South Dakota

Our most recent adventure was a trip to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore and the other sites. Ralph, Reghan and I went last year, and the other kiddos thought they would like to go too, so we took everyone back again this year. I have to say, I love that place! The kids love all the attractions around the area, but I just love Mt. Rushmore! I guess patriotic stuff like that just gets to me...I'm grateful that we live close enough to get to see it :)
So here we are at the monument...

And riding on the alpine slide in Keystone:






Carlie and I found a new favorite place to ride! And I'm sure everyone in the pickup was a little more comfortable with the extra room :)


The kids loved Reptile Gardens! I am not really a reptile fan, so I wasn't all that excited about going, but I have to admit it was pretty cool. They got to pet snakes, alligators, and giant tortoises, and had a great time. Reghan's favorite was the giant tortoise "Crush," (she thinks it's the sea turtle from Finding Nemo), and the sand box. Aghh...we could've stayed home and played in the sandbox :)





Adventures at the Cosmos...



We have four fish for kids (which is fine with me, but I don't understand how such a thing could happen to Ralph! He doesn't even like water). Anyway, thanks to our little fishies, we had to pay a visit to Watiki Waterpark. It's the largest indoor waterpark in somewhere...probably in South Dakota, but maybe in the region, I don't know. Anyway, lots for kids to do...everyone slept soundly that night! Reghan got brave and went down the kids slides by herself. Then she got really brave and went down the tube slide with Nate. He had strict instructions to keep her above water at all times...and he did a pretty good job of it :) She LOVED it! She screamed for about half of the ride, then would jump out and say "come on Bubba!" on her way back up the stairs. Ryann, Carlie, Ralph and Nate spent most of their time on the tube slides or playing basketball, and I pretty much just chased Reghan and floated my way around the lazy river getting sprayed and cooled down :) Fun times.







And...this is the only proof I have that I actually went on the trip, so just thought I'd throw that out there. Reghan had no intention of leaving Robin Hood and Prince John at Storybook Island, so we had to have a little race back to the truck. I love her competitive nature...and that it works for everything from leaving places to cleaning up toys. If I mention a race, she is determined to win :)