Our big trip out West is finally here! We left at The Little Outdoorsman's bedtime and drove 18 hours to Badlands National Park. Jacob and I switched off driving and sleeping, and I packed plenty of games and DVDs for Reed to play when he wasn't sleeping. He loves car trips, so although the trip was long, it was fun!
In the weeks prior to leaving, I did a ton of shopping and planning for the long drive. Here are the top 3 items in my road trip toolbox:
- TLO loves a show called Mighty Machines, so I was sure to bring plenty of episodes on DVD. My sister let me borrow her portable DVD player and remote- a lifesaver!
- This T.S. Shure Barnyard Friends Magnetic Tin Playset occupied TLO through a good part of Minnesota. Hands on, imaginative, and easily contained. What's not to love?
- Before we left I downloaded the Life 360 app on my smartphone. I invited my mom, mother-in-law, sister, and sister-in-law to join "my circle" and the app shows my location as we travel across the country. My family loves seeing where we are and knowing we are safe. We can also message and send pictures within the app. It has been an easy, free way for us to stay in touch on this extended trip.
We set up camp right away and then explored the Badlands. We drove to the nearest set of trails and started hiking. I "stopped to take pictures" a lot- AKA catch my breath. Whew! Out of shape! Good thing I have a strong, handsome hubby to help TLO along because I was just trying to put one foot in front of the other.
"I think I need to stop and take a picture."
"I think I need to stop and take a picture."
They caught on to my tricks after a while. In my defense, I actually did want to take pictures of everything!
They caught on to my tricks after a while. In my defense, I actually did want to take pictures of everything!
We hiked for a couple hours, until TLO found out the hard way what a cactus is. Just a little prick on the hand but still not fun! Poor guy. We got him a Sprite, the ultimate comfort right now, and he was ready to go back out. We decided to take a break from the grassy areas to check out the caves.
That one's a framer!
"Mommy- I'm so tall!"
After another hour or so of exploring, we headed back to camp. On the way, we took a side road and saw this beautiful Bighorn sheep! Jacob went bananas and chased it down with a camera for about 20 minutes. Reed was SO excited and whispered, "what is Daddy doing?" for about 10 of the 20 minutes. It was super cool, and a first for all of us!
Back at camp, we took showers and ate a picnic dinner of sandwiches and pretzels. TLO watched a show in the tent with his daddy while I snatched a precious few moments of quiet me-time. I just sat in a camp chair and looked at the Badland formations and the rising moon. It was a really special time for me to pray and reflect on the day. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to take a trip like this with my family, so blessed to live in a country with such beautiful landscapes!
After a full 8 hours of sleep for everybody, we are off to the Bighorn Mountains for a couple more days of camping. I asked to stay in a hotel every few days- a reasonable request, right? A know people say "a little dirt never hurt anybody" but I'm not fully convinced. Ha. Send me happy, healthy, fitness-filled thoughts, friends! I know you have my back!
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