After being home for almost a month I'm finally getting around to this post about our second road trip of the summer. I'm actually fairly pleased with myself that it's only been a month...
In mid-July we headed north for a two week Dakota Adventure consisting of family, fun, regressing to waking up every 90 minutes at night, weddings, and more family. We had an absolute blast (minus the sleepless nights, but after another two weeks at home we're pretty much back to "normal" - for us). We spent the first week in Lead, SD with my family - including my parents, who were spending a week in the Hills as well - and the second week in Mottt, ND with Alex's grandparents.
First, South Dakota.
We spent a lot of time playing and relaxing in Great Grandma and Grandpa Rappana's backyard. Michael was leery of the grass for all of one evening, then he wanted to explore it... and eat it. Grandma and Grandpa got in some good playtime keeping Michael entertained on his blanket.
There were also many ladder ball tournaments - maybe Michael will join in next year.
We had our very first taste of watermelon - and we loved it.
We hiked Harney Peak with Grandma and Grandpa. Michael was a trooper - he cooperated by sleeping for almost all of the ~4 hour hike. Daddy was a trooper too - he carried Michael for the whole hike, with a blanket draped over his sleeping passenger to keep the sun off him (Michael was not a fan of his hat).
Above: Superhero Daddy. Below: Sleepy little hiker.
We thoroughly enjoyed our week with Great Grandma Maxine...
...and Great Grandpa Chuck - as well as the rest of the Rappana clan :)
In addition to quality time with the Rappana side, Michael got to meet many of his relatives on the Mattox side at the reception for my cousin Zarah's wedding. He was his usual cheerful self despite the hot weather and it being so close to bedtime. Alex and I have no idea how the two of us ended up with a baby who is quite the little social butterfly... is it a case of two negatives equaling a positive?
Of course Zarah and Jeff were the stars of the show, but another very special guest was Great Grandpa Jim Sayre, all the way from New Mexico. Michael was quite fascinated with both his hat and his beard.
After our lovely week in Lead we headed up to Mott. The Cranes were gathering to celebrate Alex's cousin Molly's wedding. The three of us arrived several days before the rest of the crowd, and we got to spend some quiet days visiting with Great Grandma and Grandpa Crane.
A major event of this week was Michael getting his first taste of steak (steak not processed by Mama, that is). Michael sucked this chunk of meat dry, and he has been quite the little carnivore ever since!
Snuggling with Great Grandma Shirley.
Watching the news with Great Grandpa Charles.
Four generations of handsome Crane men!
...And several of the beautiful Crane cousins trying enthusiastically to get Michael to smile for the above generational picture.
Michael enjoyed the festivities at the reception. No, he did not drink the beer, he just chewed on the rim of the glass - I promise; he did, however, stay up waaaaaaaaaaaay past his bedtime!
It was an amazing trip, and we were glad to get home at the end of it. We are so thankful for our family!!!
