Fall in S.D.

For those of you that haven't seen this photo yet, here it is. I like how it turned out. Even a full moon in the background! Thanks, Andrew for making me look good! :)

These photos were all taken out at a nature preserve we sometimes walk around  in as a family. We were attempting to capture a nice photo for Jan & Alan's Christmas frame/Levi's 2nd birthday photo shoot/pregnancy pics. I love these couple of Andrew and Levi.

Carrying around these 43+ extra pounds is hard work! :)

Can you say "Seen mama do this one too many times this pregnancy?!" Hahaha. So much for "Potty training".

This is proof that we can have a nice fall day. Notice Levi is in shorts and a tshirt.

Levi sporting his almost too small cowboy vest from Mimi. He is attending his friend's 2nd birthday party and needed something that would pass for "Farm".

Levi's 1st horse back ride at friend's birthday. I had to get on with him (not an easy task) because he didn't want to ride alone.

Here is a photo of Andrew and I at this year's Spirit of Dakota dinner. I was wearing the same outfit 2 years ago to the same banquet but looked much different. :)

Each year I fill several boxes for the Operation Christmas Child donation. This year I had a little buddy cheerfully helping me fill our 3 boxes. Hint if your family does this: buy throughout the year when things are on clearance; i.e. after school is back in session school supplies are SUPER cheap. I did this as a child of about 10-12 and received a little package back from the girl that got my box. It was SO meaningful!

Levi and Andrew raking the leaves together.

Levi helped Andrew smash the leaves in the can by jumping on them.

July 4th

Levi tries out his camping/parade chair.

Bubble fun.

Parade watching with church members.

These are some Easter Lilies that Andrew bought me a year or 2 ago. They are blooming beautifully right now!

Raspberries from our garden. They tasted SO fresh and delicious!

Camping with a 9 month old!

Andrew planned on going to Presbytery in Rapid this last weekend. Levi and I tagged along! After Presbytery we camped overnight and took in some sights. This was Levi's first camping trip. We are practicing for the longer camping trip with family this summer!

I caught him eating grass :)

Levi has so many new things to touch and explore for the very 1st time!

This is buffalo hide.

We stopped off at Wall Drug for a quick bite to eat and photo op with Levi.

Friday morning before Presbytery, we visited the free SD Air & Space Museum.

Devil's Tower, WY.

Bear Butte, SD

The view from the top of our hike.

We had a severe thunderstorm in Rapid. I was able to photograph a lightning strike.

9 Months!

I can't believe how fast our little man is growing up! He is 18 lbs. 6 oz. 28 1/2" long. 18.5" head circumference.

I left the room for ONE minute and came back to this! :) It is funny the 1st time.... but I am sure every time after this it isn't so funny anymore. (He wasn't any where near these snacks by the way, when I left him.)

Andrew, Levi and I went in search of the Wessington Hills for a day trip. We had some great views of the plains and wildlife.
I think this is a Great Blue Heron.
American Coot

Ruddy Duck (noted for it's stiff tail)

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Red-Winged Blackbird
Cows! Andrew happened to be "mooing" at them and I couldn't resist snapping this photo!
Long Horn.