Yesterday we visited Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park. Wind Cave is one of only 3 caves that are National Parks. It was discovered when hunters noticed wind escaping from a hole in the ground. We arrived bright and early so we could get tickets to tour the cave. We were on the first tour of the day. It was cool and damp down in the cave, but really fun to explore the dark pathways. The girls really enjoyed the experience. Of course, Anna and Megan worked hard after the tour to complete the Junior Ranger requirements and became Junior Rangers.
We headed to The Badlands National Park after a quick stop at Dickies BBQ for lunch. We all needed a break from the sandwich and chips on the road lunches we normally have. We made a quick stop at the National Grasslands Visitor Center and the girls completed their Junior Ranger program.
The Badlands is more of a drive through park, not a lot of trails or hiking. We stopped at most of the scenic views to take in the uniqueness of this place. As you can see, it looks like a sea of sandcastles dipped in various colors. It is called Badlands because the Indians named it that due to the harsh environment. It experiences hot summers, extreme winters, wind, not potable drinking water. The conditions are not conducive to human living. The prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, ferrets and bison love it however. We were excited to see some of those.
After completing yet another Junior Ranger program(that was a record of 3 in a day!) we headed down the road just a bit to a quiet campground. I was going to cook dinner, but this campground had pizza and wouldn't you know it, they even had gluten free pizza. So I was outvoted and I'm glad I was. While we waited for the pizza, the girls took Keegan to the pet obstacle course and tried to train her to jump through hoops! Joe and I tidied up the place, which is always nice. When you live in close quarters, you have to keep it clean or else you'll go crazy. We had a lovely sunset pizza picnic outside.
After dinner the girls decided to play Yahtzee together. This was one of my favorite moments, I love when they all get along, love each other, enjoy each other's company. Taking in the beauty of the wide open plains, a gorgeous sunset and my family was a breath of much needed fresh air. We are on the final countdown, one week to go. There have been many times I've said that I just want to go home, I was over it. I've cried a few nights, yelled a few times. We've all gotten frustrated with one another on multiple occasions. But watching them play games together, ask to eat outside, truly enjoy the experiences we've had, make it all worth it. I've learned a lot about myself and my family and I look forward to reflecting on that...when I have a moment to myself!
This is Keegan's new friend Fritz, they had fun playing together!
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