Road Trip Day 24

Day 24

Juli- We have been so lucky to spend some time with my cousin, Mark and his wife Arla. They have been the most hospitable to us. This morning, we woke up and went to church with them at Watertown Christian Church. Last night when we were eating dinner, Eli asked what time church started. Mark told him that it started at 10:30. Then Eli asked what time it went to and Mark told him that it ended just before noon. But then he cracked me up when he said, "You know though, Eli. There are a lot of Maynards that go to the church, so you may need to pack a lunch!" It cracked us up! Our family is known for lots of coffee drinking, talking, and very long goodbyes!

Lily- They have a dog named Jet. she Is very sweet and playful.

On our way to church we got to ride in a convertible!!!!!

Juli- After church, we decided for all of the family to continue visiting with one another at the Pizza Ranch. I think we had about 20 family members at lunch. It was such a wonderful time chatting with everyone and visiting. We spent about 2 hours there and I didn't even think to snap a single picture!!!!! When we left, as we were walking out, I said, "Oh no, my mom's going to kill me, I didn't even snap a single picture!"

Lily- Mark and Arla live on a lake and we realy wanted to go on a boat ride so we did.    

They Have a tube that we wanted to go on so they got it and we rode on it!!!

Mom said I could ride on it with dad so he would Keep me safe!!! IT was so much fun!!

(Even mom went on it and fell over!!)

After all the fun we settled down and packed up the car. Did our laundry and me and lucy  drew a HUGE flower all the way down the driveway!!

We had an awesome day and we are so thankful for the opportunity to be with family!

~ Juli and Lily

Road Trip Day 23

Day 23

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