Not

This is the car we didn't rent. I asked for a red convertible, but that didn't happen. I'll post a photo of the car he did rent when I get over it.

SD Monday July 11

"See you Friday" took a little longer than expected this morning, a new concept from the usual goodby that promises we'll see them in a few weeks. Hugs and kisses collected, suitcases loaded, lunch packed, maps and itineraries within easy reach, we began our adventure.
We made excellent time, stopped a few places, collected travel brochures, browsed merchandise, and appreciated pleasant encounters with other tourists and shop workers. About every hour we saw a state-run facility for travelers, so rest stops were never a problem, not quite as luxurious as Bucky's but close enough.
We entered The Badlands. Dramatic structures, cathedral spires, yellow mounds frosted with maroon, lots of pullouts at viewpoints, boardwalk trails, archeological finds, only one tour bus, and a brief sprinkle of rain.
Next stop was Wall Drug, a place we might have skipped until we heard too many people claim it was an experience not to be missed, at least once. We did our once. The complex covered more than a city block with a maze of wares pocketed in small sections and corners, all claiming organization, even though workers met every question with puzzlement. Our departure was more like an escape, and we left without spending any money. We knew we were licked when we wandered through their restaurant into a water play area next to vintage photo booths and giant animal sculptures. Whew! Someone could live out a life in there. Reminds me of a movie I saw a few years ago.
Going to Rapid City we drove through a wild and windy thunderstorm. This was the dark sky and lightening we had watched toward the west earlier on our way to Wall. When we reached our hotel, the only activities remaining were dinner and bed, and we were ready for both. End of day one.
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More Ropes

Hope these are the photos I wanted to select. Editing posts with an iPhone has it's limitations.

More thrills

After the ropes course, they were up in the air again for roller coaster screams.

We couldn't leave the MOA without walking through the American Doll store and adding to wish lists. They know Christmas and birthdays are months away, but hopes and dreams are exempt from calendars.

Final stops bought ice cream for NK and coffees for us. Ordering mocha coconut frappuccinos was a risky move, and we're doing our best to fight off any addiction.

As soon as a short, pseudo rest period ended at home, we were at the pool club for swimming with friends. Dinner at home satisfied all appetites with grilled ribeye steaks, mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, and croissants.

Following bedtime routines for the two youngest, the rest of us had just enough energy to enjoy wine on the porch. Another blessed day in grandchildren land!

On the Ropes

Want a great way to stay busy on a Sunday? Try out the new ropes course at the Mall of America! Family girls did just that and got adrenalin pumping. Not for anyone with acrophobia, the aerial experience earned two thumbs up (N & K) and one queasy tummy (A).

Sliders

So many ways to enjoy slides, and they tried any we allowed. With a park and playground at the end of their cul-de-sac, we make frequent excursions to burn off the chocolate treats brought from Texas.

Swim Snacks

After all that swimming, going to the bottom to retrieve dive sticks, sliding through the green tube, jumping in from the side, etc., they needed snacks. Yesterday they chose sweet potato fries and green bean fries, all graciously shared with us grownups. Of course, we later had dinner poolside as well. After showers and shampoos at the club, two tired and happy girls were ready for home and beds.
We four adults lounged on the porch watching dusk fall, and fall, and fall. Up here the sun doesn't really set in summer but mostly slides along the horizon until day gives up. Just a great reason for another glass of wine.

Treading water

Nothing like a trip to the pool club on a hot summer day! Plenty of water, especially in the deep end!

Garner Girls

This summer marked their first dances at the Garner Park Pavilion.

Phried Fone Warning

Not only precious children, not only precious pets, but now include precious iPhone in this warning: Do not leave them in the car on a hot summer day.

My habit is to leave my phone in the car during painting class. I don't want it to disturb us, and I certainly don't want to risk getting paint on it. When I left after today's lesson, I checked for messages and mail only to see a frightening graphic with WARNING! Temperature too hot for use! (or something equally terrifying) With a/c blasting, I located a safe cradle to allow cooling but not too rapidly. Who knows whether a sudden drop might cause cracking of some sort, a catastrophic sort!

About fifteen minutes later, with bated breath (sometimes trite is the only way to go), I checked once more and found operations normal. Whew! Another disaster averted! Oh Ippy, I will never leave you unattended in heat again!!!

(Something is so wrong to think of an iPhone being in heat. Is there an app for that?)

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