Friday, June 19, 2009

To South Dakota and Back Again

Yes, I am home, and no I haven't died. Betcha you were wondering, huh? Sorry for the lack of posts. It was a busy trip and Little Man was my constant companion. There just wasn't any time for blogging. But fear not, I have many things to share with you. Stories, pictures.
Honestly I am overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pictures I took while I was there. I am still trying to figure out which ones are the best and how to present them. This first post is just about the first day we were there, but I am going to divide up subsequent posts into subjects too.
My cousin, Turtle Woman, and my youngest sister, Shutterbug (she was thoroughly delighted that she finally got a blog name!and I went on a photographic safari. I was completely delighted to find out that my sister shares my great passion for photography, so we had a chance to indulge ourselves. It was really awesome to have someone who totally "gets" the photography thing, and doesn't think that taking 20 pictures of a bumblebee is a waste of time.
Without further ado, my faves from that first safari.





















































Turtle Woman took us to this amazing natural rock bridge.















































One of the things that left me just standing in awe was the sheer sweep of the prairie. While some might think the midwest is flat, South Dakota is made up of rolling hills. It looks kind of flat as you look over everything, so far you feel you can see the curve of the earth. But as you continue to move, valleys, creeks and hollows jump out of hiding. It was so incredibly beautiful.



















































I have lots more stories and pictures to share, so we will have a prairie monday instead of mountains.

15 Kids Who Want To Play:

Sheri said...

In awe once again. Those pics are GORG!

Kristina P. said...

I'm glad you're back! The bloggy lunch just wasn't the same!

The pictures are gorgeous.

Lisa said...

Breathtakingly beautiful!

Lee said...

I enjoyed the pics so much and look forward to more. I have never been to that part of the country. It sure does look flat to a N easterner. I remember feeling that way too when we drove through Illinois and Indiana when we went out to adopt KC and Elisabeth. The close up shots you do of nature always touch me the most deeply. They are amazing!

Yondalla said...

I did miss you and I was just about to send you an email asking where you went!

So glad you are back, and the photos are lovely.

rychelle said...

big, puffy clouds make me so happy!

elizasmom said...

Oooh, the photos are beautiful and make me want to take a road trip to South Dakota. Loved your description of how the landscape reveals itself.

Holly said...

I LVOE, love, love the pictures. It is amazing the work you do with that camera. So wonderful.

I have to admit. I missed seeing pictures of those beautiful little girls though.

K J and the kids said...

and yet you didn't post one picture of a bumblebee. :)
Can't wait to hear and see more.

Me (aka Danielle) said...

Those are amazing! You always have the best pictures!

Bonnie the Boss said...

I love all of them but I think my fave is the one of the grass with the tree or bush on the right side. so peaceful!

Lady of Perpetual Chaos said...

Love Prairie Monday. I'm glad you're back...missed your posts. And I was bummed that you weren't at the blunch.

3 Bay B Chicks said...

A departure from Mountain Monday? I am excited. If Prairie Monday is anything like these pictures, then it is definitely not to be missed.

-Francesca

PS: Glad to see you back in action!

Just SO said...

Beautiful! I love it and can't wait for more.

Elisa said...

What fantastic photos! Your talent amazes me!