Black Hills getaway.

We just returned from an awesome 7 days in the Black Hills. We were packed to the gills in my car and had barely any wiggle room, but we managed. Driving 7 hours across the state is no small task for little kids, but with strategic stops, loads of snacks, good movies and iPads, anything is possible. The kids did so well.

We arrived on Saturday in time to grocery shop, settle in, eat dinner, and try out the hot tub before hitting the sack early. We had fun daily adventures, the weather was hot and the kids had fun. Each night after the daily clean up, Dave and I sat on the deck and looked through each other's photos and rehashed the day's events. Our cabin was perfect, an A-frame tucked away in the central part of the Black Hills equipped with all of the necessities. We packed picnic lunches everyday and had dinner at home every night, mega win for this family who is currently not restaurant friendly ;).  On our seventh and final night, Dave and I both agreed we were sad to see the trip come to an end. If that doesn't indicate how well the trip went, I don't know what would. Seeing things through the kids' eyes gives us a whole new (amazing) perspective on even the simple things in life (i.e. Sully and Greta thought cabins were called 'heavens,' so when we would return to ours at the end of each day, they would both say 'there's our heaven!')

Some trip highlights include: the hot tub at the cabin, hide and seek with a "chickmonk" at Roughlock Falls, a candy tree, a candy shop (we have a candy theme in this family :/), and endless movies and games at the cabin.

We are extra lucky to be traveling with an adventurous daddy/husband. Dave has all of the best ideas and the patience required to pull them off- I sometimes feel like I'm just along for the ride (and to manage the kids ;)).

We are anxious to make the Black Hills a frequent vacation spot in the years to come. We are so lucky it is in our state and we can appreciate it.

Photo overload, enjoy!

Chamberlain picnic stop on our dive to the Black Hills. 

Everyone's ready to swim!
Some are better about wearing suits than others ;).

Three to a bed.
Worked until about 2am each night, then we played musical beds. 

Sylvan Lake hike.

Sylvan Lake fam photo after a picnic and dip at the beach.

Cheese! 

Roughlock Falls picnic spot after our hike. 

Spearfish fish hatchery- Piper was a real treat here ;).

Fourth of July 'Mt. Marshmallow' style.

Is Greta looking for Crazy Horse? 

Pactola Lake kisses from my baby. 

Pactola Lake fun. 

Drying off before our picnic at the lake.

Keystone old time family photo. 

The kids found a 'top secret' treasure map! 

And there was actually a treasure! $6 dollars for each kid! 

Serious about scrabble (I won :)).

Storybook Island.

Dinosaur Park.