South Dakota Part I: The Daughenbaugh Gang.

Before I get into our trip to South Dakota, I will share a few pictures of Iowa. Our garden in crazy huge! The tomatoes are taller than I am. We have eaten many cherry tomatoes already. We also had fresh corn on the cob last night. Iowa corn!

There is a cool fungus growing on our tree right out of our back door. You don't see that in Montana!

Wally is a great traveler, still. He helped me pick out a "long road trip toy" the day before we left...a fishing pole. That was hours of fun on both drives. I also found him a magnetic mix and match animal puzzle book. I still don't know how he does it, and with being in the middle (or end) of potty training.

We had a great time with Jason, Katie, Reder and Ruby (and of course Grandma and Papa). We all went to Storybook Island. What a wonderful place! Wally was obsessed with the train. He wanted to just stand by the tunnel and wait for it to drive through. Only a baby goat was able to entice him away, but not for long. Luckily, this was just the first of the fun rides Wally got while in SD. Why Wally and I will never grow up: Wally brought her swimming pool to share with the boys. Wally sure thought it was great! Watch out Ruby!!! I think Ruby is going to be more like Wally than Reder. She seems to have no fear, and certainly no issues with being messy and dirty. Wally loved looking through Papa's binoculars. He spent lots of time looking at the trees and birds. We also went to the Reptile Gardens. It was a big hit, especially for Ruby. She was so facinated by all of the animals...and who would have guessed that they all make an oinking sound?!?! The giant tortoises were really cool. Their necks were so soft and they loved to be rubbed under their chins like cats and dogs. The oldest was 128! How do they know that? We also made ice cream in a bag. So cold, so fun, and so yummy! Well, Baby Ruby is still just plain cute. I really think she should have come home with us. She looks more like us and acts more like Wally...I think she was meant to be ours!
We all managed to make it to town to visit my Grandma. She was playing the piano when we got there. It was so special to hear her play again. Wally was great with all of the residents. He wasn't scared or anything (until the camera came out). Wally and Reder thought it was neat when Great Grandma played "Happy Birthday." Later in the week, we got Great Grandma out to the ranch. Wally remembered her as the "piano Grandma." She played the harmonica for him at the ranch. Always a treat! Jason, Katie, Joel, and I went to lunch while Grandma and Grandpa were supposed to rest. It was fun hanging out with them. I sure miss them! We ate at an old firehouse, hence the fire hats. Wally keeps asking, "Where Reder is?" Though they don't see eachother often, there is definitely a special connection between them. We hope we can all get together again soon.