Wait, we're singing today?

Until our "exchange" concert this evening with the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls, we were doing so many fun recreational activities it seemed we had almost forgot why we were on tour; singing! We started the day here at the Ramkota Hotel, where the boys got a great deal on an outstanding breakfast buffet with eggs, french toast, cereal, donuts, bacon, and fruit. After scraping their plates clean, though some had to come back to the table to be reminded of their leftover food they were about to waste, the boys returned to the pool for a last 'hoo-rah' before packing up and picking up their rooms to check out of the hotel. We checked out and boarded the bus for Falls Park, a great tourist spot in Sioux Falls with awesome natural wonders. As we got of the bus we noticed some not-so-wondrous things such as the smell of the Falls and the overwhelmingly cold and windy weather we had. Mr. Kleespie, Mr. Horner, and Ms. Weber went to check out what there is to do at the Falls as Mr. Fujii and myself played games of frisbee and soccer on the grass. We took a group picture sitting on the rocks at the Falls and also took at trolley ride through the downtown area of Sioux Falls, which was a nice break from the wind.

After looking around at the rushing waters, we set up camp under a roofed picnic area and had sandwiches and fruit for lunch that the staff prepared this morning. The next destination was the Great Plains Zoo. Though the staff made a few jokes about what the zoo might have to offer, it came through and delivered a great place to spend our afternoon. The zoo was not very busy at all and is quite small so it was a great place to give the boys a bit of freedom to do what they wanted, but keep a very close eye on them at the same time. After an hour of roaming the park and pointing and taking pictures of the animals, we gathered in the entrance of the zoo once again. Mr. Kleespie assigned groups of boys to find three animals they would like to learn more about, giving their scientific names and other facts about the animals. During this time, the staff took a break on some picnic tables at a cafe inside the park and Ms. Weber attracted many groups of boys after feeding her trail mix to the free-roaming peacock. Some boys bought a few things at the gift shop and then all the boys changed out of their khaki shorts and into their khaki pants and black shoes for our event with the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls tonight. After that, we boarded the bus, parked in a lot, and had some nap time in the bus, something the staff was in need of as well.

We arrived at First Presbyterian Church and had a great potluck dinner provided by the parents and staff of the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls. There was plenty of pasta, salad, fruit, chicken, and dessert to go around. The boys played some games led by the conductors of the SBSF. Mr. Horner did some warm-ups with the boys and talked about what pieces they would be singing at the concert, and before we knew it, the concert had begun. The boys did quite well, and the audience seemed receptive. The SBSF sang after our boys and they did a great job, even with a smaller group than they usually have because their season is officially over already. Our boys met their host families after the concert and off they went. The families seem great and the boys though tired, were excited to stay with their hosts. As for the staff, we've made our way back to the Ramkota, taken some time to relax, watch T.V., use the exercise facility, and deliberate on the plans for tomorrow. On our long trip to Rapid City tomorrow, we'll stop at Wall Drug, which is sure to be an event. Hope all is well at home. Peace.