SIMC: Summer Rewind

Do you ever wish you could just rewind to the beginning of summer? I know I do. Summer is almost over and there was so much more I wanted to do. At least in photos it can be eternally summer. Here are a few from one of My oldest granddaughters softball games at the very beginning of summer.  As with most cities ours has many different sporting leagues. Baseball, softball, soccer, bowling and I think there is even a volleyball league.

She made it to base, albeit via a walk.

Thank you for visiting me here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This is my contribution to 'Sunday In My City'. 

To find out what is going on in different cities around the world hop over to

 Unknown Mami's Sunday In My City blog hop.

Sheridan Lake

Nestled in the Black Hills National Forest a short drive from Rapid City sit beautiful lake Sheridan. Although Lexxi and I were all for an afternoon of cliff diving, the rest of the family voted for the spacious swim beach. The wide stretch of sandy beach sat just beyond a good size lush green lawn scattered with trees and picnic benches, as well as a bathroom facilities. 

While Sissy's heat sensitivity caused her to break out in a bothersome rash at first, after she got in the cool water she was fine and able to enjoy the day. Of course having her best friend there made it extra special. 

After a fun day splashing and swimming in the lake, digging in the sand and eating an enjoyable lunch we headed bhomw just in time to miss the summer storm that was rolling in.

Angostura Recreation Area

While the merry-go-round spins on relentlessly we managed to escape the wild ride long enough to enjoy a bit of nature, and give me something fun to share with you for Sunday In My City.

We wanted to go swimming so Lexi's friend suggested we check out Angostura Lake, located about an hour to the south of Rapid City. It was nice to take in the fresh air and relax in the cool water. 

I decided to set my camera on auto, big mistake! After a good deal of editing here is what I got.

Their website boasts crystal clear water and nice sandy beaches. However the beach we were told was open for day swimmers was very narrow with lots of overgrowth, stickers, spiders and lizards. The water was nice although a bit murky with lots of twigs. I am thinking all of this may have been because of the recent heavy rains. 
I love the water but with no oceans here in the Midwest we are confined to lakes, rivers and pools. Rapid City has a number of fun pools but in my opinion they are way to expensive and there is so much more to do at the lake. This week we are hoping to visit another lake that is a bit closer. 
What is your choice for a bit of fun in the water? Lake, ocean, river or pool?

FF: Double TGIF

TGIF!

That is right it is finally Friday. This week I have been anxiously awaiting this day for a couple of reasons. One, it is of course time to link up with all the wonderful fraggers over at Mrs. 4444's and have a bit of fraggin fun! Second, I am leaving today for a weekend away!

When Mrs. G was little she was one of the biggest girly girls I had ever known and then she hit 13 and out of no where emerged the total tomboy. For the last fifteen years I have wondered where my little fashion queen went. Guess what? She is back! The poor quality of this photo can't completely be blamed on my cell phone, I was laughing hysterically as I took the photo because Mrs. G kept saying "Are you sure this looks okay? I feel so weird"

I worked like a mad woman this last week adding over 170 note cards and matching magnets to our gift shop.

This was taken a few weeks ago at about 8 in the morning. I remember thinking it was just to darn hot. Since then we have been seeing a lot of heat. The past week has been in the 90's and pretty muggy with I'm sure at least one day that was over 100. As much as I generally enjoy summer I am looking forward to cooler weather. Is anyone else ready for Autumn?

I am really excited about my post for this weeks Sunday In My City... yes I actually have a post already to go, and the title is Storybook Island. Can you guess why? 

That brings us to the end of my fragments and what better place to show off a few goofy faces.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I know I will!

Friday Fragments: Double feature

We are certainly enjoying all the extra room here in our new home. So much so that I was distracted and lost track of time, thus today is a double feature of fragments from the last week two weeks.

There is a large kennel two section kennel in our huge back yard, but we don't have an outdoor dog so it is going to be converted into a play house for the kids on one side and a painting studio on the other. Work has begun on the play house. Here Mr. G is guiding Bubba and Sissy in the building of a table for their playhouse. 

In addition to having a large backyard we now have a good size front yard and all this in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Combine the extra room and the cooler climate  and the kids are spending a great deal more time outdoors.

On a totally unrelated note: My little sister had her birthday last week. Since it was the Big 4 0, I thought a gag gift was in order so I made her this.

Personalized Over the Hill certificates available here

Unfortunately the joke was on me. It seems that somehow 2012 was last year! How I didn't realize it was 2013 and not 2012 I really can't tell you other than to claim senility. It would have been more understandable if I had just forgot what year she was born but nope that wasn't the case. As you can clearly see I even dated it 2012!
 
While Norfolk had it's thunderstorms they were nothing like a good old South Dakota thunderstorm. Unlike my Grandchildren I enjoy the lightening and thunder, and can often be found sitting outside with my camera trying to capture the lightening. Here is a shot from a little storm one night last week.

Mr. G, little Bubba and I went to the Monster Truck show at the Black Hills Raceway. Mrs. G, Sissy and Mel (my youngest daughter) opted to go to the movies instead of joining us at the Monster Truck show as we thought there would be peanuts which Sissy is deathly allergic too. We all had fun that night. At the racetrack, I took tons of photos which I will be posting at another time, but here are a couple.

On Sunday the whole family piled in the car and headed up the mountain for a family outing. We were on a mission, the kids and Mr. G to get fresh saltwater taffy and me to enjoy the sights and take pictures of the beautiful scenery and historic town of Keystone.

 
There you have it. I hope you're having as much fun this summer as I am. Now don't forget to click the button below and hop over to share your Friday fragments at Unknown Mami's as she is meme sitting FF this summer for Mrs. 4444's at Half-Past Kissing time. 

Friday Fragments

Life is starting to get back to normal, if there is any such thing.

The kids are enjoying their summer break and the beautiful weather in this big new yard.

I do have to say though that the kids and I do miss having so many playgrounds within walking distance. That was one really cool thing about living in Military housing, there were six or seven playgrounds all within a short walk. Now to get to a park with a playground we have to drive a few miles.

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day. This year we didn't do anything special.

Our new studio lighting is on it's way! Yay! It should be here in time for Artistix Network LLC's Rapid City, SD grand opening on June 15th.

Since it has been awhile since I last posted an inspirational quote design I thought I would share our latest design with you now.

Wishing all a weekend of joy, peace and relaxation!

Linking up with Mrs. 4444 for Friday Fragments. Click on the button below to check this fun blog hop.

Oh to be little again

After six days and 28 newborn photography sessions I almost wonder if accepting a position with a newborn photography company was the wisest decision. Click here to learn why I would do such a crazy thing. The kid in me almost wishes I was little again so I could play away the rest of the summer.  At least I was able to get in a little time with the grandchildren. 

The summer is winding down and the weather here in Norfolk has cooled down considerably. With two weeks left till school is back in session I am hoping for lots of chances to enjoy the rest of summer. This last week we took a few short walks, and even went to the park.

But best of all they got to play in the pool while I relaxed and watched.

Thankfully my position with the newborn photography will only be a few days a week from now on and I can get back to focusing on family and Artistix Network business. 

For a little virtual travel stop over at Unknown Mami's for: