Mount Rushmore Day 8-15
Mount Rushmore
Day 8 -15, August 29 - September 5
Badlands National Park
On our way to our next stop we got to experience Badlands National Park. The landscape changed dramatically as we crossed into the prairie where trees disappeared and you could see for miles. It felt like a mini Grand Canyon.
Mount Rushmore
We stayed just south of Rapid City, SD which was only about a 15-minute drive to Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore was first on the list of things we truly wanted to do as we envisioned this journey. We were all surprised by this monument. When we have seen it in pictures or text books and it is also described as a monument on the side of a mountain your imagination can go wild. I guess we all had imagined it much bigger. With that being said it was still fascinating and grand in an unexpected way. We spent the late afternoon until dark at the park to catch the lighting ceremony.
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We took the trail around to catch the different viewpoints of the monument that reflected on each of the presidents individually. We did take it all in while pokemoning. I could see mom smile and put down her phone as others walked by as to say, "I know, I know we are on our phones at this monumental site." We did, however, get to enjoy both as we could take our time and enjoy our day. History and play all in one.
Free Activities vs Cost Activities
For the most part we our trying not to spend money on our “things to do.” Money is spent going into the parks and then every once in a while we indulge in a cost activity. We enjoyed free activities such as several hikes and bike rides getting to see this beautiful area.
We did do one “cost” activity while in Rapid City, The Escape Room. It was so much fun. We worked as a team to solve clues to “escape” a room. Zechariah got quoted, of course, on their Facebook page. The things Z says, he makes our everyday fun.
Everyone to Their Space!
This has been our longest stay so far. With a full week we were able to settle into our spot and enjoy most of what the area had to offer. It is here though that we hit our “we been together too long” point. I say that, but do understand my brothers have gotten along better here than at home. It’s just one of miracles we have received from the Lord.
Mom has made us all our “own personal space” in the bus house. It might be small but we all have one. Mine of course is under the bench seat at the table. She made me a little door so I can hide away when I want. I’m going to pretend that it is not that she just doesn’t want to smell my litter box. My brothers all have their own beds and space that no one else to allowed into without permission.
When we hit that moment we had gone on a long drive to Custer State Park. We had a great day seeing bison and deer roam free and driving up the mountain overlooking the summit. Then it started to rain which kept us in tight quarters for well, way too long. By the time we reached the bus house mom said “everyone to their spaces!”
Those pictures are obviously before the "don't touch me or look at me" moments. We laugh now about getting out of this box (the bus house) and getting into a smaller box (the jeep) with the same group of people to “get out” for a while. All in all, I feel overly blessed to share my days with my family. These are forever memories.
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