13 Years of Bliss

Spearfish Lodge

For our anniversary Matt and I stayed at Spearfish Canyon Lodge. The next morning we got up and hit the trails that are in the area.

The first one we took was about a 1/2 mile and took us to Spearfish Falls. Matt and I have been to this area many times before but had no idea this pretty waterfall was here.

Spearfish Falls
After Spearfish Falls trail we took trail '76. It is an old mining trail that the miners use to use and hauled gold over the mountain to the train. The train actually ran right by the Spearfish Fall.

Halfway point of trial '76

The view from the top of trial '76
Matt and I did not read about trail '76 before we started. When we reached the half way point we were already tired because it was a steep trail. Well when we reached the halfway point there was a sign that said steep incline and loose footing. Matt and I debated if we wanted to continue of not and decided to go ahead. The first half was nothing compared to the second half. It only got STEEPER as we continued our hike. Once we finished the hike and were back at the bottom we noticed a sign that tells you a little about the '76 trail. It is only 3/4 of a mile, but you climb 1000 feet in that short time. The views from the top were amazing though and we were glad we did the entire hike.

Once we were done with the '76 trail we decided we needed a little break. Just outside the lodge we stayed in is an area with tables and benches so we sat down for a little break from hiking. It was so relaxing to sit and listen to the river.

While we were sitting there a little Robin decided to visit.

Throughout the day we say dozens of hawks. They were circling the sky, but were really high up. I kept trying to get some pictures of them, but this is the best I could get.

Our next hike was the trail to Roughlock falls. We have done this hike before which is a nice easy hike. It is about a mile long and has beautiful scenery the whole way.

Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon

Little falls at the base of Roughlock

Roughlock area again, it is so gorgeous there!!

Once we were done with all of our hikes it was time for lunch. We headed to Spearfish and had lunch there. After lunch we walked around Spearfish for a little while to let our lunch settle then it was off to Spearfish park. We got our bikes out and put them to good use. Matt and I rode around Spearfish for over and hour. I don't know how many miles we rode on the trials in Spearfish, but it was a lot of fun. It is such a pretty town to explore.

We ended the day with a barbecue at my mom's with Mike and Chantal. We had some yummy stuffed burgers and fruit salad and of course my mom's potato salad. It was a great way to end a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

My BABY is 7

Does that mean I am getting old?

I can't believe how big my kids are getting.

For Abbi's birthday we went to Spearfish park and had fun as a family and then later that evening we had Grandma & Grandpa, Steve, Mike & Chantal come over for cake and ice cream.

Matt playing Frisbee with the kids. Abbi missed it!!

Relaxing at the park!
Abbi and Jess love this little bridge. They try to bounce each other off of it.


John trying to be tricky with the Frisbee and throw it under his leg. It did not work that well.


Jess and Abbi feeding the fish. It does not matter how often we go to the Hatchery, they love feeding the fish!


Abbi's cake that I made. She wanted one that looked like the beach.

Blowing out her candles!!

Opening presents!!

Abbi also had a party at Putz N Glo with friends.

Here she is in their special birthday chair.

Brock getting the ball in the hole.

Four little girls waiting their turn to golf.

Reagan and Makenna discussing their next move.

Opening Presents!!

Blowing out her candles!!

Don't know, but Megan looks cute!!

We all had a lot of fun especially the kids. Happy Birthday my Abbi, we love you.

6th Grade Orchestra

John has been in orchestra for three full years now. Hard for me to believe how fast the time has gone. Middle school brought a lot of growth for John in orchestra. When he was in 4th and 5th grade they only had orchestra twice a week and only for 30 minutes. In middle school he had orchestra 5 days a week and for about 50 minutes. The improvement that I have seen in his violin abilities has been amazing. John had three concerts for his middle school and was 1st chair for all three. This is amazing to me because I know that some of the kids have been playing for much longer than John. The last concert John's main competition ( a boy named Levi) tied with John for first chair. John sat in first chair position for the first 3 songs and then switched with Levi. I was happy to see that Levi was able to be first chair because I happen to know that he has been playing since he was 4. John was happy for him as well and was more than willing to share the 1st chair spot with him. John really does not like being in the spot light. Here are two of the songs they played for the concert. I hope you enjoy them!