((Brian's Note: Mandy Allen is my wife of 9 years and the mother of our two sons, Austin and Cameron. With this writing, Mandy becomes a 'two time' guest blogger for this column.))

 A great big "thanks" to all the great folks at Sioux Falls' Parks and Rec Department. This was our first Summer back in SIoux Fals since our move. It was in our daily schedule to either visit a park or go swimming. The parks are amazing; they are so well maintained. I would have to say we enjoyed McKennan Park the most, which just celebrated it's 100th Anniversary with updated sidewalks and the addition of the "Mr. Potato Man" statue (Austin thinks it's the greatest. He always asks if the potatoes are real!). The new picnic area there is great too. We were able to enjoy the McKennan Anniversary with storytimes for the kids and then that wonderful ice cream social. We enjoyed the pools on those hot Summer days. Austin loves the water but Cameron on the other hand was just wanting to get out of the  pool and explore all the other things around him. Austin had the time of his life when 'Parks & Rec' sponsored "Kids NIght" in the parks June, July and August. In July it landed on his birthday and he thought it was just one big party for him and of course I didn't tell him any different.

 Thanks to Sioux Falls' Parks and Rec Department for the awesome job! Keep up the great work!

((Brian's Note: I echo Mandy's sentiments about McKennan Park. It's Sioux Falls' version of Central Park and it is looking great! Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail by clicking here.))