Fullfilling Needs on the Road.....Oh what a saga....

Well, the time has come.  Our wonderfully, dependable van of 8 years and 160,000 miles, was slowly, but surely dying.... :( 

As much as we loved it, we decided while we were in Rapid City, SD., to replace it with something a little newer, and more dependable.  :)

After some searching and researching, we decided to buy a 2009 Toyota Sienna!  The kids are SO pumped, and honestly, I love it as well.  The piece of mind is priceless.  :)

Now, for the saga.....

Well, we got that new, wonderful van and drove it to the local Cabela's where the Admiral was parked.  Todd was about to drive that new, wonderful van onto our car-dolly, when we realized .....um........
IT IS NOT GOING TO FIT!  

NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I thought Todd and I were going to cry right on the spot.  Are you kidding me?!

Obviously, our new van is wider than our older one, and now we are on a hunt to find a gently used car-dolly, and we need to sell the one we have!  Nice.

So, we left South Dakota, however, now we are hauling a dolly we can't use, and paying more for gas.  Not good.

I know one day I will laugh about this, but right now, it is NOT funny.

Please pray that the Lord would allow us to fix this issue as painless as possible!
Blessings,
Steph

Heartland RV Park, Campground Review

While we were visiting Mt. Rushmore, we stayed in Hermosa, SD. at Heartland RV Park.

We really enjoyed our stay here.  :)
We met some wonderful people, HI RYAN!!!  The kids made great friends, and the campground's facilities were really nice. 

Price- $300/ 9 days.  This is on the high side of a regular park, but in the area around Mt. Rushmore, this was a STEAL!  It was also a little expensive because they charge extra for the children. ($4.00/child/night)  Otherwise, it would be an affordable stay.  :)

Facilities- AWESOME.  They have two shower/laundry houses that were always clean and worked well.  I love the log cabin look of their facilities too!

Location- we were only 15 miles from Rapid City, and 20 miles to Mt. Rushmore.  The drive was beautiful and enjoyable, so you did not mind being a little out of the way.

I would definitely recommend this park!

Blessings,
Steph

Super-Fun July 4th!!

One of the great blessings of being a full-time family, is meeting all the wonderful people on the road!  I have enjoyed  following The Martin's blog, Napkin Dreams, for a long time, and just love their helpful insights and sense of humor.

We actually got to meet up with this wonderful family and celebrate Independence Day with them at their campground!  Really neat!  They have 5 children as well, and share many of the same perspectives and convictions as we do as a family.  It was SO refreshing to just spend time talking and watch the kids playing together.  We went swimming, hiked a trail to the Petrified Forest, played video games and Legos!

I am so proud of Hannah.  She had the BEST attitude, while everyone was swimming, she played with Bend-A-Roos.  (she can't get her finger wet, since the accident)  :(

 This was the view as we were walking up the trail to the Petrified Forest.

There were MANY trees, stumps and even huge roots that were petrified in this plush forest.

It was a nice trail, with beautiful views.  It was fun to see the kids trying to run and race UP HILL.  :)  We, (us older folk), kept having to tell them to slow down!  HA!

Martin Family, thank you for a wonderful Independence Day!  It was such a blessing to meet you and spend time with your amazing family!  We hope to see you on the road again!  :)

Blessings,
Steph

Custer State Park, SD

We decided to drive through Custer State Park a few days ago, about 15 miles from our campsite.  Boy, I am so glad we did!  Ofcourse the views are just gorgeous as you drive through the Black Hills, and then you enter the park.  There was a nice picnic area with a natural, spring-fed creek, so we HAD to stop and get our feet wet!  :)

It was too funny when Todd started taking off his shoes and socks.  All the kids were asking, "Dad, what are you doing?!"  I guess they thought he was going swimming?? :)  It was actually our first time to just stop and enjoy the cool creek water.  I know.....sad.......but, again, it IS the simple things in life. :)
It took no time at all for the kids to rip off their shoes and socks and join Dad in the creek, too. 

We met a really nice couple from Wisconsin, and shared some cheese curds with them; sharing stories, when they encouraged us to go down the 'Wildlife Loop.' 
So, inside Custer State Park, we followed this "loop" for miles and miles; with more amazing scenery, until........


HELLO!!!

BUFFALO!!  Hundreds of buffalo!!

