First breakfast at the hotel.
The kids got to touch some animal pelts and skulls and learn about rocks in the area.
Our next stop was to ride the 1880 Steam Engine Train. The train runs from Keystone to Hill City. It goes 10 mph and takes an hour to go 1 way. We did a round trip. After hunting for a few letterboxes and a picnic lunch we boarded the train. The trip was great and we saw several deer and yellow bellied marmots until the incident. The kids took their stuffed animals on the ride even though I suggested they probably shouldn't. The windows were wide open on our train car and I said please don't put your animals anywhere near the windows. The train narrator also reminded them not to. But you can probably guess what happened next. Somehow Mia's brand new stuffed coyote went out the window. All the kids were so sad. Emma begged us to let her JUMP off the train to get it and she would run, catch back up and jump back on the train. We said no. We were not allowed to leave our seats let alone the train. Then she said we we got back she would run all the way and get it. Very sweet. Dad saved the day after seeing how upset all the kids were and ordered a new one off ebay. It arrived the day after we got home.
Sad kids after the incident.
Our third stop of the day was to Crazy Horse. We were a bit unsure if it would be worth it but we all had a great time. The monument is progressing even though it doesn't really look like it. They have cleared a ton of the mountain away above and below his hand. We first sat to enjoy a presentation from Star Chief Eagle a woman who shares who the people are in that area and a bit about them. I thought she was a wonderful ambassador for her people. She also did the hoop dance with up to 25 hoops. She has been learning this since she was 5 and does compete in Pow Wows. There was also a 12 year old boy with her who has just started competing and he danced with 5 hoops. I though it was really great but it was really hot and we were in the sun. Quinn and the kids only lasted about 20 of the hour presentation. They they went off and explored all the museums. It was getting late when we finally finished so we stayed and had dinner at their restaurant and it was so yummy. James ate a giant fry bread taco salad all by himself! And Mia lost a tooth!
All week we kept getting after her for being so slow to eat her food. Finally I noticed that one of her front teeth was barely hanging on. I told her to just get it out and move on. She of course said no. Teeth coming out is very traumatic for her because of the blood. But finally when she though no one was looking she pulled it out. I think it was because she thought she almost swallowed it. But she finally pulled it with only a few tears. The waitress was very concerned when she came over and saw the tears and was so nice and offered her some jello to eat if that would help. But once it was out Mia felt better and was much faster at meal time from then on.
Another statue by the same sculpture as Crazy Horse.
Our night ended with swimming but I don't know how they had the energy for it. I was beat.
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