June, July 2011

 

We kicked off our summer with our annual trip to the Black Hills area.  We dropped several high school kids off at the FCA sports camp in Spearfish.  We then traveled to Pulmer Gulch Campground near Mount Rushmore.  We had a great time riding horses, going to a chuck wagon supper, paddle boating, attending the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore, driving through the wildlife loop and then finally enjoying the closing night of worship and speaking at the FCA camp.  

 

There was nice little playground right outside our hotel room door, but the kids preferred to play on this rock.

 

Throughout the last 18 months of our house building project we had the opportunity to form new relationships with many of the people that have been working out here.  We have an awesome builder named Kirby and his son Thomas also works for him.  We were invited to attend Thomas and Ashley's wedding in July.  It was a beautiful wedding and the girls really enjoyed being at their first ever wedding.  

 

July 4th, 2011 found us at our usual spot- Grandpa Cliff's Farm.  We enjoyed supper, train rides and balloon animals at his old church, and cake and fireworks back at the farm. 

Who says the adults can't have a little fun as well :)

Another year at the rodeo in Mitchell and this year it was Madelyn's turn to try here luck at the "Muttin Bustin" event.  Her ride on the sheep was so quick I couldn't get a picture, but here she is with her participant trophy

 

Madelyn and Jillian played for the Yellow team this year.  Will was one of the coaches. Here they are with their good friends Sydnee and Annika. Softball kept us busy Monday thru Thursday evenings.  Lauren played one division up.  She now plays fast pitch and even got to pitch a few innings.  

Happy Anniversary

Will and Hilary  

June 20, 1998

Today we celebrate our 13 year wedding anniversary.  Will and I met in Mitchell SD when I was a Sophomore in high school and he was a Junior.  We dated for 6 1/2 years and then got married when I finished college.  It was the happiest day of my life! 

Purple Ribbon

Here is Lauren at the 4-H Special Foods Contest.  Her objective was to prepare a nutritious smoothie in front of a judge.  She also had to answer questions pertaining to the food pyramid and nutritional values of her smoothie as well as create a place setting according to certain guidelines.   

 

The place setting was to potentially be used for a summer party in the back yard.  Her smoothie was called "The Popeye Smoothie". We came up with the name from our neighbor Matt.  I had to show Lauren on the internet who Popeye was.  He is not from her generation I guess.  Some of the ingredients were spinach, almond milk, honey, and bananas.  It actually tasted very good!

She won the top award which was a purple ribbon!  She now qualifies to compete at the State Fair.

Last day of school

 

Jillian with her first grade teacher Mrs Lindgren.  

Lauren with her 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Andera

Madelyn Preschool Graduation

Madelyn and I made some special treats to share with her classmates

Our preschool graduate!  

The proud parents!

Madelyn with her teachers Mrs McClure and Mrs Vondracek

 

Kindergarten here I come!

Toby

Today we drove to Tallgrass Kennels near Desmet SD and picked up the newest addition to our family.  His name is Toby and he is a black labador.  He is very handsome and extremely sweet!

 

We got to pick him out of a litter in which there was 3 males to choose from.  It was not an easy decision.  They all looked identical.  We all had a nice time just watching them play and rest and then 2 hours later we finally decided which one to bring home.  

Awana 2011

Madelyn receiving the yellow ribbon for completing her 3rd book in Cubbies.  She will move up to Sparks next year.

 

Lauren receiving her award for completing her first book in Truth and Training.  

Jillian completed her book as well, but she received her award earlier this year.  The kids attend AWANA every Wednesday night throughout the entire school year.  Its a huge commitment and they put lots of time in to studying and memorizing verses each and every week.  Its a gift to have all of these verses tucked away in their hearts and minds.  The Word of God is a priceless tool!