They were walking right up to the cars with out a care in the world!  It was too cool.  A little frightening. 
But cool!

Blessings,
Steph

Our FIRST ER visit on the road

Well, it was a beautiful day, the sun was slowly starting to fade, when Hannah appeared at the door.  She was crying; painfully crying, with blood all over her hand.

She was trying to feed one of the horses in a nearby pasture, and it obviously thought her finger was a juicy blade of grass! 

Thankfully, all she lost was a finger nail.  The whole nail, and recieved a small puncture.  Todd drove her to the ER with Zach by her side comforting her the whole way.  :)  Sweet brother.  :)  And  I stayed home with the other children waiting for phone calls and updates.

I don't know what was worse for Hannah; getting bit by her beloved, favorite animal in the whole-wide world, or the awful pain she felt from that beloved animal!

We are praising the Lord that this was the only injury.  It could have been SO much worse. 
They sewed in a plastic nail, and gave her antibiotics and pain meds.  She has also gone back to see the beautiful horses, and seems to have no lasting fears.  God is so good.  :)

Please pray that she will heal safely, with out any infection.
Blessings,
Steph

Just LOVE a good deal!

Here in Hermosa, SD., there is a cute little grocery store, 'Pop's Grocery Shoppe', so I went the other day to purchase some essentials, like detergent, bread, milk, ya know, the things you need on a VERY regular basis.  When low and behold!  I noticed my kid's favorite cereal in the world, on sale for a DOLLAR!!

A DOLLAR!??!!

I couldn't believe it.  I took the box up to the front and asked the nice lady if this was for real, and she said, "YES, we just can't seem to get rid of them."  :)
WHAT!?
WOW!

I bought 5 boxes. :)

But, it gets better.....
I went home, to the Admiral, and showed the kids their beloved cereal that they NEVER get because it is usually around $4.00 a box, and they were literally cheering and screaming.....pour deprived little ones.....
Todd asked about it, and I told him that they were only $1.00 each, and he said, "Let's go back and get more!"  HA!!

So, we did. :)

TEN boxes later, and some REALLY excited kids, we ended up having FIFTEEN BOXES of Wheaties Fuel cereal!  :)  Too funny!
(it is not stale or old either!  I checked. :)

It truly IS the simple things in life that we are SO thankful for, isn't it?  :)

Blessings,
Steph

Mt. Rushmore @ Night!

Last night, we ventured out to the monument again for their regular ceremony.  They do this every night at 9:00p.m.  It was a surprise to me, how many people came.  I just had NO idea how popular or sought out this ceremony was!  Indeed, it was worth going. 

A boy scout troop from Wisconsin came to lead the pledge, and then a Ranger gave a 10-15 minute talk about each President represented in the Monument.  She was fantastic.  Afterwards, as the sun was going down, (yep, here in South Dakota, it is not dark until 9:30!), they showed a 20 minute film, 'Freedom', which also focused on the 4 Presidents.  By the end of the film, it was totally dark, and Mt. Rushmore was glowing.  Truly a special moment.

The Ranger asked all past and present military to come onto the stage, so they could be recognized.  Immediately, people were clapping and cheering and whistling; giving thanks and appreciation for their sacrifice and service to our nation.  It was so exciting.  :)

As they stood on the stage, we all sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'  Then, the Wisconsin boy scouts lowered the American flag to 'Taps' on the bugle.  Just, chilling.....patriotically AWESOME!  :)
Can you tell how pumped I am??!!  Love it!!
Then, the crowd cheered and clapped again for several minutes as the service men and women left the stage and we were all dismissed.  I found myself, not wanting to leave, it was that good. 
This ceremony brings to mind all the freedom, we as Americans, possess, and many times take for granted.  We are blessed to live here, able to worship, work, and learn in such a beautiful land.  I am more thankful today, than I was yesterday, that is for sure!  :)


Blessings,
Steph

Mount Rushmore!!!

As we drove to the National Monument, it was quite the ride.  :)
There are beautiful views of the area with towering trees and peaceful valleys, but then you come to some VERY narrow, winding roads that lead to this tunnel!  It is literally wide enough for only ONE vehicle at a time, so you have to honk to warn anyone that may be on the opposite side coming through.  UG!  Pretty cool, though, and it sure created great anticipation.  :)

Once you park, and walk up a few stairs or use the elevator, you are welcomed by concrete entrances and collumns, a visitor center, and the Hall of Flags....All centered with the monument.  I was just amazed.  We were all just amazed!  You cannot help but stare and smile.  It was just wonderful!

