Fifi and Charlotte

We have added a couple of members to our family this summer. After much debate over getting a dog. we decided to go with a smaller, less maintainance animal for Chesney and Logan. And guinea pigs are what we decided on. The kids love to play with them, take them on walks (in a stroller) and are very good about taking care of their needs and cleaning up after them.

Fifi is the long hair and Charlotte is the short hair

Chesney likes to make costumes for them to wear- here are some paper bows she made for around their neck. Don't they look thrilled to have them on?

They love to play outside in the yard

These are great pets for kids because they are not quick on their feet so they won't get away from the kids when outside or on the floor in the house and they are just the right size for the kids to cuddle with them.

Trip to South Dakota

Early July we packed up the family truckster and headed out to good old Black Hills, South Dakota. We had a great time and the kids became junior rangers of three national parks. Did you know that your kids can become rangers of all 380 something National Parks in the USA. So get moving.

We stopped at Mount Rushmore and the kids really loved it. they tried to get all the names correct on the Monument but Roosevelt and Jackson seem to always be forgotten.

We hung out during the day

And then we went back in the evening for the lighting ceremony. Very lovely and
moving.

And of course, we took a drive through Custer State Park to see the Bison. And we were not disappointed. They were everywhere, the kids were mesmorized.

We went to Jewel Cave for a tour but when we got there the tours were cancelled due to an electrical storm knocking out the elevators so they offered us the historic lantern tour. We thought what the heck, the only requirement was to be at least 6 years old. We hung around and waited for that tour to begin and starting into the cave with our fire lit old-fashioned lanterns. They maybe should have mentioned that we would be winding our way down and down and down through holes in the rocks and sucking it in to get through narrow passages. A couple of times I barely fit with my belly. But we made it and had a fantastic time in the process. we were told no cameras due to possibly losing it, but we wish we had brought it now to have the photos of the adventure.

Of course, you cannot go to the Black Hills without stoping at Wall and visiting Walldrug stores. And that is exactly what we did.

As cheesy as that place is- it is a must stop while out there.

And The Badlands. So unique and beautiful. Lots of little walks to do with the kids. Such a great day we had there.

Now Where did that pesky prairie dog go?

There he is. Isn't he adorable?

So pack up the car and take a little trip to our neighbor on the West and enjoy what she has to offer.