... skype ...

ahhh....

the wonderful world of skype!

Skype is an internet "bid deal" that I was far behind the curve on (much like twitter, and by far behind the curve I mean that I can't even see it).  In recent months I added this IM function to my laptop in order to keep in touch with Ms. Sarah during her deployment.  Although the deployment fell through (thank goodness) I soon convinced my family to all hop on board.  

Currently, I'm waiting for my sister to "call me back" as I grew tired of watching her reaction to the UK's X-factor and decided she needed to focus on one thing at a time.  Earlier today I spoke with my mother, as I did yesterday.  A few weeks ago my dad, having never met my husband or children before, met them via video thanks to skype.  I've sat with my friend and talked to her while she felt lonely in her apartment, and being able to watch her back for her obviously made her feel safe. ;)  I've had a tour of two homes in England.  Danica has chit chatted with her daycare buddy on a particularly cold and dreary weekend filled with boredom (the video call ended in lots of tears and tempers, and has yet to be attempted a second time).  The kids ate dinner one evening while cracking up their dear Uncle Lee and talking to him about all sorts of animals and Backyardigan adventures.  I soon hope to embark into a skype book club (see last post).  

ahhhhh technology!  

Hurry up X-Factor results... a sister SHOULD be more important!

If you don't have Skype already... DO IT! 

... Book Club ...

First successful book of the book club (we won't discuss the first month's reading choice)...

Liked it.  

I can't say that I loved the book, yet.  I feel as though I am very much incomplete with my Stieg date.  So far, Stieg and I have had coffee... dinner and wine are in the close future.  Those who have read the book would most likely agree that, while we feel complete with one Blomkvist mystery, we have only just begun another.  This trilogy could give Lord of the Rings a run for the money on "are you kidding me, that's it?" endings.  Unless you were to immediately put one cover down and pick up the next (or in my case direct yourself to the Kindle store post-haste), you end the story with the same satisfaction as turning off the lamp and pulling up the covers in the middle of a chapter. 

To be totally fair, keeping in mind that my dance Mikael and Lisbeth is still underway, I am certainly hooked.  I have always been a fan of mystery and of course love all things that remind me of the Eastern hemisphere.  I can't wait to begin Mr. Larsson's follow up.  As for the rest of the book club ladies... they are still slowly but surely making their way through the first.  (Winnie, if you are reading this, can we PLEASE start our own book club!  We can drink wine and call each other to discuss). ;)

I would certainly recommend the novel to all.  For me, the description of the Vangers and their eerie island living was fascinating.  I immediately began placing Daniel Craig in all my dreamy visions of Mikael running through woods and bedding various women (good choice Hollywood, good choice!)  I can not wait to see the big screen depiction.  Early on in the book I tied in the Biblical reference, already being the huge finger pointer when it comes to evil human doings being caused by radical religious beliefs that I am.  I really couldn't put the Kindle down for this one!

Tis the season to catch up on reading, and I give the thumbs up for diving into the first case of Mikael Blomkvist.  Good read! 

...Flintstones Campground...

This past weekend the Ortega familia joined forces with a few other family friends and took all the kiddos to Custer, SD's Flintstone Bedrock Campground.  We booked four cabins in early June and looked ahead until our mini-vaca in August.

The cabins were nestled snug between the hills in Custer, SD.  The most exciting part for the kids was the close proximity to all the dinosaurs at the Flintstones Park.  The seven little ones were overwhelmed - running back and forth between cabins, jumping on bikes, Tee ball, crawling through tunnels!

Luckily our good friends the Turner's came WELL prepared to host the group.  We had supplies galore!

Shortly after our arrival we headed down hill to the park.  The little ones were one big happy family and they all get along amazingly well.

The little town of Bedrock was filled with statues of all sorts of Bedrock locals, not just the Flintstones and Rubbles!  While most of our kids are unfamiliar with the cartoon, they were all fascinated.  At one point we came across the Bedrock Theater, which featured old Flintstones flicks, and the kids were attentive for all of about 10 minutes and were ready to get back out and about to running around.

After some much needed party time for the kids, no nap, burgers... it was time for a movie and shortly after bed as the rain clouds approach.  However, as all good parents know... as soon as those lovely little eyelids settle... adult time can commence!  We were a little selfish (okay, a lot) and saved s'more time for after the kiddos were off in dream land.  As well as busting open some beers, throwing on the sweaters, and adding some logs to the fire... we sat around, relaxed, enjoyed some great laughs, and had a fantastic time! 

                                      

After a great night, we woke up to a dew covered ground, fresh air, and the mountain chill.  Starbucks Via was a lifesaver, and breakfast was cooking at 6 AM when the Ortega's arose from their cabin.  The short get-a-way was perfect!  Another South Dakota tradition, I'm sure!