Our wonderful trip to the prairie! Part 1

We have made some fun summer memories this year, but going to the prairie was our highlight. So here is some pictures and notes about our trip.

The first fun stop, Minnesota's biggest candy store. Josh insisted we stop here and check it out. I will say it was cool and the variety of puzzles caught my eye. 

This is the ceiling in the candy store, this painting was my favorite! 

 Here we go on the road again. This was just before getting into South Dakota, we saw wind turbines everywhere. The boys thought they were pretty neat. I remember seeing these as a kid traveling through Texas. I didn't realize they had them in South Dakota.  

 As we drove up the dirt road to the homestead, I felt tears welling up, how cool to be in the same prairie as Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

 Here is our covered wagon that we stayed in. I will say it was very comfortable and it held up through the storm that evening. 

Here is inside our covered wagon, the next morning. 

So at this homestead it is a living prairie, they let you try things out for yourself and experience it.

Cutting the lawn. Look at that cool mower! 

Rope making!

         This is one of my favorite parts of the homestead, being able to climb, touch, see the Cottonwood trees Charles Ingalls planted and Mary, Laura and Carrie probably played on or at least sat next to while reading a book. There were five that he planted and they are all still strong and standing today!

The boys and I walking to see the Cottonwoods.

The boys on one of the Cottonwood trees

Josh and I on a walk through the Prairie. 

Walking to the church. 

One of the boys favorite parts of the homestead was going to the barn and playing with the kittens. 

They could have spent the night in there.

The rainbow after the storm. There was a tornado warning the night we stayed there, thankfully it wasn't too bad, just very windy.

Here is the chalk board in the replica school house, like the one Laura would have attended. 

  It is best to be honest and truthful and make the most of what you have.
Laura Ingalls Wilder