Dakotas Trip

When Whitney got back from her mission she let everyone in our family know that she was going to go back in the summer and that all were invited to go back with her..... so we took her up on the offer and went for a week with her, Nana, and Pops. We loved it all and was pleasantly surprised how many great and beautiful things to see and do there.

Day 1-

Travel Day.  We were lucky enough to fly out of St. George. We then had one connection in Denver and then flew into RApid City.  OVerall the kids did great. IT was Norah's first time flying in her own seat and at first she was nervous but by the second leg of the flight she was pro and didn't mind the bumps much.  Once we got into Rapid City we got our rental car and met up Nana, Pops, Aunt Whitney, and a couple that Whitney knew out here at Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Let's just say the kids were tired from a long day of traveling and it was a bit of a zoo for dinner.  We did not enjoy the meal as much as we would have liked.  We then headed to the hotel to get some sleep!!!   

Day 2- Church, relaxing, much needed naps, and dinner with the Sheffields. Church was great but the best part of the day was visiting and getting to know this amazing family that invited us over for Dinner!  Such friendly and kind people and cute kids. Lincoln was best friends with the older son by the end of the night.  

Day 3- Wind Cave, Custer, and Mount Rushmore

We then ate at the Purple Pie Place. But I think the purple pig was a bigger hit than the food.

We then had dinner at Alpine Inn which was delish! 

DAY 4-

Ellsworth Air Force Base -- the Sheffields took us on a personal tour of a B-1 bomber plane. Super cool. I couldn't believe how little of space was inside. Only about 4 of us could go up in it at a time because of space. Lincoln also go to try on some of the gear!  It was a pretty neat day! 

We then went to the most awesome free park called Storybook Island Park. It was old and some of the areas were a little worn down but over all it was amazing. The kids loved it and we could have spent hours and hours there.  

DAY 5-

We walked around and checked out all the touristy shops in the cute little town of Keystone.  

Meal time is always a bit chaotic with three little ones.  Thanks to Nana and Aunt Whitney helping out a bunch to lighten our load. 

 We then decided to get old time pics done of our family. Norah was adorable in her little dress and hat.  We all liked getting all dressed up! Even Dad enjoyed it--- I think thanks to the gun he got to hold.

After pictures we went and rode the 1880 train.  The kids def liked it (at first). It did get a little long and the kids feel asleep.  

DAY 6-

We woke up to a very rainy rainy day. Started off the day with a BIG breakfast at the hotel. This was Norah's plate of food. She thought it was pretty cool. haha. She only ate a little of it.  

We had plans to go on a hike up in spearfish canyon but opted out so instead went to Sturgis and toured the motorcycle museum.  Lots and lots and lots of motorcycles.  

 We then toured around the old town of Deadwood.  Wild Bill Hickock was shot here..

 On our way out of town we stopped for a quick pic at Bridal Veil Falls.  South Dakota was so gorgeous and much greener and mountainous then I thought it would be.

 On our way to North Dakota of course we had to take pics at the South and North Dakota state lines.

 We ended many of the days swimming in the hotel pool.... which I think was always the kids favorite!

DAY 7- 

Driving to Bismarck, North Dakota.  

South Dakota was beautiful and like I said before I was pleasantly surprised with how much there was to see and do. We could have stayed many more days there exploring and checking out the sites.  North Dakota on the other hand--- not so much. Along the freeway this is what they have. Big weird eye sculpture with birds flying through it and the largest holstein cow.  

 Our hotel was great though once we got to Bismarck. It had a little indoor water park in it that the kids loved.

 After swimming for a bit, a bunch of the member that Whitney new while serving in Bismarck had invited us over to a taco potluck and rootbeer floats. It was fun to hear how much the members enjoyed have Whitney serve there.

LAST DAY-

We were flying out in the late afternoon so we decided to hit up the bismarck Zoo first thing in the morning for a few hours.  It was a smaller zoo and we were able to walk the whole thing in a few hours. The kids enjoyed it and the monkeys put on a great show for us, which def. made it all worth it.  

  Flying out!! we had a great week and so glad to cross the Dakotas off the list.