taste test.

Hannah planting her garden.

Activity of the day: Mud pies, Taste tester Wes.

Yep that's mud on my tongue.

Laundry assistant.

Aunt Helen disclaimer:  Uncle Shaun took the pictures of Wes eating dirt.  I would have told him not to...umm probably.  No really I would have...actually I think I did.  Clearly hamming it up for Uncle Shaun was more fun.

Mother's Day 2012

Grandpa and Grandma come to visit!

Trying Grandma's cupcake...

Yep it's good!!

Although he wsn't a fan of the group shot...

Need to go back in time here and catch up.  We enjoyed a visit from Grandpa and Grandma, they had to come check out just where we had moved to.  Dad wasn't to sure about the lack of farm fields...

The Beginnings of a Home

 

 Little by little, our Wyoming home is coming together.

Happy 1st Birthday Elliot!!

My new ball!  My favorite present from Uncle Dave, Aunt Joanna and my cousins!!

Fresh air and sunshine!

The kids really really wanted a ride on this even though it doesn't run. 

I think they could push it faster up hill than it rolled down hill.  Anyway they got some exercise.  Well not Linken he remained pretty firmly attached to the driver's seat.

Our current address....

Looking to the right when we drive up.

From the post office looking left.

Behind the post office.

Elementary School.

   Just couple pictures from our current address!  There are a few scattered houses and a mobile home park but this is the town.   When we registered Nolan at the school I was told the end of the school with the curved roof is called the Little Gym, and is over 100 years old.  The rest of the school was built to accommodate up 700 elementary students however there are not near that many enrolled.  The classrooms are HUGE.  Easily double any classroom I've ever seen before.  I guess if they need to they will add walls and make more classrooms. 
   Nolan is enjoying school although it certainly has a more institutionalized feel than his old Montessori school :(

Wyoming Snow!

She might be the only girl with 6 boys in the house but she's the queen of the hill.

Gus and Nolan being sled dogs.

Westen and Linken!

Princess with attitude!

   So my husband was like oh snow doesn't pile up in WY no need to bring the sleds etc etc etc blah blah blah....
   Well we slide into WY during a snow storm, had to tow the u-haul back up Dave and Jo's driveway after unloading the piano.  I couldn't use the van for several days as the driveway was to icy to get up, although watching me try was probably amusing.  I did get towed out once...a new experience for me.  Needless to say I am glad that it has been warmer the last couple days so the driveway is cleared off.
Gus informed me rather indignantly that I should have brought Nolan's snowboard because they could have had a lot of fun with it.  Ha!
   Now before the newness of it wears off and and find it normal I really need to go take pictures of the booming metropolis that we are residing in.   Stay tuned!!