Ingalls Cottonwoods

"They're cottonwoods," Pa said. "They all grew from seeds of the Lone Tree we saw across the prairie when we were coming out of Brookins....We'll make a square windbreak, all around the house. Ma's tree and mine by the door, and a tree for each of you girls on each side of ours."-Chapter 29, By the Shores of Silver Lake


Today M., W. and I travelled to De Smet with our friends Beth and Emily S. They are our oldest home school friends. We went to the Ingalls homestead and enjoyed the "living history" that is set up there. Before we got there, we stopped in Brookin(g)s for a bathroom break and indulged in Slurpees. (below)

We picnicked under some of the oldest cottonwoods on the property before touring the exhibits. Charles Ingalls planted thousands of cottonwoods in the DeSmet area.





It was fun to think we were climbing the same trees and walking in the same "steps" as Laura Ingalls Wilder did all those years ago.

We found frogs and examined milkweed plants.

Golden Day

Sunday was a gorgeous day for the waterpark! B. and D. took us along with them for a special rate with a group Brian is in.

(Above)Friend Emily S. and M. had fun together. (Below) The wave pool was everyone's favorite!

Nutty sisters.

Best time with Daddy.

Cool treats before the trip home.

A golden day for our memories.

New House

Our Niece and her hubby had a housewarming party at their place last night. What a lovely little place they have. It is nestled in the country on a beautiful property with mature trees, rock walls and planters and a delightful back patio. The small house is older but well done and updated in all the right places.

Hubs Bob grilled for all of us on the back patio, next to the water feature.

The girls enjoyed their new hammock. Luckily they all brought books or animals to relax with.

Sister, family and friends enjoy the delicous meal and fellowship in their new garage. The property is perfect for entertaining.

The kids enjoyed playing in the perfect weather and nearly total lack of bugs well into the evening. Thanks Hodge and Bob, for sharing your wonderful home.

Motorcycle

Double trouble.

J. was out helping Husband sheetrock the porch last night. Love those days off!

Chinese Tea

My girlfriend Jo came back from a mission trip to China and brought me a real Chinese teacup and tea! Beautiful.

Cousins

W. and O. put on the play, Superman and His Super Dog Sheriff. Written, produced and acted by W. and O.

Take a bow.................................Players and assistant M.

Nutty stuff at the end...................They're dead!

They practiced the play on and off all day.

They played trains part of the time.

M. and Miss O. did bubbles by the kitties.

We HAD to do finger nails: orange with purple spots.

Friend Fun

W. and Sissy had a nice day together on Wed. They played, pretended, and invented all day. This summer has been so busy for both families that they haven't seen each other for a long time. Maren brought in these cicadas and put them in a jar. Later in the day we got to watch them shed their exoskeletons and dry out their new wings.

In the afternoon we took Sissy home and went to the library. We don't get there as much in the summer. During the school year we are at a library about two days a week. Then a few groceries and home.


Note L.'s ridiculous pile of books next to M. on the computer. She took them all home. I guess I can't complain that she reads too much. (It's genetic.)