luxury camping

The KOA Palmer Gulch is what I like to luxury camping.  Or not really camping at all.

Full showers, bathrooms and 5 trillion family activities make you never want to leave this place!  We went at the beginning of summer. The water activities were all a little cold.  Madison did not notice because she was jumping her life away in the bouncy houses.  She loved it!  I started bringing my fold out chair so I did not have to stand hours on end. 

Carson as you can tell did not enjoy the water, and by the looks of it...either did dad :)

Bounce house city.  Just last summer we tried getting Madison in to the bounce house but she wasn't ready.  She was so nervous when other kids got in.  Now a summer later, one more year under that 3 year old belt and she is an old pro.  This past summer I have seen her grow up in many ways, especially the independence.  She loves experiencing new things and testing her climbing/running/hiking abilities.  One summer and now I have a little "I can do it" monkey {and now she really can do it by herself!}!  We could not be more proud to watch her flourish :)

Just look at that joy!

Oh the hammock!  The story of the hammock. 

We bought this hammock in Mexico, on our honeymoon and have used it never!  Not once have we lived where we could put it up.  The trees were all too little.   Now, 7 years later, the hammock has become a staple part of camping and all the kids LOVE to swing and swing and almost fall out, just to swing some more.  The parents just secretly love all the extra cuddles.

My little, but not so little, guy!  Carson has every ounce of boy in him.  He loves throwing everything, especially rocks at whoever just happens to walk by.  He wants to be a big kid.  He watches his cousins and sister very careful and immediately tries to follow in their footsteps, not realizing his legs are much shorter and his balance is a bit lacking.  He too has grown substantially compared to the beginning of the summer.  In April he still needed a little help when we went to playgrounds getting up the climbing wall or crawling up the steep steps.  Now he pushes our hands away, showing his independence.

These were the only 5 minutes we stayed in the water....the water was COLD!  With no heater and the sun not doing a great job the water had to be close to 60 degrees.  Luckily they had a small toddler pool which was warmed and even better a hot tub.

Bubble, bubbles, bubbles

We went to Horsethief Lake nearby to use the boat and catch some fish.

The evenings were spent cuddling and cooking smores :)

csp weekend 2014

Imagine the sun shining, the warmth filling your soul and sitting next to the beach watching the kids play in the water.

That is exactly what did not happen on our first camping trip in the Black Hills this past May.

Rain, 40 degree weather and an ever present wind was what we enjoyed Friday and most of Saturday.  Of course all the kids just loved being together and running around, I on the other hand really was hoping for some sun.

As we sat around the fire, everyone in winter jackets and hats, I realized, these are those crazy camping trips you wont forget.  The stories that began with "you remember when..."  I embraced the freezing days and nights and decided the best way to warm up is do exactly what the kids are doing, running around, playing tag or tossing a ball.  Nick will throw a ball for hours, Ryan, Lucas and Madison will go exploring/climbing any minute of the day and Carson will keep you busy trying to injure himself.  My point, there were a slew of activities to keep you warm

Being a fire was running most of the time we were at the campsite, the kids enjoyed way too many smores.  But look at those faces...THEY LOVED IT!

Custer State Park Free Weekend Extravaganza has been a long running tradition and we were not going to let the rain and cold bring that down.  We still entered into the fishing derby at Sylvan Lake but left early to enjoy some of the remote control airplanes over Horsethief Lake.  Madison is quite the fisherman.  She loves casting and does a great job.  Carson wants to do everything sister does, that includes casting aka practically hitting everyone in the face with his pole.  He is improving....  He also has quite a liking to the can corn being used for bait.  He would sneak over to the can, reach in and run away with a handful.  The entire time grinning and even giggling waiting for some one to say no.  That is my eating machine!

Sunday God knew we needed a break.  The day was gorgeous! The jackets and gloves were thrown in the car, while the t-shirts came out! 

