SD Vacation 2017 – Day 1


We’ve been looking forward to taking this trip for months! This morning we packed the suburban, loaded up, and headed for Mitchell, our first overnight stop of the week.


After being on the road a little over an hour, we made a pit-stop at the World’s Largest Candy Store. There we ran in to the Hulk and found the TARDIS. 





Next up was lunch – Dino’s in Mankato. We decorated the tablecloth while we waited for our pizza. 

After eating we took advantage of the swings down the street – one of the fastest and smoothest swings I’ve ever been on. 

As we left Mankato, Godzilla was reaching for a hug. 

Midway through today’s drive the kids said things were going great so far!

Nothing says summer like road construction. 

Stopping at the Porter Sculpture Park, we nearly blew off the hill! The kids had fun posing with the random sculptures. 


Mitchell and its wind welcomed us around 5:30. We checked in to the hotel and went out to dinner- everyone clears their plates. Clearly traveling makes us hungry.  Now we are off to swim. 

Standing on the Word of God – 2017

When our parish was first built, parishioners were given the opportunity to write scripture passages on the floor of the sanctuary before the carpet was laid. It was a tangible example of how the people of COSP stand firm on God’s word. The carpet in the church is being replaced again – I heard this is the 3rd time since the church was built. And once again parishioners were invited to write a scripture verse on the floor before the new carpet is installed. Our family took advantage of this awesome opportunity tonight.

Purge and re-org

A spring cleaning bug bit me today (late in the afternoon) and I completely emptied the girls’ closets. We pulled out things they had outgrown and passed them down accordingly. The things that no longer fit Shecklet #4 are bagged and ready to be given to a younger little girl. The reorganization of their closets gives me a sense of peace. I know that sounds strange, but it’s true. (Not sure how long that peace will last, but I have it for at least the night.)

The bins on the shelf are full of sentimental items. I go through them every so often and am trying to get past the “mental” part of the sentimentality. Truth is though, it’s hard. Everything has a memory. Jake helped me with a few items tonight and I’m really grateful for his input.

Next up – the boys’ closet 😬

Bat thumbs

As I was saying good night to Shecklet #1, he said to me:

“Mom, did you know bats have thumbs?  It’s true.  I read about it in the strange facts book.”

I learned something new tonight.

Surly goggles

Jake pulled the carrier tops off a four pack of Surly and cut them in half for the girls. We added a little duct tape and made them in to goggles. Only problem is, they can’t see out of them. 😎

Penguin party!

Shecklet #3 celebrated the last day of school before Christmas break with a penguin party at school! Kindergartens and two guests were invited to join them. The kids sang songs about penguins and we had breakfast together. ❤️

Bday celebration #2

My mom stopped over after her BSF day with a birthday gift (a new, warm scarf.)  We didn’t get to celebrate when we were together at Thanksgiving, so she brought the birthday hat and glasses to me. 🤓

Advent 2016

I’m putting away fall decor today and pulling out Advent and Xmas decorations. Shecklet #4 is enjoying playing with the nativity set.