Friday, July 19, 2013

South Dakota--Badlands

On Regan's last day of school, we planned to meet Clint's brother, his wife, and their five kids in South Dakota for a few days.  We found our campsite and set up camp just before a rainstorm came through.  It was great having Dale with us.  He's fabulous entertainment, plus he helps keep track of my hooligans.  The next day we had planned to go hiking in Badlands National Park.  The night before, one of Clint's nephews asked why it was called Badlands.  Clint told him all about how there are little cannibals that live there and they try and shoot you with their poison tipped blow darts.  My kids and most of Clint's nieces and nephews know Clint well enough to know not to believe a darn thing he says that seems the slightest bit ridiculous. They all loved playing along, though!
 
Lila refused to wear her "sturdy" shoes and instead insisted on her sandals.  I pick my battle with that one.  I do love that she did just fine hiking, sparkly sandals and all!
 
 
 We hiked the Notch Trail.  It has a spectacular view at the top and it is super short!
 
 Lila loved hiking with her Camelbak.  It will never happen again, though!  She drank so much water that it just went right through her.  She had 4 accidents all within an hour of each other and she used the potty (or the closest, most comfortable rock) in between each one.  I have never been so grateful to find extra jeans and  panties in the car for her!  She always apologized profusely, so it was hard to get mad.
 
Regan and Andrew with their injuries.  They both insisted that a cannibal grabbed their foot and made them trip and they only barely escaped!
 Clint confiscated Lila's Camelbak, but the damage was already done!  I can't imagine hiking in wet pants, poor little girl!
 I love my little family!  They are always so much fun to be with!
 Seriously, she really is the most adorable almost 3 year old!
 But, she found a cactus and fell on it.  Clint was awesome about getting each needle out of her little leg.  It's a good thing she's so tough!
We stopped at Wall Drug for milkshakes on the way home.  Haden found all sorts of things (junk) to spend money on, but Clint talked him into waiting.  We had to stop at Walmart because I forgot several crucial things.  Haden found an awesome bow and arrows that Clint agreed to buy.  Haden loved it, and it kept all the kids busy and out of trouble at the campsite!
 

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