So Dak Attack!

One of the best things that Matt and I did all summer was take a weekend trip to South Dakota. We were actually making the 7 hour trek in order to attend my good friend Lindsey’s wedding. Lindsey and Kody are an absolutely wonderful couple and we were honored to be a part of their special day.

The wedding took place in Pierre, South Dakota which if you remember back to 5th grade geography, Pierre is actually the state capitol. However, if you have ever visited Pierre you probably know that it doesn’t seem a whole lot like a traditional state “capitol.” With a population of around 14,000 it’s smaller than most Twin Cities suburbs. But the small town feel really adds to its charm. For example, when we got into town around 9 p.m. on Friday night we had a heck of a time finding a sit down restaurant that was still serving dinner that late!

And although it’s only a day’s drive away from the Cities, in many ways it feels like you’re on the other side of the world. The vast plains, hills and rock formations definitely feel more like the Wild West than the Midwest.

On Saturday morning I miraculously awoke at 5 a.m. feeling super excited and ready to start the day! For any of you who know me, you know that morning is not my best time of day. So to be completely awake at this early hour was needless to say a rarity. After I woke up, I started begging Mattie to get up because I knew that if we hit the road we just might have enough time to explore some of South Dakota’s sites before the wedding. Afterall, we were only 2 hours from the Badlands and 2 ½ hours from the famous Wall Drug. We had already come so far, how could we miss an opportunity to see these places? Besides, when would we be going back to South Dakota????

Anyway, he relented and we had a fabulous adventure!

Here we are at the awesome corn palace in Mitchell!

Honeslty, what was he thinking!

Matt gave him a stern talking to! ; )

Us at the really neat saloon in the 1800s town we visited at 6:30 a.m.! I was worried it wouldn't be open yet but the hours were "daylight to dark" only in South Dakota!

Oh the simple life...

This is NOT funny!

Oh no!

The spectacular Badlands

It was impossible to truly capture their beauty

Yes, the sign really says "BEWARE Rattlesnakes!"



Little video we made driving through the Badlands

Now who could forget the real reason we were in South Dakota, Lindsey and Kody's wedding!!

The absolutely stunny bride and her handsome groom.

Matt and I enjoying the reception. It was a really nice wedding and we couldn't be happier for the new Mr. and Mrs. Karschnik!