Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park - August 2016

Chuckwagon eating

camping at Sully Creek

hiking the Maah Daah Hey

Little Missouri river crossing

mud hole/washout slipping

70 degrees, slight breeze

a beautiful Saturday

"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

It was a beautiful evening, after Eileen's visitation on Friday, so I decided to take Rue for a walk down the gravel road by my in-laws place. I have started to really love taking walks, even more so with Ruger off the leash. He's able to sniff and explore at his own pace but is always alert and aware of where I am.

I'm still thinking a lot about Eileen. It seemed weird going over to her and Vernon's farm and she wasn't there. I can just picture her in her kitchen, asking about my grandma and telling me tidbits about when she stayed with them in the 40's. She was very spry...probably the most spry person I knew. Which was why it was a bit of a shock when we heard she had a massive stroke. Aaron was just talking about stopping to see her that Monday on our way home from my parents.

The memories though, not only of Eileen but memories of my own grandparents come rushing back to me. I am so thankful for their examples - in the way they lived and the way they were. I'm appreciating it even more as I get older.

Saturday Morning Hike

This morning Elizabeth and I hiked the trails at the Knife River Indian Villages. I didn't realize the miles of trails they had there! I think this will be a staple walking place this summer with Ruger.

TRNP

Today was spent at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Besides the wind, it was a beautiful day! The herds of buffalo, wild horses, and views did not disappoint!

PC Week 5

Frosted Barb Wire

Yesterday, on our drive home from Nathan and Heather's, everything was frosted white. We ended up taking the gravel road home just so we could meander and enjoy the scenery. I found myself saying "STOP!" every five minutes so I could try a different angle on a different object with my camera. The brakes on my car and Aaron's right foot got a good workout.

50 degrees

snow melting

mud squishing

kitties running

nephews playing

sun shining

camera snapping

story telling

mini streams gurgling

pheasants flapping

air-soft gun pellets flying

Is it really Christmas in two weeks? Feels more like it should be Easter in two weeks.

There's nothing like the feeling of being outside in a sweatshirt and rainboots, sloshing around in the mud, after having to wear parkas and snowboots.

Next week it's suppose to be December weather again, and I won't complain, but I sure do appreciate a relief from it!

lake sakakawea state park

Yesterday, while Aaron was fishing, I explored the gently rolling prairie trails of Lake Sakakawea State Park. 

It was just too beautiful outside to stay inside. 

Elizabeth's Visit Part 1

Elizabeth came and visited us this weekend!

Our Friday consisted of meandering through Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park, browsing the shops in Medora, eating at a fantastic pizza parlor, taking in the Medora Musical, and a few other eventful events that will be blogged about, later!

Today, we spent the day at the Knife River Indian Village historic site and drove to the Garrison Dam to take in the mighty Lake Sakakawea. It's been another excellent {hot} summer weekend so far!