Jacob's 13th Birthday

It looks like a miniature fire truck, but it's next to a billboard along the freeway.
Driving through South Dakota to Pierre, there was a big storm abrewing, with beautiful dark clouds. I had to stop and take some quick photos of the kids.

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We started the day with a dental checkup for Jacob. Surprisingly, he has no cavities this time around. That means he earned $5.00. He hever brushes his teeth, so I usually expect cavities. It was a nice surprise.

We planned to leave at around 9, but of course didn't actually get on the road until 10:30. We had to do a quicky pinata smash. I didn't get any pictures of it, but it was so basic. I had the kids help me paper mache a balloon over the past couple of weeks, then Justin painted it yellow yesterday, and filled it last night. It looked like a yellow happy face. Jacob said it looked like the Wal Mart smiley face. All kids got several hits before it broke. Tony and Grace happened to stop by, so they got to give it a few whacks too.

Driving through Mankato, I mentioned to Justin that Arby's has the 5 regular sandwiches for $5. He said that's worth turing around for. He got 10, yes 10, roast beef sandwiches. Jacob loves Arby's, so we thought it would be a great place for him. We also got an orange dream shake, and Jacob got an apple turnover. I think all sandwiches were eventually eaten throughout the day. We didn't eat dinner.

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Justin visited two bike shops. During the first one, I took the kids to McKennan park. It is a beautiful park. I like how this city puts lots of effort into their public areas. There were many of flower gardens and a nice park area, even a free wading pool.

During the second shop, we went to McDonalds and got ice cream for Jacob's birthday. Ice cream just makes things feel better.

Tonight we are staying in Pierre, South Dakota at an AmericInn. We got here about 8 pm and the kids really wanted to swim. Isaac cracks me up. He's forever on a quest to make a whirlpool, no matter the size of the pool.

We all drank hot chocolate and listened to Dad read about the rameumptum in the scriptures. Here's to hoping for a nice night's rest. Making our way towards Lander, WY to meet my parents and go backpacking in the Wind Rivers for a coule of nights, if all goes well. !!!