Family Vacation 2016 - Day 8 (AM)

This was a very busy day. We woke up early and took off for the Black Hills National Forest, driving on a winding highway that took us through needle-like rock formations. The sights were impressive, and the kids enjoyed exploring among the rocks.

One of their favorites was a stone slab leaning against a cliff ... it made a small cave that they walked through (but far too small for Mommy and Daddy).

Just as we were about to to through the "Needle Tunnel", the kids discovered a mountain goat and her baby (see photo) on the rocks right above them. They were very excited to see a wild animal so close.

Family Vacation 2016 - Day 7

Our next destination was South Dakota. We arrived at our hotel in Rapid City on Monday afternoon, and after the kids swam in the pool for a bit, we headed out to see Mount Rushmore. We were able to snap a few photos before it started getting dark.

The night show followed, including a presentation and a lighting ceremony.

Family Vacation 2016 - Day 6 (Evening)

After leaving the Mack Farm on Sunday, we went to the old Peterson Farm. The barn was mostly underwater from the rising lake, so Papa Ken decided to set fire to it and burn it down. He and Cousin Curt had to row out to it. Several others of the Peterson family came to watch along with us.

Afterwards, we went to the Knox Cemetary to visit Grandma Karlene's resting place. The kids also rang the bell.

Family Vacation 2016 - Days 3, 4, 5 & 6

On Thursday, we drove through the rest of Montana and North Dakota to get to Rugby at about 9:00 pm. We thought we knew the way to Fillmore, turning down a familiar gravel road, but we just ended up wandering around for about an hour looking for it. Since it was getting pretty dark, we headed back to Rugby to call Papa Ken and get directions. It was a late night, so the kids went to sleep quickly in the upstairs room.

We travelled to the Mack Farm on Friday, and met up with many of the Peterson family. Every meal we ate there (brunch and dinner) was delicious, and there was always more than enough. The kids especially loved the bacon. One the kids' favorite activities was a bean bag toss game, like what Bridget and Tor are playing here. Cousin Meagan was often playing with them.

A favorite play place at the farm for all the kids was the big pile of boulders. Jillian, Bridget and Tor could often be found climbing all over them. Here's a few pictures of the kids on the rocks, plus a picture of Bridget with her Cousin Charlotte from North Dakota ... they had a lot of fun running around together.



There was a horse saddle and hats for kids to wear, so we took a photo of Bridget and her bunny Winter on it.

Family Vacation 2016 - Days 1 & 2

Our destination this summer was the Peterson Family Reunion & Mack Farm Centennial in North Dakota. We decided to make a longer, round-about trip out of it, to see many of the sights on the way. We packed up the Equinox and headed out early on Tuesday morning. After a lunch break in Ritzville, we arrived in Kalispell, Montana for our first night's stay. The next morning, we took off for Glacier National Park.

The scenery was pretty amazing, and we made many stops along the drive to look. We stopped at Lake McDonald Lodge, where a small stream washed into the lake. The kids spent a long time picking out rocks for their collection. This photo shows Bridget negotiating with Mommy to take one more rock.

We traveled up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which made Daddy very nervous because it was very, very high up -- so high that we were in the clouds and could hardly see. Eventually, we reached the lodge at the summit. It was cold, windy and raining, and we were not dressed for it ... so we ended up soaked and freezing.

Our day ended in Havre, Montana, where the kids finally got to swim in a pool.

Fourth of July Weekend

It was a busy kids weekend, with Jillian, Bridget and Torion teaming up with Adam, Andy and Karlee. On Saturday, we celebrated Adam's 12th birthday with cake and ice cream, along with fun on the bouncy house and playhouse.

On Sunday, everyone met up for the Go Fourth Parade. The kids worked hard picking up candy, putting it into a common bag. It was a long parade, so we left a little over half way through.

Later that evening, we met up again at the lake to watch the big fireworks. The kids liked to "oooh" and "ahhh" throughout the show.

Sleepover with Rielee

 Bridget was thrilled to hold Anna after her operation. Anna is feeling much better but still can't run around.  After their trip to North Dakota, it won't be long until Anna can play again.

 The girls love to swing on tree branches so Tor found this low branch and had a ball swinging.  That branch must be pretty tough since Jillian even swung on it a couple of times. He is playing Tarzan.

 Rielee got to come play before Jillian and Bridget went to her house for a sleep-over.  I heard they had a ball staying up late, had breakfast with Rielee, and then they all came  here to play some more before Rielee had to leave.  Here they are building a dam with rocks from the waterfall.  Tor would hand them to Rielee, Rielee would hand them to Bridget, and then Bridget would give them to Jillian who was working downstream.  Whenever Jillian would say the word "dam" Rielee would look at me and laugh because Jillian said a bad word.  I had to laugh over that.

 Later Jillian, Bridget, and Tor decided to ride the wagon down the hill.  It gets pretty wild with Jillian kind of trying to steer but not successfully.  They ran into the bushes and the fence.  Bridget had a worried look, rightly so.

It was a big accomplishment for Bridget to get comfortable climbing trees.  This was the highest climb of the day.