one year

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March 19th, one year ago, our moving van pulled into our (temporary) apartment parking lot. We were met with a large crowd from our new church family who quickly unloaded the trucks into our home and storage unit.

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The church members gave so sacrificially to us in so many ways to make us feel welcomed and included. I will always be grateful.

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The only decor I hung on our apartment walls.

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We showed the kids around their new city. This was our first official family visit to Falls Park.

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To celebrate our anniversary here, we used the last gift card we had to the Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove.

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Fish are friends, not food.

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Doug’s first time leading worship last year was Easter weekend. The Hurts were able to celebrate with us too this year. We loved having them!

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Saturday night, it snowed yet again. Easter Sunday was beautiful. He has risen indeed!

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Jack was not amused to discover glitter from his sister’s eggs all over his face.

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Our first year in South Dakota has been a blessed one. Although I am ready for warmer weather now.

FALLing in love with SD

Right before we kicked off the school year, the Fords came all the way to SD to see us before they camped in the Black Hills. We are so glad they did!

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Of course out- of- towners must visit the falls.

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The Introvert table

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The Extrovert table

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We explored some parts of Sioux Falls we hadn’t seen yet. This barn, in Arrowhead Park, was built in 1888!

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The cousins made a poster for their Papa’s 70th birthday! We had all his grandchildren together so we we took a picture for him.

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macaroon time at CH Patisserie in downtown Sioux Falls

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A trip to Scheels

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With the plethora of August birthdays in the Ford family, Doug made a cake for everyone! Thank you Fords for the lovely visit. Come back soon!

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Also this fall, Jack had his very first piano recital. He had only been taking lessons for six months. He insisted on memorizing his pieces and did very well in spite of being really nervous. His goal is to be able to play his beloved Beatles songs one day.

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Hotel Transylvania 2

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The kids had many fall  field trips with our homeschool group.

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Silver Creek Orchard

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The orchard was a great pick for a fall trip!

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ICE CREAM!

Jack and Doug went to the SDSU Dairy Bar and Creamery trip without us because Lucy was sick that morning.

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A trip to the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. We have enjoyed every trip to this place. Definitely a favorite for our family.

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Another pretzel trip to Auntie Anne’s.

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Don’t Be Shy, Lucy! Thanks for reminder!

And in addition to all this fun we started ballet, fall soccer, and school again. It’s been a fabulous fall!