Weekdays :
- Monday - I went into Optum and met with our new leader for Optum Tech Human Capital - she seems great! Stayed a little late given upcoming PTO and had some door dash ordered - no sports for us for once!
- Tuesday - Worked from home but Clint went in, wrapped up around 430p and headed to the kid's school for their Fall conferences. Connor is a sweet silly boy who loves to carry around chapter books and say super sweet but funny things - loves to play! Maci is a super sensitive, good friend, creative type who also rocks at math but could remember to not talk when it is time to listen - hmm who does that sound like? HA We then went to the Muni for dinner with the kids and got home in time to start packing for our Fall Break trip to South Dakota!
- Wednesday - We picked up our rental Expedition from the rental car company around 830a, then we grabbed some bagel breakfast and by 10a we were loaded up and off on our journey to South Dakota. After 2 gas stops - we pulled into Deadwood/Lead around 630p. We dropped our gear and the dogs at our AirBnb before heading to Mustang Sally's for a quick burger dinner.
The modern day version of my beloved game
We got Alaska on the drive!!!! WHAT?!
Night 1 - This kid! HA
- Thursday - Clint grabbed us some coffee and we then headed into Deadwood for a really nice breakfast. After our yummy breakfast, we were off to Custard State Park. We saw Buffalo (at a distance), Donkeys in our car windows, Prairie Dogs and Pronghorns. We then took a hike and everyone slipped once but Clint. We had some Subway for a late lunch. Then we rested at the house for a bit before we headed out to Mt Rushmore at nights under the lights. What a great day?!
Deer in the Backyard!
Post Breakfast Selfie
Cute Pumpkin Patch Set up for Pics
Custer State Park
This lil guy drives me nuts and has my whole heart at the same time!
Hiking
Mt Rushmore or as Connor says "Mountain Rushmen"
Friday :
- Up and at 'em with coffee and some take out breakfast
- Got ready for the day and then headed out to Bear Country USA drive through park - we saw so many cool animals in front of our cars - tons of black bears, more buffalo, mountain lions, big horned sheep etc.
- We of course stopped for some walk around open zoo fun at the end and the gift shop where Connor got a buffalo blanket to match his buffalo stuffie from Mt Rushmore. Whereas Maci quickly picked out a black bear purse with buffalo plaid and ironically it also matched her Black Bear stuffie from Mt Rushmore the night before.
- We went back to the AirBnb, dropped the dogs and headed to downtown Deadwood for exploration, shopping and live action shoot outs.
- Connor was so excited for the shoot out until the first gun was fired and then he decided to come back and sit by his parents vs the other kids HA
- We went back to the house for a bit and then decided to find some Qdoba for dinner as the kids wanted Chipotle but that wasn't nearby
- Clint and I stayed up late and binged the rest of "You" Season 3 - So Good!
Bear Country USA
Our Lil Bears
Gorgeous Drives
Deadwood Fun
Maci's face on the dead animal hat picture HAHA
Waiting on Lunch
Doing Selfies to compare facial features for who looks alike the most
We decided Connor and I are twins, 0 Clint - Maci has more Mondell but also has my eyes and face layout
Pew Pew Pew as Connor calls it or Gun Fight Show!
Saturday :
- We had to check out of the house by 10a so after breakfast, packing and clean up we were off to our 1 night hotel near badlands and Wall Drug
- We pulled up around 1130a and the hotel said no chance of getting in before 3p - we can't go into Wall Drug (lame anyway) with the dogs and the weather was chilly and overcast so not ideal for long hikes in Badlands with the kids and dogs. After some quick chatting and realizing there was no real place to hang out/eat etc - we decided we would scrap our 1 night at the motel and just head home.
- We loved our time away but started to get excited for our own beds, a lazy Sunday at home, football on tv vs radio etc.
- We enjoyed Arbys when we finally found civilization again, if you think I am kidding - check out the strip of I-90 between Sioux Falls and Rapid City 😜and we also enjoyed listening to college football games on Sirius the whole way home.
- We got in around the halftime of OSU's butt whooping of Indiana - we got right to unpacking, enjoyed the hot tub on our sore muscles from the drive and then watched Jason Sudekis on SNL
Sunday :
- I woke up to some tough news from my mom - my dear Grandma Peggy passed away. She had been having heart issues followed by testing positive for COVID so we knew it was likely a matter of time but still hard to get that news. It feels so crazy that I will never hear her sweet voice say "Kellie girl" or "is that your team from Cincinnata" She was the absolute best and we will all miss her dearly!
- After wiping my tears and getting some legendary Clint hugs, we were on to the couch for our football games - Grandma must have been up there helping Cincinnata b/c they kicked the you know what out of Baltimore!
- We spent the rest of the day talking to family, finishing the kids prep for the week ahead and planning out my to do list for PTO!! I am off all this week and plan to have a mix of R&R, fun and household productive items. For example, I am starting with some wine and a jigsaw puzzle/football tonight.
Sweet Grandma Peggy
Hug your loved ones, time is fleeting but we live each day the best we can!
Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C
