These are some pictures from our South Dakota vacation. We had a great time visiting with family.
John's mom lives right next to a big park with the local public pool. We went a couple times. The kids had a great time, and Aunt Lisa likes to swim even when it's not sweltering hot outside. That makes her a little more fun than mom. That is Cousin Quinn in the picture with them. Ethan and Quinn had a great time getting reacquainted.














I just thought this was a sweet picture of Quinn.













Uncle Dan bought a bunch of fireworks and we drove out into the county to set them off. It was just us and the bugs. I wish I could have captured Ethan's excitement at "blowing stuff up." He had so much fun. Gertie desperately wanted to be part of the fun, and when we let her have a sparkler, this was the look. She kept asking for more and more, but she crunched her shoulders up and always made this same worried expression.










And here is my birthday girl. She's twelve now, and seeming quite grown up. She had a fun day with swimming at the beach, lemon delight cake (thanks, Judy!) and a late-night viewing of "The Princess Bride."