Final Road Trip before school

After our successful camping in Wyoming we had earlier this summer,  I decided I we needed to get one more trip in before school started. Joel was not so sure this was needed :). Sadly Lauren came down with a cold a few days before we were planning on heading out.  After going back and forth we finally decided to get busy livin! So, Thursday night we head to Wyoming to camp, before heading on the South Dakota.  We arrived at the campground just before dark, so the kids were able to run around with head lamps for a few minutes before we headed to bed.
 The next morning we woke up and hit the road, wanting to get to Custer State Park before all the camp sites were taken for the weekend. Due to a more the complex camping situation than I was used to, we missed out on a campsite. After a few phones calls, we were back on track, finding a campground near Mount Rushmore. At least we had a pretty drive thru the park.
                                                  One of the many tunnels you drive thru

After getting our tent set up for the weekend we headed to an animal park that several people had recommended. It was called Bear County and it was named well. It was a drive thru park, and they had wolves, reindeer, mountain lions, and a lot of bears. Joel and I were guessing about 50. It was fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Cute Tree with a bear cute into it

 Mountain Goat

 One of the many bear

 This was a big guy

 The bear cubs were so cute to watch!

 Kids liked being out of there car seats the most :)

 At this point of the trip, Cooper wanted to take some pics. So I gave him my camera and he promptly dropped it. So Sadly I have no more pictures  from this point on. We have a few from Joel's phone. The next morning we headed over to the Wind Cave and Jewel cave, for a few tours. Both were great and we had a good time.  Of course we had to see Mount Rushmore (cooper is very happy to be there.....)

By this point I am coming down with Lauren's cold, so we take it easy for most of the day. Early the next morning we make it a priority to get the Mammoth Site Museum, were there have an active archeological site. Cooper really liked it, so it was well worth the trip.

Replica of what a Ice Age dwelling might have looked like

 Cooper (6) and Lauren (3) at dig site

 Cooper holding a replica of a Columbia Mammoth Upper Leg bone, shows just how huge these creatures were

We made it home Sunday with time for me to crawl in bed and not move for a while, but we had a good time and I am defiantly glad we decided to go.

Summertime fun

Just a quick post for the Grandma's out there. Here are two short video's Joel put together of our trip to the water park and the bike park.

We went to Water World this last week. Despite having to wait out a short storm we had a great time

Bike riding at Valmout Bike park in Boulder. Lauren is not quite sure she like it yet, but Cooper is doing great.

The Birthday Extravaganza's

Cooper is 6..... and I can not believe it. I was thinking than having a party at the park, would be easy. In case you are interested in, it is not. Instead of just showing up at a place and party... you have to bring everything. But the things we do for our little ones.  Well I think everyone had fun, so it was all worth it, but I see Monkey Business in my future for Lauren's 4th.

We showed up about a half an hour before everyone else showed up and we were blessed with great weather, about 80 degrees. Joel put up our slack line, and I getting out the sandwich and other snacks ready. We also brought up our peddle car and scooter in case the little ones wanted a spin. 

                                                   Skylar going down the slide

Dad pushing Lauren in the swing

Reese, Jaxon, and Lauren on top of one of the climbing rocks

After playing and we headed down for some sandwiches, and of course birthday cake. It was a great party and I am glad we had good weather and great friends to help us celebrate.  We had 11 kids between 1 1/2 and 6 years, and no real tears, or any blood. So success!

Birthday Boy looking for trouble :)

Little girl just like her Momma.... we love our cake!!!

The next day we get to celebrate Reese's 5th birthday. Sarah held it at her community pool and we all had a great time. The big surprise was a visit from Anna and Elsa.  Cooper was not as impressed, but let me tell you how excited those little girls were.

We need pretty dresses to spend time with the Princesses of Arendelle

Reese, The Birthday Girl

  We were able to get our face paint to match our swim suit

 Listening to a story

 Again, Cooper not too excited, when we asked if he wanted to listen to a story, he said "No Thank you"

Jaxon and Lauren playing "Who has the Crown" with the Princesses

 Cooper told Dad that if he never saw another Princess it would be too soon! I am guessing at some point in the future his feelings toward girls might change, but for now I will enjoy his disinterest in them.

Still avoiding all the girly girls on the playground

More Proof Lauren is a champ of birthday cake eating (Sadly I did not get a photo from Reese's party, because she had chocolate cake all over her face)

Hope Cooper and Reese had a great birthday!!!