The internet is having a moment for the year 2016 and I must admit — I am too.
Maybe it’s all of the Facebook memories popping up lately marking nostalgic moments from 10 years ago, including:
- Senior year spring break
- College graduation
- Albert and me hard launching as boyfriend and girlfriend 😆
- Moving to Sioux Falls!
Today is 605 Day, the unofficial day to celebrate all things South Dakota. Since this year marks my 10th year in the 605, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite memories from the last decade!
1. Starting my first post-grad job at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
I was lucky enough to absolutely LOVE my first job after college. As the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Director at the Chamber, I had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible young leaders in the community — many of whom became lifelong friends.
After five years at the Chamber, I stepped away from the role to spend more time with our growing family and focus on our new business venture.
2. Getting engaged at the Pettigrew Home & Museum
Twenty-four hours before packing up his belongings and moving to Chicago for four months, Albert proposed at the historic Pettigrew Home & Museum in Sioux Falls. We were married eight months later and the rest is history!
3. Buying our first home
We poured a lot of love — and elbow grease — into our first home on Ascot Avenue. It was also where our entrepreneurship journey began when we turned our basement into an Airbnb.
4. Launching SoDak Stays
In 2021, we officially launched SoDak Stays (then Huizing Properties). What started as hosting guests in our basement slowly grew into something much bigger than we ever imagined. One of the highlights was purchasing our own short-term rental property, The Ziggy, just one year into the journey.
5. Exploring the Black Hills
Even though I believe East River is the place to be, there’s no denying how beautiful the Black Hills are. Over the last 10 years, we’ve taken road trips out west as a couple, with friends, and now with our kids. No matter the season, it always feels like a special getaway.
6. Finding our church family
Getting involved in our local church has been one of the greatest blessings for our family. Over the years, we’ve served on committees, volunteered with the youth group, and built friendships that have shaped this season of life in such a meaningful way.
7. Hiking around Good Earth State Park
Living minutes away from Good Earth State Park has it’s perks — like going on family walks. Even though we can have harsh weather in South Dakota, we try to get outside as much as possible. That’s the point of living in a place with all four seasons, right?!
8. Family fun at the Washington Pavilion
As a kid growing up in the early 2000s, there was nothing more exciting than a trip to the “big city” and a visit to the Washington Pavilion. Now, as a mom of three, I get to experience it all over again with my own kids. There always seems to be a new exhibit at the Kirby Science Discovery Center, and we love spending time walking around downtown Sioux Falls afterward.
9. Summer nights at B&G Milkyway
Nothing hits the spot on a warm summer evening like an ice cream cone from B&G Milkyway. The staff is always so kind, and with locations all across Sioux Falls, it somehow always seems to work out that we’re near one when an ice cream craving hits.
When I moved to Sioux Falls 10 years ago, I never could have imagined how much life would happen here. This city and state have been the backdrop for so many milestones — building friendships, starting careers, getting married, raising kids, growing a business, and creating a life that we genuinely love.
All glory to God for blessing us with this life! I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the next decade!
