We are at Keystone, South Dakota

Today we left the Isaacson home at about 8:30. It was hard for me because I know that dropping in for a visit often is not going to happen. My tears are very close to the surface. I know that they will be okay but I hated to leave them there.
We have been very busy with a day trip to the Mall of America, trip to the Minnesota Zoo, unpacking, and set a house in order. Jeff had to return to work today.

We will be enjoying Mt. Rushmore tomorrow and then drive to Cody,Wyoming. Today we drove through the Badlands.

Going down to watch Jacob and MacKenzie swim for awhile.

Ready to head for home ------ Yes! everyone is as tired as they look ----- Hunter did tell MacKenzie good bye----Jacob did get some cereal down and Tristin got up to say good bye.  He can now have his bedroom back.  Headed out and followed Highway 169----- a nice easy drive

Minnesota Country ---- every town has a water tower ------ no mountains for water pressure-----so many beautiful farms and towns ------ we really enjoyed the sites

This was our lowest elevation.  Farms and more windmills and Storage Bins.  The optical illusion turned out to be wrong------ the road did not go between the bins.  Crazy kids and Funyons.

Entering our next state ------ crossing the Missouri River, it was very high----- old prairie house and sod house ------ beautiful range land

A trip through the Badlands ------ very beautiful landscape

Gas and a pit stop and then on the road ----- we have arrived and you guessed it TIRED

Swimming for relaxation-------MacKenzie was trying to show Jacob how to touch the bottom of the pool ---- they had fun but so missed the Isaacson boys

This is a real nice place to stay ---- located in Keystone ------fun scenery

Almost the first ones at Mt. Rushmore------- So proud to be an AMERICAN

Utah ----- our home and our special travel companions

Jacob loved blowing up the mountain ----- MacKenzie ran all the way down the stairs to see what the sign said -----She got all the way back and could not remember what it said ------ so down again she went ------then Jacob made the trip-----By the way a family was going to be having a reunion at Mt. Rushmore and the seats were reserved for them ----- darn we thought maybe the President would be there -----HA HA

I am always in AWE of this and especially the GREAT MEN that are carved on the Mountain.  We sure could use some great men like this today and citizens who honor country.

Crazy Horse----- not a lot of change from when we were there last time ----- it will be magnificent when done

Back by Keystone to head out for Cody, Wyoming,  This town is so fun -----need to spend at least two nights their to see more of the sights and enjoy the town.

Okay----- this was the scariest part of the trip for me ------- Bighorn Pass ----- we reached a height of over 10,000 ft. We were right in the very top of the mountains to get to the other side.  Lots of hairpin turns. 

Ten Sleep --- Grandpa read that this is where the cattlemen and the sheep man had a battle.  For us we were just ready for a big ten sleep at the motel in Cody.   Last time kids ----- MacKenzie was a trooper and Jacob is a morning kid.  He is enjoying a call to mom and dad.  This the first LDS Chapel we saw ----- only two till we got to Idaho