National Parks Galore take 2 (Theodore Roosevelt, Badlands, Rocky Mountain, Arches)



We went to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It was named after the president! I saw a bunch of different kinds of animals there. I watched prairie dogs play, wild horses roam, and even herds of bison! As we were driving along the road a herd of bison walked right along beside us. One of them almost touched my window! I loved Theodore Roosevelt National Park!

We drove through the Badlands of North Dakota. It was beautiful there. I think it was prettier than the Grand Canyon! The rocks looked as if they had rainbows trapped in them.

We went to Mount Rushmore National Park. I loved seeing the faces carved on the rocks. It was extraordinary to think that someone took 14 years to carve those faces in the rock!. We also went at night and saw it all lit up. It was beautiful. I loved Mount Rushmore!!



We went to the Rocky Mountains. I saw some animals that I have never seen before...elk and moose! The only bad part was that it was freezing!! We hiked to a waterfall and it was 47 degrees!! The ranger said that it snowed on the peaks that same day!! Can you believe that?

I met two of my cousins I had never met before, Katie and Emma!  They live in Kentucky, but they were on vacation in the Rocky Mountains the same time we were!!  We went out to Cheesy Lee's and had pizza.  After we played out in the old fashion playground.  It was so fun!  Then we went and looked at the beautiful horses.  I had an amazing time with my cousins, Katie and Emma!! 

 

Island Lake with Uncle Robbie!! We visited the beautiful Island Lake in Colorado. I got to camp right next to my uncle Robbie!! I had such a fun time with him and his dog, Geordie. We did so many fun activities like hiking, playing games and making homemade food. My uncle is the master at making homemade food. I love my visit with uncle Robbie!

We went to Arches National Park. It was beautiful! I saw so many arches and red rocks. I hiked to a few of the arches. There are over 2000 in the entire park. I loved it!

Mom's thoughts- During one of our ranger talks we learned that Teddy Roosevelt sought comfort in the wilderness of North Dakota. On Feb 14th (of some year) Teddy's wife and mother died within hours of each other leaving him grief-stricken and in the care of a 2 day old daughter, so he fled the city to find peace in the wilderness. After experiencing all we have seen it's easy to see why. Now we are almost home and I feel a mix of emotions. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed, and having some personal space and time, but I'll miss the sense of simplicity, freedom, and adventure. I guess this was our time of fleeing to nature to gain perspective, balance and to fill our spirits. It's a time I'll never forget!!
Thanks for following us on this journey! ;)