We got up early again this morning to get on the road. We have realized that when we get up early, we can beat some traffic on the road and we also get several hours under our belt that allows us to go without stopping because the kids are sleeping! We actually didn't have a long trip ahead of us today. Only about 6 hours! We drove across the state of South Dakota today. It is pretty flat for sure! The first thing we did, was stop at Wall Drug! I didn't snap any pictures though :-(
Then we headed toward DeSmet, SD. This is the location of the Ingalls Homestead from the Little House on the Prairie Books. I read all of the books as a little girl and I have been reading the books with the girls this year. So it was only fitting to go and visit. It is such a cool place and hands on as well. We highly recommend it to everyone! One thing that is super special, is that while the Ingalls were homesteading on this land, my family on my mom's side, was farming land only about 30 miles away. So while reading those stories that Laura wrote, I am reading my family's history! Super special.
On the Playground
Lucy and a covered wagon
In the barn. There were 10 kittens who were born in April. They were so fun to hold!
A new calf born in the barn
The kitchen in the house
Eli playing the organ
Making a button spinner. (an old school fidget spinner!)
Doing the laundry.
Riding the ponies and the pony cart
Taking a covered wagon ride to school. (the girls got to drive the wagon)
One room school house. (My grandpa went to school in a one room school house!)
Eli sitting in an original desk that was from this school house in the 1800's
Ringing the school bell
Making a jumprope (actually not from this time period but something fun to do)
Taking the corn off the cob for her corn cob doll
Pony riding
Old Church
After visiting the homestead, we started making our way to visit our family in Watertown. This included taking a tour of all of our family spots! My first cousin, once removed, Mark took us on a tour! It was so special and fun!
Crossing over Maynard Lake
South Elrod Church.
Our family used to attend church here and I believe my grandpa did some preaching at this church as well.
The cemetery where many of my family members are buried. My grandparents will be buried here as well.
The original house that my grandfather grew up in with his mom and 6 siblings. It had dirt as insulation.
The wheat field on the farm that my grandpa grew up on
Once my great grandmother moved out of the original house, they built her this cute little pink cottage.
The one room school house that my grandpa went to school in!
We're so excited to be here for a couple of days! I haven't been here since I was 10 so I am very excited to not only be here but to share this amazing place with my own family.
~ Juli
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