Cale is so old!!!

I remember on my 10th birthday my older sister acted like it was a big deal that I had hit double digits. I was of course too busy playing my new Indiana Jones Atari game to pay her any mind but I know realize it is a very big deal. 10 years ago I held a new born, rocked him to sleep, and carried him around in a car seat. 10 years from now he might have a beard more impressive than mine. He will probably be on his 20th girlfriend. He'll certainly be in his 2nd year at MIT.

The Pizza, The Panda, The Laundry Ghost

Lazy Saturday

With soccer canceled due to snow, this was our first weekend in a long time with nothing to do. The kid's stayed in their PJs all day on Saturday. We carved pumpkins, make pumpkin cookies, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Yes my pumpkin plants did very well this year.

Horsetooth Rock

On Friday the entire family set out to conquer Horsetooth Rock. Our party was doing well until we neared the top and the trail became rocky. Maya, Aden and Carrie decided to wait about a quarter mile from the top while Cale and I went on. At the top Cale said we should pick easier hikes. One day I'll make a hiker out of him.

Mt Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore is the main attraction in the Black Hills and is swarming with tourists. If your in the area I would recommend stopping by for a quick view because it is impressive. However, I would not think it would be worth the drive to South Dakota only to see Mt Rushmore. If you go take advantage of the national parks (Wind Cave, Badlands) and check out Custer State Park (buffalo and feral donkeys!)

Waterslide

When asked what their favorite part of our trip was. the kids will without hesitation say the waterslide in the hotel. Admittedly it was a really sweet slide. It was my 2nd favorite part of the trip after the Badlands.

Poor men want to be rich, rich men want to be king

An hour and a half east of the Black Hills sits Badlands National Park. Out of the high prairie spires and castles suddenly appeared. This was probably my favorite place we visited in South Dakota and I would love to return to do some hiking/backpacking. I think a spring or fall trip would be ideal to avoid the heat. I would also like to return so I can once again sing the word's to Bruce Springsteen's "Badlands" while I am in the Badlands and feel super smug with myself.