We began the mid morning with some great pictures.  Although this was day 3 of camping {I have seen better clean days!} you can't even tell in the pictures!

We found the free pony rides.  I say pony because that is what the pamphlet said but instead we got the real deal.  Madison has always been fearful and reserved, but this is the first year she  jumped right on with out hesitation.  I had that mom moment where you can't believe they are getting so big.  And then tears welled up in my eyes and I realized I needed to make sure she didn't fall of the horse.  My moment was brief before the mom mode kicks back in.  Carson in typical fashion was the observer, hands behind his back watching as the horses went by.  We attempted to have him sit on the horse but he made {screaming} it clear he was having none of it!

We had wanted to try a hike in CSP called French Creek Trail.  You walk along this stream in a deep canyon.  The hike was beautiful!  We did not make it very far.  The water was super cold to cross and both kids were tired from a busy weekend.  Madison did fall asleep for part of the walk {lucky mom got a GREAT bicep workout}.

We had a memorable CSP weekend and look forward to next year!

These were picture from last year:  {They look so much bigger now!}

This was the fishing derby at Sylvan Lake one year ago

a touch of summer fun

This summer has been filled with so many great memories. 

I am remember dreaming about what summers in South Dakota would be.  Wishing for quality time for all the cousins to be together or wondering what "stopping by" the grandparents house would be like.  We could not have imagined just how wonderful that would be.  We have loved every minute!  I feel so blessed that God spoke to us just when we needed, pushing us to follow our hearts and He answering by a position created for Ben. 

Currently we are attempting to balance finishing the yard, enjoying family and camping.  I could have never imagined just how much work laying a sprinkler line, trenching, digging, raking, etc would be. This neighborhood is called Red ROCKS for a reason.  I like to call it boulder city!

I am sore every.single.day.  Luckily we have the base work down {laying the sprinkler system and removing loads and loads of rock} and decorative rocks are being delivered Monday.  I keep saying, one step at a time and we will reap the benefits next summer. 

P.S. don't let that dingo machine fool you, we still did ALOT of manual digging!

At first this yard work was exciting and I couldn't wait to dig in. I thought {typical me} of all the positives, a great tan, a great work out, a great yard.  Then about 10 hours later, I realized, this SUCKS!  We kept trudging along and that first day of trenching was a 14 hour day!  With kids!  Everyone did great but everyone was sore!

That has not been our only fun though.  I plan on doing quite a few more posts on a few camping trips, custer state park weekend and the parents weekend away!

Ben and the boys built a go cart from some left over wood and wheels Ben had.  Nick and Ryan LOVED it.  I think most of all the quality time with their Uncle was the best. :)

This is not the first, nor will it be their last, play in the mud.  I have reached my tolerance with dirt and mud!  I can't stand cleaning it up everywhere, from outside to inside.  The red dirt stains and transfers like lice.  UGH!  The kids {obviously} love every minute and beg to "play in just a little bit."  Yard work = Kids get to do whatever, so you can just get it done.  Many hose baths have been had.

We even squeeze in some time for cupcakes.  I job well done by these cuties.

a typical fishing evening

When you are in the parenting mode, answering questions, fixing problems, disciplining when needed, saving lives, you do not step back to hear the conversation.  But this day I did and could not stop laughing.

Ben and I decided on a Thursday to take the kids up for a picnic dinner next to Sheridan Lake, a short, beautiful fifteen minute ride.  I had the car packed with all the essentials, grill, hot dogs, buns, ketchup, fishing poles and chairs.

Ben rolled in to the driveway at 5:15 and we rolled out at 5:30.  As we began unloading for a full evening a fun, what seemed like only a few things turned into a full load for both Ben and myself.  Carson believes he is invisible {as does every young boy} and starts walking down a steep hill.  I hear Ben yelling "Carson stop, no Carson. You are going to get hurt, turn around buddy. Carson. Carson. CARSON. Ugh kid can you listen" while I am talking with Madison "Madison, did you say you did have to go potty or no?  Which one babe? Your underwear just hurt? You want your swimsuit? You need to pee? No we are going in the water once we make it down the hill. Well, I am not sure swimming across the lake is possible right now, maybe when you get older. Yes, Mommy is old but not really old, just a mature, young 30.  30 is not old.  Stop saying I am old.  Yes you are little and smaller than me.  I thought you said you didn't have to pee?"

