A little getaway

What started out as a road trip to see Ash Falls Fossil Bed in Royal, Nebraska turned into a 3 day /2 night adventure due to their somewhat close proximity to Sioux City and Yankton.  Due to other obligations over the weekend, we left last Monday for a few days.  Since most Museums are closed on Monday we went in reverse with Ash Falls being on the last day of the trip.

Day 1 - Monday, May 24

Our first "stop" in Sioux City was a drive by the old neighborhood in Riverside including the house at 2204 Bryan I spent the 1st eight years of my life.  Following the neighborhood visit was a stop at the War Eagle Monument.

From there we went to the Floyd Monument commemorating the life of Sergeant Charles Floyd - the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

After lunch we stopped at the Palmer's Ye Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe and picked up some treats for dessert and then some then ventured to Trinity Heights, a shrine and memorial garden.  We watched a video about the construction of a 22 foot-long wood sculpture of the life-sized Last Supper and the boys took a photo near their confirmation Saint.

Then it was outside to walk around the gardens.  Among the statues was a 33-foot statue of Jesus.

It was then onto the cemetery to visit my grandparents and other relatives nearby.

After sometime in the hotel pool and supper we visited Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tony, and cousin Mark.

Day 2 - Tuesday, May 25

Tuesday morning brought a visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center.  While some of the activities were restricted due to COVID there was still much to see and learn.

From there it was on to the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center which is housed aboard the dry-docked motor vessle, the M.V. Sergeant Floyd. 

After this visit we ventured to Yankton, South Dakota.  After a tailgate lunch at Arby's parking lot we went to the Fish Hatchery.  There were a few areas that we not open/operating but the aquarium as open for viewing.

There are a few photos of shaking hands througout the trip.  I can appreciate the boys working on a firm handshake.

From there we traveled to the nearby Gavin's Point Dam & the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center.

After that we went back to Yankton and walked the Meridan Bridge from one end to the other and back then went to the hotel for some pool time.

Day 3 - Wednesday, May 26

We drove to Ash Falls for their 9:30 am opening.

On the way home we stopped at the Higgins Memorial in Columbus.

2020-2021 School Year Ends!

(more to come)

The unprecedented school year has come to an end.  Ralph and Henry did super adjusting to all the changes and protocols put in place to go to school in person.   Both were "lucky" enough to not be sick at all this year - Ralph missed a few periods due to orthodontist appointments; Henry didn't miss a day of school.  There were not calls from the Health Department alerting us to either boy having been in close contact with a positive case at school.  

Ralph has completed 7th grade.  One of the changes at the start of school was to "stay tight and to the right" when changing classes.  Lockers were not assigned (though could be requested) so he had to tote everything with him all day . .which made it really hard to suggest he take a winter coat to school.  

Social studies seems to be Ralph's most enjoyed class this past year.

Favorite memory?

Henry is done with 5th grade and elementary school!  I wish I only knew of half the experiences the teachers and staff have had while interacting with him through his elementary years.  I can think back to each teacher and how she was special in that way or this way to him but also know he left his mark with each of them.

There are many "things" he didn't get to do the past year due to COVID that he should have been able to do.  Luckily Henry didn't get down about most of the missed opportunities.

In 5th grade there is "big" written report that is done through multiple steps.  Henry's topic was US vs Japan in World War II.  He received a nice note from the teacher for all of his effort and research into the paper. 

In an assessment in PE class he did the most pull-ups of all the 5th graders.

His favorite school lunch was salisbury steak.

He tells others math is his favorite subject.

Ralph: Strings Concerts

There are not be an orchestra concert since December 2019 . . .then in May 2021 we were able to attend two orchestra concerts.  One was at Mickle Middle School with the 7th & 8th graders performing together (as is how the class is set up) followed by the 6th graders.

Then, less than a week later, there was another concert outside of Northeast High School comprised of.  Culler Middle School, Mickle Middle School, and Northeast High School.  Each school performed individually then came together for a few songs.   The Mickle orchestra teacher was unable to attend and Mickle's orchestra was conducted by the Northeast Orchestra instructor.