We must have pushed the kiddos too hard yesterday because today was a total bust. Luckily, we did still manage to see and few thing and have some fun. Both Punky and Buddy were exhausted and cranky. Oh well. We were actually okay with taking the day easy since we knew this was a destination we would be sure to visit again. There are so many things to do in the Black Hills and it is a pretty easy road trip for us, so we are sure to be back in a few years. We've already decided when the kids are older, we are going to go on a horseback ride and visit a cave.
This morning we went to Mount Rushmore. Punky studied Presidents (specifically Abraham Lincoln) in preschool, so she was aware of who those guys on the big rock were. She really wasn't happy being there though! As we walked up to the visitor center, Punky trailed behind us, sulking along the way, complaining how she wanted to go swimming. I had flashbacks to my own childhood because I can clearly remember a few family vacations where I did the same exact thing. Buddy was wild, yet exhausted. He did not want to walk, yet did not want to be held. It was an interesting morning.
 |
| This was the best photo I got of the kids today. At least Punky is smiling! |
We headed to Keystone for another picnic lunch. We found the city park, made sandwiches, and let the kids play for awhile. As a kid, I remember looking through all the shops and visiting the taffy store in Keystone. We tried to do the same, but it was difficult to say the least. Punky was sweaty (it was 88 degrees today!) and still said she wanted to go back to the hotel to go swimming. Buddy was tired and hadn't gotten a nap yet. It was difficult to look through the shops because Buddy wanted to touch everything! Especially the breakables! I realized how souvenirs are really different through the eyes of a child and a parent. I remember thinking everything in those shops was so cool as a kid (I was big into Indians), but now I see most of it as junk. I am pretty sure half of the stuff that was for sale was left over from 1995 too. Anyway, we were able to find two cute t-shirts for kids and we high-tailed it out of there.
When we got to the hotel, Daddy and Punky went swimming while I stayed in the room and Buddy napped. We had to wake Buddy for supper. After our meal, I asked Punky what her favorite thing was about our vacation and she said "swimming". We were able to go swimming one more time tonight when we got back to the hotel. Punky even went down the water slide with Daddy!
We are so happy we were able to take Punky and Buddy on our first family vacation together. Derek and I will have lots of good memories of our trip, and I am sure Punky will surprise us with what she remembers too. It was a fun time and I am glad we can share our love of traveling with our kids. Now please pray for a fast and easy drive home for us tomorrow! Not looking forward to it one bit...
No comments:
Post a Comment