There's No Place like Home!

We had the chance to go home to South Dakota and visit friends and family. Michelin was sponsoring an event put on by the School of Mines - so Cori was able to go and represent the company. We drove home so we could stop and see Cori's sister Cara in Columbia, Mo and catch one of her softball games. Go Stars! Then we were off to Philip, SD to visit David's family before going on to Rapid City.

In Philip - we shared dinner with all of David's family - grandparents, parents, and brothers. The dogs sure enjoyed the wide open spaces - they could run around and chase the wild animals. It was definitely a lot colder than the Kentucky winters we are getting more and more used to.

We were able to catch up with some friends while we were in Rapid City. We were able to see Cori's grandmother Cam and Keo - who inspire us to live life to the fullest! During the conference banquet we spent time catching up with some of our professors - Dr. Kellogg, Dr. Kerk, and Dr. Matejcik (Frank). There just never seems to be enough time to see everyone and do everything.

We had a nice weekend with Cori's parents and grandma. David got to experience his first ice fishing trip. The weather was great, 50 degrees, which rarely happens when you are ice fishing. The men caught 4 keepers - trout. The nice weather allowed us to all go for a nice hike with the dogs.

This trip sure made us realize how much we miss the beautiful Black Hills and all our friends and family. However, we are very grateful for the opportunities we have been given here in Louisville. We are very thankful and blessed to have each other (and Murphy and Oakley too), our job and school, and the opportunity to experience new and exciting things every day. With everything that is going on in our world today it is often difficult to "look on the bright side" - but we find comfort in knowing that we have so many loving and supportive people in our lives and God-willing we can get through anything that is thrown our way.

The icefishermen and Oakely.

Cara pitching for Stephens College.

Enjoying Sylvan Lake.

Sylvan Lake iced over.

Dave and Ethan (the wrestler).

Here's trouble...