Westward

There is nothing better in my life than summer time!  I get to be with our kids everyday, we get to stay up late if we want, we sleep in, we have very few regularly scheduled activities...what more could I ask for in a season?

 

Last week we took our first trip of the summer.  We drove through South Dakota and out to Sheridan, WY and the Big Horn Mountains.  We did all of the great attractions in South Dakota and truly enjoyed them.  We hit Bear Country, Wall Drug (maybe this wasn't that enjoyable, but the story of how it all started is awesome!), Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Badlands, and Custer State Park.  All lovely.

 

But, the best part of it all was WY.  We got to be a part of one of my best friends' life, which included a lovely home at the top of a secluded mountain.  No cell phone, no TV, and most roads required and ATV.  Stacey and Eric took us on so many great adventures...there are no words.  It really was one of our favorite family trips. 

 

 First stop on the trip was The Badlands.  The kids thought this was pretty cool.  Cooper still can't remember what they're called....Badlands, Bad World, Bad Islands...whatever works.  We all know what he's talking about.

 

No explanation needed....Mt. Rushmore.  Did you know that 90% of the carving of Mt. Rushmore was done with dynamite?  90%!

Meadow after meadow of sweet smelling wildflowers.  One of my favorite things on Big Horn.

The lovely river in the canyon below the cabin.  We could not see this river from the deck of the cabin, but we could hear it...so lovely and peaceful.

 

Halfway up the side of the mountain.  The kids were pooped out and had to take 3 breaks.  But, they knew there was a cave at the top.

 

 

 After an intense hike, we made it to this great cave Eric discovered when he was 10 years old.  It was cool, but I only made it halfway through...a little claustrophobic!  But the kids gave it rave reviews.  Cooper said is was "creepy and awesome!"

Our little clan.