Now, Denver; Next, Minneapolis

Liz was kind enough to pick me up on Friday. That night, we ate at a old-fashioned diner in Luvern, Minnesota. Going from New York City to Luvern was like stepping back in time 30 years, then getting on a spaceship and going to a different planet. It wasn't as big of a culture shock as going from Holland to South Dakota, but DC to NYC to Luvern was still a little weird. We then enjoyed a double feature at Luvern's drive in movie theater (the first I had ever been to). The two movies were Talladega Nights and You, Me, and Dupree. Both were pretty good.

On Saturday evening, Liz, her parents Dave and Joyce, and I got on a plane heading for Denver. Since then, we have visited several of Liz's family members, shopped, biked, and hiked. I have avoided shopping whenever possible. I hope they are not too offended by this. I have really enjoyed meeting everyone and spending time with Liz and her family. Though, my two favorite activities have been the 24 mile bike ride I took and this morning's hike. Liz and I got up before 6 and headed into the mountains. We climbed Devil's Head and took several pictures from the rangerstation on top. The view was 20 miles in all directions. The station is used to watch for forest fires.

We are leaving this evening at 930 pm. We will get into Sioux Falls around midnight. Tomorrow morning, Liz will be driving me to Brookings so I can reunite with my family and drive to Watertown to stay with my Grandma Marge and Grandpa Bob for the night. Thursday morning we will set out for Minneapolis to meet my Grandma Jean, Uncle Todd, Aunt Deb, and Cousins Quinn and Jack. I believe my Uncle Doug will be joining us at some point. We will be taking in some Twins games and will no doubt enjoy some fine dining.

After that, it will be a week of work at the ranch before returning to Sioux Falls on Friday the 25th for dinner at Grandpa Bob's with my Uncle Kevin from Tampa. Then, I will be in Verm either late Friday or early Saturday. School starts Tuesday.