On our first day we drove from Virginia, to West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and into Illinois. It was a long day in the car (14 hours) but it was so exciting to start our trip! The kids were so good! They colored, listened to music, books on tape, watched the countryside change and Calvin started his quest to find all 50 state license plates. Although it was a bit long, we had an enjoyable day in the car!
Getting gas in western Virginia
Mike stretching his legs
These were our good behavior clothes pins - the kids decorated them! If they were good, they had 3 clothespins, if they weren't, they lost clothespins. If you didn't have atleast 2 clothespins when we got to the hotel you lost swimming time! They worked very well!
On our second day we drove to Carthage, Nauvoo, and then into Iowa. Spending half a day in the car is much better!
We watched video at the visitors center and toured the jail at Carthage. The window on the left is the one that Joseph Smith fell through. We didn't take a picture, but I was amazed that they still had the original door with the bullet holes in it.
This is the jail that Joseph, Hyrum and the others should've been in that day. It's also where they hid John Taylor after he was shot.
Carthage Jail - the 2nd story window on the right is the window Joseph fell out of.
We drove to Nauvoo and right before parking at the temple, Madeline pulled out her tooth! We loved Nauvoo - the kids had great time and we loved walking around and enjoying all the sites.
Anna Elise trying to help Madeline with her tooth
The temple!
Some of us were more excited to be there then others =)
Making a family rope
Dressing up and playing pioneer games
We also went to the blacksmiths shop and got prairie diamonds, Brigham Young's house, and learned about candles, bread, and a few other things!
Then we drove through Iowa for the rest of the day.
On our third day we drove through South Dakota. We took a quick detour and drove through a small portion of the Bad Lands.
I was surprised that they let us walk and climb all over the rocks.
It was really windy and the rocks were "slippery' and hard to walk on, but it was still really fun!
We saw goats and a ton of little prairie dogs along our way.
We then went to Mt. Rushmore! It was windy and cold - but so cool!
Posing
Calvin holding up the presidents
Anna Elise trying to pick George Washington's nose
Madeline squishing George Washington
The kids finally got their nose picking picture at the vending machine in the parking deck.
We stayed in South Dakota that night. The kids had fun swimming and chilling at the hotel. We made sure that every hotel we stayed at had a swimming pool. The kids would probably say that was their favorite part of the trip!
Our final day we drove through Wyoming and into Idaho - we made it to Idaho Falls just in time for dinner with part of the Allen clan!
Mountains
Buffalo
Mike smelling the Ponderosa Pines - did you know that their bark smells like vanilla or butterscotch? I didn't believe him, but we all smelled them and they smell delicious!
The speed limit in parts of Wyoming is 80, but unfortunately not this particular part. The cop was very nice- it wasn't nearly as bad as it could've been. I was also impressed at how fast it was- it only took 10 mins.
We were so glad to finally arrive in Idaho Falls and know that we didn't have to travel again for 4 days! The trip was fun - but we were ready for a break!
2 comments:
Great pictures!!
fun! the Mt. Rushmore and church history locations look so cool
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