Day 1
This spring break, we are combining two adventures - hanging out in Madison, South Dakota with our dear friends the Millers, and then headed off to Colorado to hang out in Boulder and skiing at Eldora. Our adventures kicked off on Friday - the kids were out of school, so we headed out of town once Will finished teaching. You can see the various attitudes of our children in documenting our departure.
Nebraska! The good life.
Iowa! I always forget that you go through Iowa on the way to South Dakota.
We arrived in South Dakota! It was very important that we stop at Sioux Falls and eat at the kids' Very Favorite Restaurant Ever, Valentino's, the Grand Italian Buffet of Awesomeness. There was one in Manhattan that closed after the June 2011 flood and our children have been mourning its loss ever since then.
The family!
We arrived at our hotel in Madison, South Dakota a little after 10 p.m. Instead of going to bed, as would be logical, we all went swimming. Well, Daniel went into the swimming pool, Will and I lounged in the hot tub, and Annika read by the side of the pool.
Day 2
After our late evening the night before, we had a late start. Our hotel has a lovely breakfast, but we sped out looking for grocery stores so that we had procure something far more important . . . PIE!
We made it to the Millers in time for Epic Pi Day! That's right, on 3-14-15 at 9:26:53, we were able to eat pie. ;)
Next up - all three families (the Thorntons are here, too) headed to Sioux Falls for an adventure! Addy and Keagan (Miller) rode with us in the Fun Van.
The gang! It is so cool how everyone has a buddy. In the other van, Rowan (Miller) and Greg (Thornton) had a blast hanging out together.
We headed over to a really cool playground that was fun even for older kids.
Ready to enter the Butterfly House and Marine Cove!
Up first - the Marine Cove, where you can touch all kinds of sea creatures.
Annika is Under the Sea.
Sting rays! Daniel got to touch one four different times and loved it.
Next up - the Butterfly House! We loved watching all of the giant butterflies up close.
Documenting in action.
Beautiful green butterfly.
Beth has company!
So does Matt!
Annika captured this picture of a giant butterfly landing on her and crawling up her leg.
Daniel was also thrilled that a butterfly landed in his hand.
The whole gang, minus Greg. Poor Greg was terrified of the butterflies, because they flap and might land on him. :(
After our morning adventures, it was on to Panera for lunch, where we had all kinds of adventures in seating. ;)
That afternoon, while Greg and Rowan took naps, Will offered to take the bigger kids to the park so that the other adults could take naps, too. Will Rocks!!!
I went back to the hotel with every intention of taking a nap, but it was such beautiful weather that I went for a 5-mile run instead. It felt awesome.
We all gathered back up at the Millers after naps/runs were finished. Julie and Greg are super cute!
So is Keagan. :)
The kids table at dinner! The Thorntons got two giant boxes of tacos for us to all share from the famous Taco Johns.
More PIE!!!! Matt baked two delicious homemade pies, peach and cherry, in honor of Epic Pi Day. Let it be known that there was no shortage of pie among our crowd.
After dinner, the kids had a blast playing outside in the beautiful weather and kicking/throwing different balls.
Downtown Madison! Julie, Beth, and I walked here after dinner to procure chocolates. Matt and Beth live in a great location close to everything.
Our destination - Trolley's! We bought tons of chocolate truffles and let it be known that they did not disappoint. ;)
We are looking forward to more adventures in Madison today and more fun times with our dear friends!
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