For some reason, my pictures always wind up at the top - so here is the rundown.... #1, my cousins daughters and the boys (baby was napping), #2 the boys at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, #3 my Omaha cousins' kids and ours on the trampoline #4 me and my cousin Lisa in chicago #5 Stephanie at the wave pool in Omaha, and #6 the boys at the Kane County Cougar baseball game in Chicago...
now for the update....
At. Rushmore, we did the 1/2 mile loop and got listen to some of the talk about the how the monument was built. The boys thought the mountain was really cool, but we disappointed they couldn't climb on it. Especially since there were men up on top getting ready for the fireworks display scheduled for their 4th of July celebration - and like Alaska, the show is the evening of the 3rd. I knew WHICH 4 Presidents were there, but not why they were chosen. Maybe we learned that in school, but I don't think so. Anyway - the reasons - Pres. Washington, representing the BIRTH of our country, Pres. Jefferson symbolized EXPANSION since he was largely responsible for the Louisiana Purchase, Pres. Lincoln to embody the PRESERVATION of the union of stations in confronting the challenges of the Ciil War, and Pres. T. Roosevelt represented the Development of our country with the construction of the Panama Canal.
After the monument, we had a picnic and did a short hike. About 3/4 of a mile into the trail, they wanted us to sign in and put how far and when we'd be back, so we just turned around instead.
The next day we did the Mt. Rushmore Caverns. The boys loved being in the caves, Matt not so much He had Stephanie the backback, and because of the ceiling height spent part of the time crawling on his hands and knees - in shorts. After than, we had another picnic and visited the Crazy Horse Monument in progress. It will be huge! The boys enjoyed it more than Rushmore, not sure if it was because they were slightly better rested, or that more of it was outside. They even sat through the movie....well most of it. They liked the dynamite sequences and how the sculptures were built, but about the time the Sculptor's wife came on with her money pitch they were done. Crazy Horse is being built solely on doations. No Federal money is involved. Korchak (sp?) the sculptor refused Federal grants when they were offered, and his family (wife and 7 of their 10 kids) are contining in his tradition. They had some traditional dancers at the center, the boys and the rest of the kids got up and danced with the little girl dancer.
Returning to the campground, we found out that the wind had kicked up - and tossed our awning OVER the top of the camper. One of the support arms that holds the awning still while we drive broke. So it's now attached primarily with bungee cords. We'll get that fixed later. The nice thing is that a nearby camper saw it happen and as soon as we drove up came over to help Matt. The good news is the canvas isn't ripped, so it is an inexpensive fix. We also met some nice people at the pool - the campground has some "extra" family activities which are a bargain if you are there for 4 or more days, but for 2 days, just not worth it. Especially when all the boys wanted to use was the waterslide. $15/day/person was just more than I could justify (it's $55/week/family for mini-golf, waterslide, the jumping pillow and I think horseback riding). Anyway - a family there had a couple of members who didn't want to go on the slides, so we went with them, and they let the boys use their wristbands.
Driving to Cody - 8 hours 48 minutes of driving time. The boys made it 4 hours and 30 minutes w/o t.v. but the last bit was movie city. The moutains were of course, beautiful - our mileage going up was about 5.2 mpg, and coming down - about 16 mpg.
The Buffalo Bill museam, is definately a must see here in Cody. It is really 5 museums under 1 roof. I got through 2, and Matt and the boys added a 3rd - the gun museum. I'd love to go back, but that is a lot of museum, for 5 year olds(although, it is interactive and designed to be kid friendly). We are staying with friends here in their beautiful brand new log home. They have 360 degree views! Mostly mountains, but also of the Cody Reservoir.
We leave today for Yellowstone - and apparently have asked the most unusual question of our campground so far this year. The question......"Is there a bakery or a grocery store nearby with a bakery?" I guess they don't get asked very many questions!!! There is one, which is good because even though we have an oven, I'm not sure I want to use it the first time making birthday cakes......
So - now, I think I'm caught up!!!
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