Trip to Missouri and South Dakota - 2012

We took our annual summer trip to visit Grandpa Pat at Lake of the Ozarks, MO in August. We had a great time again this year with Grandpa, Auntie Jen, Adam, Kellie, Jordan, and Mary. We spent some time on the water in the new ski boat and the pontoon. Addie "learned to swim" all by herself with a life jacket on - she was pretty proud of herself! We also made homemade ice cream and enjoyed some good meals on the grill. This year we had a bit of rain so we also spent a day at the outlet mall and at the arcade and shops next to the dam.

After Lake of the Ozarks, we road with Grandpa up to his house in Macon to spend a night. We had fun going through all of Jennie's old stuffed animals and other trinkets from high school. Addie was excited to come home with a few "new" old toys.

Then Grandpa gave us a ride up to South Dakota to spend a week at Grandma Kristi's house. Addie loved petting and feeding the horses, and of course had all their names memorized and could tell them apart after the first day. She didn't want to ride a horse this year, but she says she will ride one when she is 5 :)

Grandma Kristi took her to the zoo in Sioux Falls, and we had a fun night at Darci and Clay's house. Addie just loves playing with Ivy and Paisley!

We also spent some time with Grandma Dorothy and the Baumberger clan.  Markell and Julie hosted a picnic at their house in Garretson, and Addie had fun playing and swimming with all of her cousins.

It was a wonderful trip, but as always, we were ready to get home.  Two weeks on the road is a long time for anyone, especially a 3-year-old.  Addie was such a trooper though!  She really is a great little traveler, and Jay and I can't wait to take her on our next vacation!