My Beamish Boys: Sacraments and Ice Cream Shakes

We just returned from a long weekend in Rapid City to celebrate Patrick's Confirmation! We left Friday morning and after a fairly uneventful drive (minus one emergency potty stop at a no-name fireworks shop/convenience store), we arrived in time to share a pizza dinner with the family. The kids were glad to be out of the car and set out exploring Grandma and Grandpa's house right away, but we were so bummed to find Maureen laid up on the couch with a bad back! She is such a trooper; even though she was in incredible pain she made us feel right at home and even got up off of the couch to give us hugs when we came in. We are all praying for a quick recovery!!

On Saturday morning we attended the Baptism of our newest Goddaughter, Gemma Anastasia Daniel. What a beautiful little girl, and what a beautiful family! We were so honored to be asked to be Godparents- our only disappointment is that we will see her so rarely. If only the Twin Cities and Rapid City weren't 600 miles apart! The baptism was wonderful, and we all went to the Daniels house afterward for a yummy lunch and great conversation. Later in the afternoon, Glenn and Monica arrived from Chicago, so we headed back to the Yantes abode to spend time with them.

Sunday started out with a pancake breakfast at Cathedral, followed by Mass. Maureen's friend Lisa decided to take Lucian back to her house so we could attend Mass with only one kid... and I was amazed that Louie just took her hand, turned around and said, "Bye, bye, Mama!" and proceeded to follow a near-stranger home! Maybe our little introvert is coming out of his shell a bit?

We met up with Al and Bridget after Mass and the whole crew went downtown to check out the new shops, including Dakota Soda, a burger-fry-soda-shake joint. Oh yum. And what an adventure. The four of us, Al and Bridget and their three kids, Monica and Glenn, Paul Sr, Patrick and Liam all crowded into a corner booth and table to enjoy our lunch. I wouldn't say it was relaxing, but it sure was fun! Then while some went to check out the outdoor ice rink, the rest of us had to peek at the new toy store and book store in the same building. Why was this area not built until I moved away? Why?

That evening after dinner, we had a mini Christmas celebration. Max got an awesome dinosaur egg with bones inside that he has to excavate, but the poor kid hasn't been allowed to do it yet even though he has asked me every day. (Mean mom! I'm just afraid of the mess. Tomorrow, I think I'll brave the dino egg dust for his sake...) But the crowning jewel of gift opening was Monica's crocheting. She made hats and scarves for a whole bunch of us, and they looked store-bought! That woman has talent, let me tell you.

Monday was pretty chill until we got ready for Confirmation in the evening. Monica and I even managed to sneak away for some girl time at Dakota Soda in the afternoon for some more of their yummy shakes! The only rule was that we had to bring one back for Paul, Glenn and Maureen. Then Paul's grandparents came into town and we prepared for the Confirmation celebration. I'm really bummed I didn't get a picture of Patrick with the boys that day- he looked awesome, and SO grown up. Yikes, I can't believe he's almost 18!! Quit growing, will you please, Patrick? The boys did great during Mass, and they managed to stay up until almost ten at the reception!

We packed up Tuesday while Patrick ran Max over to school to see the skeleton in his anatomy classroom. Max's latest interest is bones, and he had spent over an hour learning about skeletal anatomy with his uncle earlier in the weekend! His favorite, of course, is the "Maxilla" (one of the bones in your face). So he couldn't pass up the chance to see a life-sized skeleton! Unfortunately the classroom was locked, but he got a look in the window. Now I have a new goal: Find a skeleton for Max to see!

The drive back was pretty quick and painless. We only stopped twice- the kids are such troopers! They both had good long naps, and we arrived home in time for a late dinner before bed. Next trip we make to Rapid will be with three kids, so we'll see how that goes!

Thanks for having us, Paul and Maureen. And congratulations Patrick! St. James, Pray for us!!