We started out by driving a lot, all the way into the Black Hills of South Dakota. On the way, we stopped at Sixth Crossing and Jewel Cave, both quick stops because we happened to be driving by. We spent the evening mini-golfing by our cabin.

The next day, we set out for Mount Rushmore. It was “mid” according to the opinion of my kids. After that, we drove up to Sylvan Lake. I thought it was the prettiest lake I’d ever seen. Worth it to hike back behind the lake. Some kids swam, others fished. We continued on the needles highway, and eventually ended up at Wind Caves for a tour. This was a great thing to do on a hot day, and then we ended the day swimming at Evan’s Plunge in Hot Springs and getting some ice cream.

The third day was over to the Badlands. This was a cool place, but just too hot for anyone to really enjoy it. We did a brief stop in Rapid City to see the president statues, and then met up with my brother to experience Cosmos Mystery Area, one of many tourist traps in the area. I’d been there when I was a kid. We had dinner by our cabin after. The little kids went with their cousins for a sleepover.

Sunday was a much needed rest day. We attended church with my brother and hung out at his place. Activities included taking naps, and playing. We drove to Casper after and spent the night.

Monday, we stopped at Independence Rock and then hiked to Martin’s Cove. It was a five-mile hike, which was a stretch for the younger kids. But we did all make it. Along the way we shared pioneer stories from our ancestors and tried not to get too grumpy. Part of the trail we pulled a handcard loaded with lunch and two little kids. Another quick stop to visit my sister, and then we arrived late at home.

Great trip. I have a family with lots of different interests, so sometimes it’s hard to plan a good vacation, but I think it went pretty well. One of my favorite things was seeing the fortitude of my family when we hiked Martin’s Cove. It wasn’t easy, but we did it. Probably the most fun we had was at Evan’s Plunge. I challenged the kids to get the second gymnastic ring on the swing rings they had. Both my older kids did it!