miss south dakota

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I LOVE surprises. I seriously can't get enough of them! I love being on both the receiving and the giving end. And this past weekend, we pulled off a surprise party that has been in the making for about 25 years. It all started when my mom turned 21 and her BFF Tara kidnapped her, blindfolded her, drove her around, and had a big surprise birthday for her. Since then my mom has been patiently waiting and planning on "revenge," and since Tara has a milestone birthday coming up, mom thought it would be the perfect opportunity.

So to Platte we went, hauling everything you need to make a party for a past beauty pageant queen complete - hot pink streamers, sashes, rhinestones, and crowns. With the help of another friend, we had the whole evening planned, from snacks to games to gifts. By total chance, we even got one of Tara's pageant dresses that I wore for part of the night. It was hysterical. And she was SO surprised!

What a fun night to celebrate one of the most important women in my life. Tara, you are one of my most self-less, giving people I know. You make everyone around you feel special and important. I cherish all the road trips and late night conversations (and dessert plates!) we've had over the years. I am very blessed to have you in my life. Love you and happy birthday!

The invitation I designed for the party.

Surprise!

So many fun women in one place.

"Tara's 50 - let's show her some support!"

family vacay :: round 2

Well, it's the middle of summer and I'm loving it. Right now life is full of sweet corn, road trips, the hum of lawn mowers, 9:00pm sunsets, early morning coffee in the sunroom, and smelling like dirt and grass after an evening of working outside. Mmm... I am trying to soak in every moment of the summer goodness because I know there's not much left.

This past weekend, we made the 10 hour journey out west to the Black Hills of SD for a mini family reunion. Growing up, Mandy, our cousin Jaci, and I used to spend a week every summer out there with Grandpa and Grandma, so going out there is always a little trip down memory lane. And this time was no different - we even stopped Storybook Island (a childhood favorite) and got ring pops. We all love putting on our tourist hats when out in the Hills, so each day was jam packed with activities and site-seeing, all the while surrounded by sunshine and the warm scent of pine trees that will forever be one of the best smells of life.

The Activities:
Wall Drug
Harney Peak
Lunch and naps by Sylvan Lake
Mini golf and Pirates Cove
Breakfast on the deck each morning
Mt. Rushmore
Salt water taffy and trinkets at Keystone
Rushmore Cave
Storybook Island
Boat show on Canyon Lake
Late night ice cream

Yep, we know how to vacation.