We took a last minute trip this summer to Mt. Rushmore. Casey and Jared have talked about for years about taking our families on a trip, so we finally made it happen with the Larson's. We had such a great time. The kids got along, and Casey and I enjoyed spending time with Jess and Jared.
It is a long drive (10 hours), so we tried to make a few stops on the way. Our first stop was Fort Bridger. We saw some neat buildings and went through a little museum.
For the 1st night, we stopped in Gillette WY, about 2 hours away from Mt. Rushmore. We got in late and so we just found somewhere to eat and then took the kids swimming. We were there at 10pm, and no one else was there, so we had the pool to ourselves!
The next morning we checked out of the hotel and drove 2 hours to Mt. Rushmore. It was a rainy, cool day, a welcome from the heat we have been having. It was neat driving in the Black Hills, and we came around a bend, and there was the iconic mountain.
Gavin and Brielle
Asher, Brielle, Tate, Kyson, Gavin, Liam and Adalyn
Tate and his "sword"
These two boys have so much in common. Our blond hair, blue eyed crazy boys
We then went into Rapid City and went to Dinosaur Land. We just climbed stairs to this top of the hill where they had these large statues. I loved the view seeing the city down below.
We then went to a cabin we were staying at the first night. It was a beautiful home in the mountains. It had huge windows that looked out over the trees. We had some deer running wild right out the door. The kids had fun playing games and swimming in the hot tub.
Liam was so tired after a long day. He was just sitting with Casey watching a movie and fell asleep
The next day we headed to Bear Country. We drove down a street and saw wind animals everywhere. Wolves, sheep and lots of bears. They are not caged, so we have to stay in our cars and many times animals would cross the road in front of us. We even saw a ram get up on a car! The bears were really fun to see though. They were everywhere!
Baby Bears
The last place we stayed was another cabin, but it was in the mountains with a lot of land for the kids to run and play. We loved spending time outside.
Liam was so excited watching the volleyball. He loves balls right now!
The next day we went to Storybook Island. It is just a big park with lots of story character themed slides and play equipment. It was a very hot day, so I don't think the kids enjoyed it as much as they could have.
Magic show. Adalyn and Gavin were called up to help
We then went to a mine for a tour. The Black Hills are know for their many mines.
I had to post some more pictures of this amazing place we stayed. Here is the driveway
On the drive home, we made a couple more stops. Here is Devil's Tower
Independence Rock
Kids loved climbing the rock
See the bunny? Gavin found out how much fun it is to chase rabbits on this trip
We also stopped at Martin's Cove. It was neat to be at the same places our ancestors traveled.
Thank you Larson's for a great trip!
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