Mount Rushmore 

Our goal with Mount Rushmore was to arrive before eight. We wanted to see the mountain lit up. 

We arrived at just the right time, we got to see the whole presentation, and with a great view too.

This is a list of people who worked on the magnificent sculpture.

Here, all the veterans and military servicemen (including Dad) came up front to be reconized as the flag was put away for the night.

That night we ate our dinner and then camped at a state park camping area.

Our second monument stop was crazy horse. Crazy horse is not finished, and my generation my never see it finished.

For now, his face is finished, and they continue to rely on visitor's donations and entrance fees to support the sculpting (vs government funding).

The museum was quite amazing, there was a massive amount of beautiful Native American artifacts, paintings, clothes, and models.

We also stopped back at Mount Rushmore again to see it in the daylight and walk the trail that comes a little closer.

The Rocky Mountains 

Have you ever been awakened by an elk? Thankfully I have not either, but in the Rocky mountains, they could have; they were a loud sort of chatty.   

We got the last campsite available for our size RV, which we were very thankful for. Mom made chili in the crockpot during the day, and I am telling you we were about ready for it when we got there. It kind of hurt to smell the delicious stuff all day long.

Sunday: CO Springs 

Sunday morning we went to Woodland Valley Chapel, where Mom and Dad met and married. We met up with Mr. Bill and Ms. Susie, some of our old friends.

 

If we dig through our old VHS collection, maybe we can find the wedding

Here is the spot they met...ew

After church we went to Olive Garden with Mr. Bill and Ms. Susie, where we ate pasta and a tone of salad. It was wonderful to be able to visit with them once again.        

For dinner we got to meet up with our friends the Wagaman's. Mom lived with them for a while when she lived in CO Springs, and we remain good friends today. 

Something happened to DJ on the ride there. 

The next day we had to clock out of the amazing family campground and head out. We toured the USAFA once more. 

We also stopped in Denver for a bit so dad could visit the TIAA location there. 

Garden of the Gods 

On Saturday, we got to go to the Garden of the Gods State Park with our good friends the Owens. We have seen quite a few red rocks in our travels, but none quite like these. 

It was great to see them all again after ten year. Plus, that time was when they lived back in Texas.
We got to visit with them at their home after the park; Lauren made some delicious chocolate cheesecake and was kind enough to share it with us.