3rd Stop--Badlands National Park

I don't have any pictures from our second stop in Des Moines at Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Britney's house. I think my Mom does though. I just have yet to see them. Thanks to Jeremy and Britney for letting us relax and enjoy their house. Britney made an amazing bbq and Jeremy entertained us by continuing to fall down a hill while racing around his house. Great evening.

Our third stop was at Badlands National Park where we stayed at a KOA cabin for two nights. The Badlands were amazing. They were different than anything I had ever seen before. The rock jutted out of the grassy land suddenly and sporadically. Even after hearing the rangers lecture on the cause, it didn't really explain the phenomena. I left feeling that no one really could explain why it happened, they just had some pretty good theories. Our first night there we sat through a astronomy presentation by one of the rangers on the night sky. It was pretty incredible to see all of the stars. And the sunset was breathtaking.

We took a great hike the next morning. There are basic starting points and trailheads, but from there you can roam and explore pretty much anywhere. It was fun to point to a high spot on some ridge and then try to figure a way to climb to the top. I must admit that I was nervous for the boys a few times, but my family was good at holding their hands and watching out for them. The boys did great climbing by themselves. I had to hold Donny on the way down, but even he climbed much of the way to the top. That afternoon during the heat of the day we went back to the KOA and swam in the pool for a few hours and then hit the rodeo that night followed by smores. Ironically enough we ran into some of our friends from Michigan, the Dains and their grandchildren. We loved playing with them in the pool and making smores with them at night. It was also nice to be equipped with all of their gear from the RV as well as extra food. Thanks for providing the smore stuff!!!

Uncle Tim, Uncle Ben, and Thomas. You can see the path to get out there isn't very wide. My Mom couldn't watch.


Steve and Hewitt


We climbed that big ridge behind us right after this picture was taken.


I have never been to the grand canyon, but this little canyon was very impressive.

Climbing at night. The sunsets were beautiful.

If you can blow off those petals, you really deserve your wish.

Our Michigan friends

Our really nice neighbor made animal balloons so he came and entertained us one evening while we made smores. He was good.