Last but not least Mt. Rushmore

After 28 hrs and 1,200 miles of being in the car, our first family road trip was done. We stopped off at Mount Rushmore after seeing Jeremiah Grandpa again. We had a great time and were very busy. Next year we are going to Yellowstone. I really need to learn to like camping, we are going to do a lot more of it.The kids love sleeping out side so who am I so stand in the way.My man in his new hat.The moon in FT. Collins.

Story Book Island

We went to Story Book Island with Jennette, Michael, Rebekah, Saraih , Payton and Ayden, There were so many things to see and play on. We got to pet a 7 day old kid goat,and ride trains, climb and swing. We loved this place.
How cute is that family?


Alex loved getting picture taken on anything.

The Banigan Family

We had some down time on Saturday and Sunday for games and pictures. Josh came in on Sunday and gave us great news. He got married!!! We are very happy for him and Jamie and can't wait to get to know his new wife. From left to right: Debbie, Bonnie, Grandma Bev and Michael.

Top row left to right: Michael, Kevin, Clint, David, Wade,Jeremiah
Middle row left to right: Garrett, Kyler, Bonnie,Rebekah, Debbie,Margie, Maya
Front row: Saraih, Payton, Ayden,Jennette, Shayna, Alex, Grandma Bev, Elijah

Day 2 part 2 Wind Cave

We meet Michael's Mom and sisters and their family at Wind Cave. We went on the Nature Walk that was 450 steps and went down to the middle of the cave. The boys walked the whole way.
Alex was so cute. He walked up to me when we where in the cave and told me "this is the best trip ever."


This are some of Jeremiah's boy cousins and his sister and Mom.From left to right, Garrett (Saraih's husband), Saraih (Jeremiah's sister) Michael(Jeremiah's Dad) Maya and me.
The rocks in the cave

Day 2 part 1 Needles High Way.

Michael took us the back way to the cabin and it was the curviest road I have ever drove. We did get to see the lake from the movie National Treasure 2. It was very nice but I was ready to get out of the car.On the top of the hills where these rock that look like needles.
Alex climbed these rocks
I had to pull over, so Alex climbed the rock by the tunnel.
The hills were very green and I told Jeremiah that he had to take pictures because I was so sick I could not look up of the road. So I will never drive on that road again.

Day 1 Part 3 Reptile Gardens

To finish up the long day, we went to Reptile Gardens. It was great to see so many different animals there. There was a place you can go under and look in a dome where the prairie dogs live. There was a rain force with bird,snakes, spiders, BUGS and turtles. It was a great day and then we drove back to the tent.This alligator is two years old. Maya loved his eye. You can see Alex feeling the alligator.
After the snake show Alex asked if he could get a snake instead of a dog!! YEAH RIGHT.
The snake show was the last thing we did that night and Maya was done. She played in the sand box and carried the bucket around. Then she put the bucket on her head and walked around the show.
The Bald Eagle was huge. He was the most beautiful birds there.
This bird is a one of hawks at the bird show.
One of these big turtles had her 127th birthday. The kids loved touching it. This one had a tear running down it's face and Alex told the Elijah he made him cry. So Alex still had to pick on Elijah even on our trip.

Day 1 part 2 Bear County USA

This was my favorite part of the trip. We drove though the first part with the animales walking around the outside of you car. There where Elk, reindeer, Arctic Wolves, Bug Horn Sheep, Dall Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Mountain Lion, Buffalo and Bears. At the end of the car ride you got to get out and walk to see the other animals: Badger, Raccoons, Striped Skunks, Porcine, Bob Cats, Fox, Wolves and the cute bear cuds!!! Maya screamed very time she saw a new bear. She counld not get enough of them. The kids really made the time there worth it.

Jeremiah looked so cute holding everyones hands.

Family shot.
Black wolf cub.
Elk.
This is an albino buffalo.


This bear was walking back and forth by the grates and you had to just drive or you would never get a cross.
This goat was sanding by the cars as the drove by.
There were two kid goats.
This is the big horn sheep. He was beautiful!