Another week, another adventure!

Today Aubrey and I went to the Sertoma Butterfly House & Purdy Marine Cove. We saw hundreds of beautiful butterflies and then looked at lots pretty fish and other sea creatures.

We were given a laminated sheet with pictures of all the varieties of butterflies. So we looked for them and matched them on the sheet.

One of Aubrey's favorite things - matching.

She sees sea shells. :)

"I hear the ocean."

Growing up too fast.

Adventures with Aubrey

What a fun day today! Aubrey and I started the day with our weekly visit to the library. What a book lover! Today we picked out books about the farm, a puppy, spiders, and the wind. Then we drove down to Falls Park and hopped on the trolley for a ride around the loop in downtown Sioux Falls. What a fun (and free) opportunity that Sioux Falls offers!

Back at the park we unpacked our picnic lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather! Fed a gopher, climbed on rocks, and ran around on the grass!

"Where's that gopher?"

Finish Line MS 150

Wayne crossed the finish line in Sioux Falls at 1:00 pm. One hour less than his ride to Madison!! He is hot, tired, and sore but so happy that he rode and finished. He's already pre-registered for next year's ride!!

Sorry for the delay in posting... our internet was down all afternoon. :(

Day Two MS150

It's almost 7:00 am and the riders are getting ready to start the return trip from Madison.

Wayne reports that he is fine, legs are are sore, but he expects that will get better once he starts riding. Looks like great weather for the ride today.

More from the MS150

All along the route there were rest stops with food and drink. The riders were encouraged to stop at them all and "refuel." So at each rest stop Wayne was able to text me with his progress. All along the way he kept saying he was having a good ride and having fun.

Travis, Aubrey and I drove up to Madison to meet him as he arrived at the finish line for the first half. Finally at 1:55 pm we saw him round the corner! He was tired and hot and said the last stretch was hard but he made it!! Volunteers handed him a cold wet towel right away!

Then the riders were treated with more food, massages (if they wish), a hot tub, and lots of cheering and encouragement. This evening there was a banquet and then hopefully they will have a good night's rest and start out tomorrow morning at 7:00 am for the return trip!

MS 150

Well today is finally the day!! Wayne departed the start line at 7:15 am this morning for his 150 mile ride. When we got up it was raining, but by the time we got to the starting area it had quit and we were treated to a rainbow. At the start the temp was 71 degrees, mild winds in a good direction, and the air was full of excitement.

And he's off!!

He has been sending messages from rest stops along the way and sounds great. He says he's having fun and its been a great ride so far. I'll post again this evening and report on the finish up in Madison.

The Latest

Like everyone else we've been spending a lot of time indoors trying to tolerate the heat. Lots of reading and watching a few movies. This past Sunday was our 35th wedding anniversary and we appreciated all the good wishes and cards. We went to the Harry Potter movie to celebrate.

Wayne continues to ride his bike most days, despite the heat. He's preparing for the MS 150 ride on August 6 and 7. His fundraising is going well, but he isn't letting up! Get in touch with him if you want to make a donation.

I was offered (and accepted) a new position in my department at work. The new job will give me more hours and I'll work the morning shift (5:00 am - 1:30 pm). I'm looking forward starting the new shift at the beginning of August. Even with the additional hours, I'll still have time for my day with Aubrey once a week!

When Aubrey was here this week, it was a little too hot for playing outside so we made a fort under the table. Grandpa had to peak in and play a while too. Lots of fun. She and I have been going to the library the last couple of weeks. We go for Story Time here at the Tea Library and following story time they have some activities. I made her a little book bag and she has learned how we check out books and then bring them back the next time we come "so other children can read the books"