OUT AUTUMN TREK TO THE HILLS

12002599_918375074911295_2459882823071147611_o.jpg

Robin and I enjoy the moments of family and doing things together as a family. So much is out there to "steal" those moments away. Sadly, too often, we as moms and dads allow that to happen. We must fight to keep the family for God's purpose and never allow anyone or anything to hinder that which has been entrusted to us by The Almighty.

12038986_918314558250680_2084354955693425412_o.jpg

Midnight weather report...We saw some nice rain on our journey in the northern Black Hills. We were delighted to receive nearly .75" of rain through this evening here at the ranch. This photo is just out of Sturgis a couple of miles. Pretty country. And I am proud to be in the photo with our son, Caleb. He is a blessing to the family.

His name is Larry, too. Very few places equal ideal for Ponderosa Pine than the Black Hills. It is good to see resources (timber) being utilized rather than burned. Larry moved up from Texas in 2008 after 30 years in the oilfield. He loves it here as he hauls logs to several different mills around the Hills. He told me how he had been seeing some of largest elk this year and where he had seen tremendous fall color. I invited him to Men's Day at RBR on October 10th and also "requested" the larger logs be taken to the mill and then brought to our place. As we parted company, we shook hands. He apologized that his were dirty...It is good to shake a hand that has been working.

12045483_918384828243653_3420860517317002280_o.jpg

We are not always able to be in the same picture as someone has to be behind the camera as well.

Some have mentioned that we ought to do "reality TV".

"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight" ...not on your life. However, we don't mind sharing select pics from select activities that are part of our daily family life. Hope that you enjoy.

Yes we left Sturgis on our journey with a cup of coffee and after some rugged roads and beautiful country... our dinner included pasties made by the Kings in Lead,SD. Certainly a tradition going back to the many miners that worked Homestake and the other gold mines in the area. Meat pies that you hold in your hands.

When we got into Spearfish, we stopped at another favorite place...for a cup of coffee. The Green Bean Coffeehouse...we started going to this place when it was called by another name. Setting is still as inviting...the Reinhold kids love it as much as ever. Continue to build memories

Yes they are called the "Hills". But this "island" in the midst of a sea of grasslands and plains...Mountain grandeur to be certain. Our round trip of around 130 miles again reminded us of the wonders of this place we call home.

12079997_918397104909092_5873424325013067726_o.jpg

The Reinhold Sisters...with Mom. At another one of our favorite places. The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives is certainly a treasure for our region. I told Robin if I was retired and lived closer that I would certainly volunteer here.

Rachel and Molly have pretty much accepted that their little brother...is, yes taller and bigger and they look shorter next to him. They pretend to be bothered, but their giggles give them away. Danny just has a quiet smirk.

By the way, Danny is 15 and 6'2" and yes he has passed his Dad up as well.