Summer Vacation 2011

We decided to take a short summer vacation the week after school got out and before our little guy arrives. On our way to South Dakota we made some fun stops.

Our first stop was Martin's Cove. It is so full of history! Our girls loved learning about the Pioneers.

Devil's Gate

Ce'Nedra especially had a great experience pulling a handcart around.

It was very exciting to see our Great, Great, Great Grandpa Hooley's name listed among those that came across with the Willie Handcart Company. He was just 21 years old and was the only member of his family to come at that time. His sister was already in the Salt Lake Valley while his parents stayed in England.

Our next stop was Devil's Tower!!

We then made an unplanned, but very fun side trip to Deadwood, South Dakota.

The girls and Daddy both purchased hats at one of the fun shops on the main road in Deadwood. They wore their hats each day and only took them off to sleep!

We also went to Mount Rushmore.  It was so exciting to come around the bend and see the National Monument in person for the first time.  The girls have mentioned several times that they want to go back again.

We stayed at a Hillside Cottage park in the middle of the Black Hills, just outside of Keystone.  The girls had so much fun in the cabin and the little park nearby.  It was quite the experience with the little mouse that kept coming in through the bottom of the door and then also waking up to an exploding toilet.  It did make for a very memorable two nights!

Keystone, South Dakota

Ce'Nedra enjoying a bottle of rootbeer at Teddy's deli in Keystone.  I had the BEST sandwich, called "The Bully", it had pastrami, melted swiss and grilled onions...YUM!

We also went back to Mount Rushmore for a few more pictures while taking a walk around the board walks. We also enjoyed a drive through Custer State Park for some spectacular views of wildlife in the Black Hills.

This was just before the lighting ceremony!  It's a MUST see when you visit!

I was thrilled when this picture turned out, showing my two favorite lands, Our Nation and Wyoming!

Just one of the gorgeous views that can be seen while driving through the state park.  This is Cathedral Rock.

Acacia was the first to spot this on the side of the road.  We all had a chuckle when she said, "Um...I think I see a buffalo!"

We then had to stop for a good 15 minutes while we waited for the rest of his friends to cross the road.

These were the smart animals  that belonged to the herd of burros.  They left the herd to meet the cars and the carrots we had to feed them.

What a fun view - of Mount Rushnore - NOT my 36 week pregnant belly!

It was amazing how the tunnels formed a frame around Mount Rushmore.

Another gorgeous view!!

Our final stop was at the "Big Thunder Gold Mine".  This was an original mine from the big gold rush!

The girls getting ready to enter the mine...they were a bit hesitant, but had fun as we went further and further!

The best part of the tour for Bill was the panning for gold!  He would have stayed for hours!  The girls each found a flake of gold!  It was a memorable tour!

Eureka!!

The girls were in heaven!  Ice cream and a sock monkey before we headed back to the cabin.  

Rapid City, South Dakota on the way home.  Stopping for some yummy pancakes at Perkin's before we began our journey home.


The Black Hills made some beautiful scenery for our drive home!