Now we have arrived at the classic fishing spot.  There is just one other shore fisherman, two young guys and a boat trolling across the lake.  The grill has been turned on, hot dogs are sizzling and the juice boxes have been opened.  We get the kids geared up with swim suits and sunscreen.  The lake is smooth, no wind, no waves and just a soft glow from the warm summer air.  Perfection.

"MOM I JUST FARTED IN THE WATER!!"

Oh, wow. Reality check. We are parents with children who say anything, very loudly, audible to the 4 other people present on the entire lake.

"MOM I JUST TOOTED AGAIN!! THE WATER BUBBLED!!"

Alright, now this is just funny and ridiculous and embarrassing {not really, I have heard it all}.

deodorant anyone?

hikes, hikes, hikes

We have  over 20 hikes to choose from {probably even more that I don't know of} only ten minutes away.  I wish I had time to write a long excerpt but instead here are just a few fun pictures from our most recent trek.

We made it less than a half mile {total} and it took us approximately 1 hour.  {aka a ridiculously long time} Thanks kids!

my polite little guy {just do not mind the wild fist to the face every once and awhile}

This is Carson

Always watching and waiting and assessing.

He really stands like this or with his hands actually in the back of his pants {and yes, there have been a few times he has held his poop covered fingers to me and says "Mom, Mom, Mom"}

This little pony ride adventure will be blogged about soon.  From Carson's stand point the animals remain large and much to scary to sit on.  On the positive, Madison rode the horse for the first time without being scared!

madison {ism}

Madison: "Mom we need new names"

Mom: "Okay, what is your new name"

Madison: "Cheena"

{Me looking very confused and chuckling to myself, thinking where does she come up with this stuff.  Side note: She did watch Mulan for the first time and maybe China turned to Cheena?!?!}

Mom: "Huh, that's a nice name."

Madison: "And Carson needs a new name too"

Mom: "What should his name be?"

Madison: "Bob.  That's a good name."

{Me again laughing and smothering her with kisses}

*Last Comic Standing is coming to the Stewart Household 2015*

{not really but I am sure she would win that competition!}

our beautiful new home

We finally have a home!

There was a slew of emotions the day we closed on our first home in Rapid City, SD.

We are where we are meant to be.

This feels so right.

Our life could not get any better.

Our kids are going to grow up here.

Rapid City has always been our home and everywhere we moved home remained South Dakota.  The familiarity of the environment is comforting.  I almost forgot the kindness of this town.  While living in big cities has some definite perks {shopping, activities}, the small town is where it is at!  We have a 15 minute drive to any part of town or a 15 minute drive to a large lake in the middle of the Black Hills.

We have many things we need to do on the house {landscaping, basement finishing, bathroom remodeling, accent painting, etc} but everything that we change and redo, we know we get to enjoy for as long as we want.  We are no longer controlled by this, "well we might move but we are not sure when."

Here are a few of the pictures.  I need to take some with the decorations up but I just have a few more things I want {aka the couch that will take 6-8 weeks to arrive}. 

The plastic is down for when we were shuffling everything in the house.

We need a mantel...I am on the lookout!

Master bedroom and to the right master bathroom {the room is actually bigger than what I could get into the picture}

Front door and entry

To the left Madison's room and to the right Carson's bedroom

Note Madison's large walk in closet {every girl's dream!}

Guest bathroom

Real Hickory Wood Floors

Can you see my stress?!?!  We have a serious amount of unpacking to do! {to the left is the washer/dryer/garage entry way}

She does not seem to mind the chaos!!