After preparing for 3 days Tyler, Travis, Dustin, and I headed off to South Dakota to camp. We would be joined on this adventure by our cousins Tyra, Jory, and their boys Koda and Kaden. The campground was by Stockade Lake in Custer State Park and boy oh boy was it beautiful. This entire area had a nostalgic quality reminiscent of America's camping roots of the 1950's. After 6 hours of driving our campsite was a welcome sight. The boys could hardly contain their excitement running and rushing around like animals. Travis had just began to walk a week ago so the terrain was dangerous on his wobbly legs. No matter he would not be deterred he was determined to see every rock and chase every squirrel he could see. Camp was set up, family was fed, beer was open, kids were on a short hike with dads, and the sky opened up and the rain fell down. The kids and dads were on a dead run, Travis rode on Dustin's back in the backpack having a grand time. We all got to test the waterproof abilities of our tents. Luckily no leaks. Too soon it was bedtime and chaos of lack of night time routine became evident. Travis and Tyler were a mess both howling like coyotes in their new enviroment. Luckily when the lanterns were shut off both quieted down and went to sleep.
This time around sleeping was a luxurious affair. Dustin had invested in cots and bedrolls. Our last camping adventure a few years ago was a disaster with a deflating air mattress and freeze toes off sleeping bags. Instead of my neck not being able to turn from side to side I woke up refreshed. Thank you hubby!
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| We woke up to a beautiful morning with glowing light all around |
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| Wobbly legs and uneven terrain will not stop this little one |
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| Koda and Travis are buddies |
The next day we decided to head to Stockade Lake. Tyler, Koda, and Kaden took to water like fish. Travis enjoyed the view, watched the boys play, and ate and drank himself until he was content. All the adults watched the reflections of the clouds and trees upon the water in total relaxation.
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| Kaden testing out the water |
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| Travis looks so lovely in his bonnet. His hat protects his little ears but makes him look like a little girl |
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| Jory and his boys |
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| Dustin helping out Tyler the fish |
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| Oh nooo a dead fish |
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| Koda trying out a new hat |
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| Me and Trav. I don't think he will appreciate my fashion choice for him when he is older |
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| Tyler trying on the new hat |
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| How do I look? |
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| What a view! |
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| Our view from the campsite |
The next day was full. We checked out Sylvan lake. It was so breathtaking it reinvigorated the soul. The three youngest were packed into the wagon while we traveled the trail. The trail became rather adventurous when we went through a cave cut through the rock. Jory and Dustin had to pack the wagon over rough and large rocks while Tyra and I herded the kids. The kids only had few breakdowns but the view was well worth the effort.
Hill City and the train ride were next. All the boys, dad's included, love trains. We just managed to buy tickets and load the boys. As the train began to chuff and puff our eager boys stared excitedly out the window. They were full of energy, there was so much new to see. Travis was not content to stare out the window. No, he wiggled and wiggled and wiggled until my arms felt like they were going to fall off. He did this for the entire two hour train ride. After the first 30 minutes the heat on the train made everyone lethargic (All but Travis). We all the left the train tired but excited for the next stop.
Mt. Rushmore was the end to our day. Tyler kept asking if the presidents were dead. It must be his age but he is very interested in dead and alive things. The trees that have been ravaged by pine beetle are everywhere up there and he was a little obsessed. All of the boys thought the heads carved into a mountain was soooo cool. I mean it really is no matter how many times you see it. By this stop the group was dragging and it was time to head back to outdoor home.
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| Our wonderful companions Jory, Tyra, Kaden, and Koda |
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| Yea tyler is smiling.... Just 1 out of like 50 is he smiling |
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| Waterfall in a crevice |
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| The terrain the guys had to pack the wagon |
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| View from the top |
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| they are using their binoculars |
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| Don't let that expression fool you he is a ornery wiggle wiggle worm |
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| Such a pill |
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| Tired Koda |
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| Tired turkeys |
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| Kaden and Tyler taking it all in |
Back to Sylvan Lake we go. We decided it was such a perfect piece of paradise we couldn't pass up. All the adults were relaxed while the kiddos played on the beach and in the water. The beach shined with particles of mica and the water lapped at the massive rocks. Truly a great day and my personal favorite.
We parted ways for a few hours. My kiddos took naps in the pickup so Dustin and I drove through Custer State Park and Jory, Tyra and their kids went to explore a museum and do a scavenger hunt.
Dustin and I turned onto a dirt road to Mt. Coolidge fire tower look out. I drove white knuckled on the narrow road. When we reached the top the view was epic. Smoke covered the dips and valleys from the neighboring fire. Dustin said at the top of tower he became nauseous by the vertigo.
Tyler fell asleep on the way back to camp and slept deeply in the tent. Explorer Travis maneuvered his way through the obstacles of our campsite. Just a few days of uneven ground and he became an expert at walking. Dustin and I had steak and veggies and a few beers. No one could ask for a more perfect day or evening. We even had a rain. I love the sound of raindrops on the tent. Especially one that is waterproof.
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| Tyler said he was skiing |
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| see the smoke? |
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| Tuckered out Tyler |
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| The view from above our campsite |
The trip helped our family refocus and reenergize. There was some stress but mostly there was fun. I look forward to when the boys get older and the work of the camp becomes easier. I guess if we start them out young the transition will be smooth. I have lots of ideas for better organization. This vacation has helped my little walker immensely. He scoots and almost runs now at home. Kaden, Koda, and Tyler wanted to camp forever. However, it is nice to be home.
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| Just give the baby a sucker. He got so sticky his eyes stuck together |
