Vacations and family ,what else is important?

The time frame of our vacation approached quickly. We waited anxiously for the departure date, well, not exactly. We were pretty busy with construction of the gazebo for Penny and Bob. The first day out was to Edina. Since the trip was only 5.5 hrs., we took our time, slept in and left Green Bay around 2:00 p.m. The following day after enjoying an evening with Chris and family, we headed out west toward Utah. We were well rested so we were up early and hit the road by 6:50 a.m. We drove 14 hrs. that first day and knocked out quite a stretch of interstate. For the first time ever, I saw a bull moose casually walking approximately 12 ft. from the interstate. It was a huge animal with a rack to match and no worries. Naturally, the camera was in the back, zipped up safe and sound, so alas, no picture!
This was a priceless day with grandsons and Debbie and Margaret at the Dinosaur Museum.

The kids had a ball digging for bones in the archaelogical dig site. They usually leave their shoes outside the dig and since it is all sand, they love it. Eli likes his sandals on however!
There was a velcro build the dinosaur activity,
sometimes it was a rather strange looking dinosaur due to placement of the pieces but they had fun and many ideas relative to the construction of this dinosaur.
Many of the pieces were larger than the kids!
The water and sand table is always a favorite. It often proves difficult to convince your children to leave this neat experience. Moms love getting in on the action too and are hesitant to leave as well.

Vacation

We left the state just in time to miss all the humidity and 90 degree weather. It has been very comfortable since we have returned. The vacation was two-fold. We wanted to visit sons and their families and do some sight seeing. Everyone is well, we accomplished some tasks, had some good conversations, some laughs, and some experiences with the family to add to our memory book.
We visited many of our favorite haunts; the Tetons, Yellowstone, Custer State Park, Custer, Old Faithful, Mt. Rushmore, Sturgis,........the list goes on and we added special memories and new places.
Remember to stay away from the Sturgis area for at least two weeks prior and two weeks after the Sturgis reunion. Seventy years and going strong, we never saw so many motorcycles, fifth wheels with trailers, campers, motorhomes with huge mathching two door trailers, semi motorhomes! (Not to mention all those riding their bikes to the famous event)
Old Faithful was less than spectacular this year. There was another geyser going off at the same time and we thought maybe that affected the show.
Maybe we have just seen Old Faithful too many times-no-you can never see it too many times! Awesome!

Neighbors

A tribute to our precious neighbors!
What an awesome vacation! We have such great neighbors! They took care of our mail, watched the place, re-set the alarm when necessary, cut the grass, watered the flowers........., exceptional people. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
(Our vacation was stress free because we knew you were in charge:)
Tony and Pat

Gazebo

I never thought it would take so much time but it is beautiful and I know Penny and Bob will enjoy it. The landscaping is in progress and the screens are the final touch. Lights and outdoor breezes, sitting outside in the rain, it will be awesome!