On The Road Again

Ahh finally a quiet moment while the three children entertain themselves in the back of the coach playing poker.We left three days ago from home, picked up the children in Green Bay and  set off for our summer adventure to the land of cowboys and horses.

First stop was Mitchell South Dakota to see the Corn Palace, which we actually never saw because the indoor water park was ever so much more appealing. These children love the water. Even Elise spends her time on the slides and is not afraid to dunk her head. Jack and Ella both swim well enough now to enjoy the deep water pools. The big water slide was humungous and it is unbelieveable how fearless these children can be.

The next day we entered the gateway to the west. We met up briefly with their parents at the Chamberlain overlook and visitor center. They are travelling alone in their car and having a little of their own adventures before we connect in Cody.

We took our time driving through the badlands so they could get a great feel for them. They all climbed to high points to get the best vistas. That's Grandpa Don, Elise, Ella and Jack taken with the telephoto lense.

We met the parents again for a quick lunch at Wall Drug where Elise was properly freaked out by the roaring T Rex which Jack and Ella could not get enough of. We had some fun in Wall's backyard before getting back into Bertha to settle down in Sundance Wyoming for the night.

This morning we went to Devil's Tower. We were disappointed in not seeing any ETs on top but we did catch site of quite a few climbers on the walls and at the top. We hiked completely around the tower, and over some of the boulders to get just the right pictures.  They were all very excited at the new adventures and the beautiful country. Elise was especially thrilled watching the prairie dogs pose for us.

Travelling with these dynamos takes a lot of patience and a great deal of energy, but watching them take so much joy out of the experience is worth every minute. They each have their National Parks Passports so they can get their stamps at each park we visit over the next few weeks. At this young age they are already developing an appreciation for the natural beauty of this glorious country.

Next stop, Cody, Wyoming and the rodeo. Elise can't wait to see the horses and Jack wants to see the bulls.