There are many rocks to climb on and a President's Trail that gives many great views of the Black Hills as well as the Monument.  Zach was excited to walk on the trail and recognized the same spot from the film, National Treasure II!  :)

On site, there is THE Sculptor's Studio, where Borglum did much of his work.  The artist also had two other studio locations.  One down the mountain, and one in the nearby town of Keystone, so he could look at the "job site" from far away.

Here is the actual model that Borglum constructed for the project.  He never finished to completion, however, I am in awe what he and the determined crew of workers were able to accomplish in only 14 years!  In that 14 year time span, it was really only 6 years that they were able to actually work, because of snow or money.  6 years.....It is said, that the faces on Mt. Rushmore are as smooth as a sidewalk!  :)

Inside the studio, a Ranger gave a great talk about the history of the area and the man, Borglum.  He did a really good job, and also showed the kinds of tools used to make the great monument.  The kids could actually hold them and get a "feel" of what it might be like dangling from ropes in a metal chair, hundreds of feet in the sky, with a 40 pound jack-hammer!

Ofcourse, we did the Jr. Ranger program, and I must say, it was the MOST challenging for Tanner!  His age group has quite the workbook, and demands a true "search and study" inside of the museum.  He finished the task, with out sweat or tears, however, we were all a little pooped by the end!  ;)

They even had a book for little Parker to earn a badge, so he was thrilled!
Good job!

This experience was just awe inspiring.  I feel SO blessed and proud to be an American.  I am so thankful for the patriotism and love of country that this place pours into its visitors.  :)
I want to encourage any family considering a trip, to come here!  Last year, there were over 3 million visitors!  It is SO worth the time and cost of travel to come to the Black Hills, and experience the magnitude of Mt. Rushmore! 

Blessings,
Steph

Badlands & Minuteman Missile

Last weekend, we came to the Badlands National Park, and were struck by the beauty of this area.  Driving through South Dakota, you see many miles of prairies and rolling hills, and then, WHAM!  Huge cliffs and mountains!  Really neat stuff.

There are wildlife here, buffalo, deer, birds, prairie dogs, but it is a very rough terrain for humans.  The strong winds that seem to never stop, strong storms, and blizzards are what make the Badlands special.  :)

We camped here for one night, in the National Park, but decided we needed to head out the next day so that Todd can have the much needed internet and cell service required! 

The Badlands also has a great visitor's center with a museum, video and Jr. Ranger program!  Yeah!

What was also nice, is just a mile down the road, was ANOTHER Jr. Ranger program at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.  The kids were able to earn 2 badges within a days time!  Whoo Hoo!

Keep up the good work Golden Gang! :)

Blessings,
Steph

Wall, South Dakota

On our way out of Rapid City, and onto our next National Park location, we HAD to stop in this VERY touristy, and very cute little town! 

On a block of this town, there are so many shops just beggin' you to come and spend your money!  Careful....there are actually some really cute things too!

We just strolled around, and enjoyed all the shops and atmosphere.

This pic made us all laugh out loud!  Just too cute!

Yes, we gave in to the temptation!  They had some very yummy icecream at a reasonable price, and we also bought 3 t-shirts, for a TOTAL of $10.00!!  Now, that is a good deal!  :)

Blessings,
Steph

Water Park Fun, Rapid City, SD!

Our time in Rapid City was so much fun!  This is the first time we have gone to a waterpark as a family, so we were all looking forward to it!  The kids just LOVE swimming!  We parked for a couple of nights at the local Cabela's- FREE dump and drinking water and very friendly to RVers. :)

This is an indoor waterpark with some awesome slides, a lazy river, basketball pool, and a wonderful "little" kids play and swim area. :)

We spent almost the whole day here, and really enjoyed it.   :)
Parker's favorite, was the basketball pool.  He literally shot hoops here for over an hour straight!  Other kids seemed totally content just handing him the ball over and over, to see him shoot!  HA!

Wapiki Indoor Waterpark was a real treat!  Thanks Rapid City!
Blessings,
Steph