Friendcation

We took a friendcation on a cruise ship to Mexico. It was too fabulous. The night before the cruise we stayed on Bourban Street. We danced the night away and attempted to eat pancakes the next morning. 

The view the first morning from our room on the boat. We made it out of the Mississippi! 

Fish, Train, and Presidents

We decided to run by the Fish Hatchery even though the temperature was dropping, and it was raining. We saw the miniature trout and the gigantic trout. We fed them and got wet then left. Lawson cried and cried because he wanted to stay. He said we'll never see fish again. He was so tired; we have had early days and late late nights. It really doesn't get dark until 9:30 so our biological clocks have really been off. Anyways- here are a few pictures from the hatchery. 

We rode a train from Keystone to Hill City. It took a little over an hour, and we saw several animals. 

This is how Barrett rode most of the trip. 

I'm glad Lawson didn't mind. He laughed and laughed at himself. 

After we ate a German lunch, we went to Mount Rushmore. It was a very foggy dreary day. Lawson liked comparing his coins to the Presidents' faces. 

South Dakota part 2

We went to the Wildlife Sanctuary in Spearfish. They have over 300 animals including a lot of big cats. The boys loved it. It was very interesting, and we had a great tour guide who knew the history of each animal. Barrett got so excited about the "tee-gerts" and "duckies." I really enjoyed the wolves and listening to them howl. 

Barrett loved Thornton's hat.

We had a huge get together at the cabin for the 4th. There were over 70 cousins. Barrett's favorite part was his Grrrr and the puppies. He squealed and chased the puppies for hours. It was the cutest thing. Lawson played with cousins and looked for bugs. 

The only picture I took in Deadwood.

Beside the cabin is Devil's Bathtub. It's about a 2.5 miles through a river with lots of rock. It isn't that easy, but it's a great time. We weren't prepared for this as we had 7 children with us at the age of 5 and under. Shad went down the waterfall so of course Lawson had to also. The water is freezing and takes your breath away. Your body stings forever! 

Barrett fell asleep as soon as we got there. The roaring waters put him to sleep. 

I lasted the longest with keeping my shoes dry. I almost made it half way, but I did have a little help keeping them dry. I had to a lot of extra rock climbing and jumping. I had on my running shoes that were formed to my feet. I didn't want them to stink- but I fell in.....

We also went to a rodeo. The entertainment for the night was sheep being chased by dogs with monkeys that were riding on their backs. The act was from Tupelo, Mississippi. We all about died! What's the chances of being at a rodeo in Belle Fouche, SD and an act from your hometown is the entertainment! 

Cabin mornings. 

Spearfish, South Dakota

Shad's family has a 130 year rustic cabin in Spearfish Canyon. It's surrounded by beautiful scenery, a mostly constant breeze, a inside spring and it lacks wifi, TV, running water, and cell service. This is a special place were he and his family and the generations before have made beautiful memories. So we planned to all go up and create some memories with the cousins for a week. 

This is our carry on baggage. Barrett was excited for his first flight. 

When we first made it to the cabin they enjoyed riding the rocket ship.

We also hiked around Spearfish Falls. 

Barrett got his first dip in the creek. It's freezing. No one is ever a huge fan! 

The next morning we did some hiking beside the cabin at Eleventh Hour. Lawson, Caitlynn, Shad, and Shauna hiked all the way to the top. The little babies got to go half way. 

And Cheetos when we returned.