South Dakota

Day #1

Driving and lots of it

Spencer was in charge of taking pictures while we drove.

We stopped in at Martin's Cove for about half an hour. We went into the visitors center, heard the history from the senior missionaries there, and then ate lunch at Independence rock.

MMM cracker sandwiches.

After 10 hours of driving we finally made it to South Dakota! Spencer and I . . . well, I got lost when we first arrived at our destination. . . but we weren't really lost. I just ended up taking the longest way possible to Mount Rushmore.

Day #2

Mount Rushmore!

Ranger walk with Oliver

Gutzon Borglum studio

We found a mammoth archaeological sight near Hot Springs, SD

Wind Cave

I thought that this was the dumbest pose from a mannequin I have ever seen!

My camera broke right before the tour. The pictures I did take didn't turn out too well. :(

DAY # 3

Remember how my camera broke? That's why I don't have many pictures of Day 3, but we went swimming at a nearby lake and pretty much just relaxed all day. Spencer made a cute little friend who helped us create a small lake and rivers of our own in the sand. Later, Oliver took us on a drive up Spearfish Canyon! It was absolutely breathtaking. I have never seen anything like it. Spearfish Canyon

Oliver's backyard.

Day #4

Goodbye South Dakota!

The drive home was quite an adventure. I was pulled over for the first time (luckily I just got a warning) and Jared's car broke down as we were almost to Casper Wyoming. It was SO hot and the car had overheated. We ended up spending the night. We arrived home Saturday afternoon safe and sound.

Spencer said that this was the best vacation he has ever had! I was so grateful that we could spend some brother sister time before I moved back east for 3 1/2 months.