Week 19 - Black Hills Day 4

Day 4 was a big day. Our first stop was Mt. Rushmore. We took in the monument, walked the Presidents Trail, listened to the ranger at the Sculptors Studio, visited the Visitors Center and gift shop. It wasn't too crowded until we went to the gift shop.

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.

Week 19 - Black Hills Trip - Days 3

 After spending the night in Wall our first stop of the day was to the Minuteman Missile Historic Site. The visitor center was closed but they had an audio tour for the available online for all the above ground sites. Quinn was really bummed that we could not tour the control room, next time I guess. Being able to see into the silo and see a missile in there was cool though. The kids dutifully did their Jr. Ranger packets. It helps keep them busy. Quinn had printed them off before we left home knowing that visitor centers still might be closed. We were able to mail them in when we got home and the kids still got their badges.

Love her hat!

Next stop was to Badlands National Park. We did several overlooks, one hike, had lunch, went to the visitors center, and then did more overlooks and saw some big horn sheep. We also watched a storm roll by in the distance. The kids were super excited when we got to our hotel in Rapid City and they were able to swim. 

First stop was the Big Badlands Overlook. Looks a lot like Canyonlands to me.

Just a quick snack while we get our hiking shoes on and use the restroom.

Such a great view from the parking lot before we head out to hike around the back of these formation.

Hiking the door trail which starts on a board walk and then lets you take your own path following 12 marker polls to an overlook.

The backside.

The kids were so happy to be able to go where ever they wanted and climb on everything.

Usually we are getting after them to stay on the trail.

Another short boardwalk hike on the Window Trail.

Lunch outside the visitors center and finishing up their Jr. Ranger packets so they can turn them in and get their badge before we head out to explore the rest of the park.

LOVE the view from our picnic table.

Mia picked up a stuffed coyote from the gift shop with more of her money.

So neat to see Big Horn Sheep.

White River Valley Overlook

Watching the storm.

Happy kids with their stuffed animals. The mountain lions are from our Moab trip last year.

At the gift shop we read about how artists use all the colors of the rainbow when painting the Badlands and we were thinking that it looked pretty much brown and gray. That was until we got to this part of the park. The pictures don't do the colors justice and they really are beautiful and have all the colors.

And we ended the day swimming again.