After we left the visitor center, we drove across the dam and noticed lots of fish in the water. So, being naturally curious, we parked down at the bottom and saw that there were also a few turtles. After we left we saw a building that was titled "Aquarium" so we went in and they had all kinds of fish in large glass aquariums. They were filled with all of the different fish that are here in the Missouri River. We felt really sorry for one particular albino catfish that kept swimming around in slow circles with his mouth opening and closing. Every time he got close to a tiny fish they got away and he just kept going around and around, never getting one bite. After that we went down to the hatchery and watched really tiny baby trout and then out to the larger tanks. There was some fish food that a nice old man was handing out to the kids. Watching the fish attack the tiny morsels was lots of fun. By the way, the weather today is very hot, 96, and I was so impressed that we still managed to get out and do something.

The New Katie Pose.....

Today we asked Katie to stand in front of these flowers and say cheese, and this is what she decided is the new way to have her picture taken. She really made us laugh.

Today we went to the Lewis and Clark visitor center in Nebraska. It is right outside of Yankton, SD and is pretty neat. It immediately reminded me of the Discovery Center in Ketchikan, but on a less grand scale. The kids enjoyed learning about the different kind of wildlife that is here.

Justin the Builder

Justin turned 6 on August 9th. He was really happy with the new overalls and little contractor set that we gave him. He wanted to immediately go downstairs and help Robert do some building. He also received a John Deer tractor with a trailer. Actually, he told me that I did not buy him everything that he wanted and needed to go back to the store! Ha ha ha, he always is the one to say things that make me laugh.

There is a nice little park and neat suspension bridge near the Vermillion river. It isn't a very nice, or clean looking river, but never-the-less, it is there. We went on a nature walk and took a little walk across the bridge. I think they call it the Cottontail bridge and Cottontail park. The kids enjoyed it a lot and it was a nice family outing. Also we went in the morning before it was hot and the bugs were not out yet. What a smart idea...

Justin's B-day Party....

We thought we would try having a birthday party this year at Chuck E Cheese, and I have to say it was a lot of fun for both kids and adults. The staff there is so helpful and quick to serve. This was the least stressful birthday party we have had, and the mess doesn't come home with me! The kids each received 10 tokens, played lots of games and danced with the big Cheese. The pizza was good too. Justin told me with a sweetly serious voice that this was the best birthday party he ever had. What a sweet boy. He doesn't actually turn six until the 9th, but we would rather celebrate early rather than late.

KKKKatie, beautiful Katie.....

Attack of the Robot....

Robosapian vs. Lego Storm trooper.
What will the outcome be? Tune in next time...