Getting ready to go.

We were suppose to fly out of the country in July. Well, due to the forces of the dark side better known as the visa office we had some huge problems making our July flights. DELAYS really try my patience but we re-booked our flights for the end of August and hoped and prayed that the powers that be would make our visas and everything else fall into place.

Not ones to sit on our duffs and wait we made the most of our down time and kept pretty busy. Then the news came. . . our visas were in! YES!!! I can't describe our excitement our world was going to change drastically and we were thrilled.

We wanted to see Travis' sister Brooke and her husband Wes before we left and we headed up to Sundance Wyoming where Wes was riding 180 miles in a bike race for MS. We arrived before everyone else and took our little family over to Devils Tower. Travis used to climb Devils Tower and it was fun to go hike and tell stories of how Devils Tower was created. Olivia took the legend and built fun stories to build on it. I love her imagination.

 We saw two groups climbing the tower. I think it gave Travis the itch to get up there again.

 The kids loved climbing the rocks. 

That evening we had dinner with Brooke, Wes and Gary. The next morning Wes was off on his ride and the rest of us went to the Vore Buffalo Jump. It was interesting to say the least. You climb down to where the Plains Indians would run the buffalo off. There were thousands of bones in the bottom. They even have a couple of small activities for kids. 

 Travis, Dev, Brooke, Liv and Gary in front of the Vore Buffalo Jump site.

 On our way from Sundance to the Buffalo Jump then to Spearfish South Dakota we passed through a small town called Beulah. Now hopefully you are singing the "Beautiful Beulah" song in your head. If you are not, shame on you. It is from the Disney show, "Summer Magic" with Haley Mills and Burl Ives. If you have never seen it then get out there and find it. Totally worth it. I was pretty excited about driving through Beulah and we sang the song at the top of our lungs. (it's the little things)

We then went on to Spearfish South Dakota which has the best city park. It is beautiful and fun and just a nice place to visit if you are in the neighborhood.

 Wes after finishing the first 100 miles. WAY TO GO WESTON!!

We were happy to be there to support Wes and just spend a minute with them. The next day we decided to head off on our own and go to Mount Rushmore and spend time in the Black Hills. We went through Sturgis (not the most fun with kids). We then headed to Rapid City and visited the Reptile Gardens.

 In front of Reptile Gardens

 Seriously if you have never done the Reptile Gardens you are missing out. The kids loved it. There were alligators/crocodile show, snake show, turtle petting and so so much more.

 The big turtle receiving loves.

 The little turtle.

 The snake show. The kids were able to pet this beauty.

On to Mount Rushmore.

We loved the Black Hills area. I don't remember the last time I was there exploring it as much as we did this trip. We hit some caves and went through Custer State park. I could spend some serious time camping in Custer State Park. It was lovely and it looked like there were lots of things to do. Maybe next time.