Cody, Wyoming was named in honor of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. -- Cody City Facts

Cody Wyoming is a fun place to be. So, on Thursday one of the things that we did was go to the Buffalo Bill Center. In the Center is 5 museums. So you can spend all day there with out any problem if you wanted to.  My Dad wanted to go through their Gun Museum so we did that first. It was actually pretty interesting.

The Little Man liked the Guns on the doors.  I confess I thought they were pretty cool too.  I have to say if you have a daughter this might not be a bad idea to do. I am thinking that if you put them on the doors than maybe some of those guys that might want to court her would be deterred! It would seem to me that a young guy would think twice about a Father that has that much interest in guns! (giggle)

The Museum is huge so this doesn't even really give you a glimpse at how many guns they have and the eras in which they are displayed. So just know,  I just clicked a couple pictures to show some of the fun ways they displayed the guns. The Little Man particurally liked what we named the "Gun Sun".

The Children enjoyed the gun puzzles.

Now you can't go in a Gun Museum with out seeing their animal displays.

Outside the "Buffalo Bill" Convention Center a guy was cooking Dutch Oven Chuck Wagon style, so of course, we had to taste his cooking.

Now the next stop that we did was the Old  Trail Town.

I am just amazed at the Pioneer Women and Men that came across the United States in Wagons. I am thankful that I get the opportunity to do it in an RV (and the few other times I have done it in a car) but I would never put myself in the category of these men and women. Their stories amaze me.

I am also amazed at the homes that they lived in. The Old Timey Town are real homes that have been collected in about 100 mile radius of Cody Wyoming. I enjoyed peaky inside some of the displays.

I thought the little store and the school room was quaint too.

It was Dinner time and we took my Dad to a dinner show. The "Cody Cattle Company" show was enjoyable. They sung "western" songs. Of course, the ones I knew were the song from "The Sons of the Pioneers."  I remember my Dad listening to them while I was growing up. The music about drove me nuts as a teenager but I have an appreciation of all those torturous hours now! (giggle)  Beloved and the Little Ones enjoyed their evening as well.  Oh, the food was wonderful too. (Chicken, Pulled Pork, Beans, Corn bread, Bake Potato, Chunky Applesauce, and a Brownie.)

How about a Rodeo? Yes, it is a MUST!  This was a lot of fun for me. When I was little this was the very Rodeo that my Dad and Mom took me to! So, we just had to visit the Cowboys and the Cowgirls! As you all know though, I go to see the bulls! I just love the way they flip and turn. I will always cheer for a good 8 second ride. I personally don't know how those young Cowboys can go flying in the air and landing on the ground but their must be some thrill to it or I guess they wouldn't do it.

They just didn't have bull riding though. They also had barrel racing and calf roping. I also enjoyed seeing the Jr division (12 year olds and under) and the Pee Wee division. Below are pictures of the Jr division roping and a 5 year old Barrel Racer. (So very Precious. If I remember correctly the little 5 year old did the Barrel Racing in about 39 seconds. He got a lot of cheers for his effort)

While sitting in the stands, Ms Cody Wyoming came and took a picture with the Little Lady and gave her an autograph postcard for her collection.

We were sitting near the animals that were waiting... So, I just had to take a picture.

We had a wonderful day! The next two days were spend in Yellowstone and I will post about them a little later. :)

Wyoming became the 44th State in 1890. -Wyoming State Facts

Today, when we left South Dakota and we drove into Wyoming. Wyoming is my Dad's old stomping grounds. He was born and reared here! 

One of the things Beloved had planned as we entered Wyoming, was to go through the Big Horn National Forest.  It was so beautiful. At one point in our journey, Beloved pulled over at a Pass. Our stop at Powdered River Pass was a fun stretch-our-leg stop.

It is amazing at how quickly the terrain changes here. On the right side of the road it looked like this...

On the left side of of the road it looked like this...

When we got out everyone ran toward the left.  The Little Ones were running in shorts in 70 degree weather to the snow patch. Once we all got there, you can tell who started the snow ball fight! Beloved was aiming one right at me! (Naughty! Naughty!)  Also in the left picture you can see what looks like a gate. Well, for the beach people, this is actually a snow break. It slows the wind down so the snow doesn't drift over the highway. The snow gets very deep in these parts.

I think the most beautiful part of Big Horn National Forest was driving down the mountains. We were at the very top and we sill had some ways to go before we got down to the river!

Hours later it was time to set up camp.

Beloved and my Dad decided to make us "rough" it in the RV.  When I say "roughing it" I am using the term loosely! Because you can't really rough anything in an RV! However, Beloved picked a park to stay at for several days with out full hook up! (giggle) That means no electricity and no water. Since, we have flashlights the electricity part isn't a big deal. And  when it comes to water, for me that isn't a big deal either! It just means that Beloved and my Dad haul the water in a bucket to the camp site from the water pump that pumps in fresh water from the stream.   (Remember I only have 7 weeks until I am due to deliver a baby! No hauling water for me.)  With out full hook ups, it means that they also do all the cooking and the washing of dishes!  The only down side of the whole situation is that it means that the RV has limited about of water for showering. My Dad being funny said, "Go Bath in the Mountain Creek!"  Um... I guess I will only be dreaming that they will haul water to the RV holding tank. I am hoping that maybe there is enough water in the RV holding tank for at least a cold shower! We will see. (wink)

Once the camp equipment was all set up, my Dad began dinner. He is making steak, onions, fried potatoes and corn  for Dinner! All cooked on the propane grill.

Dinner Time...

And incase you think I was joking about washing dishes, I can assure you that I wasn't!  (The soapy water is in the left pot, the rinse water is in the blue bucket, and the pot that you can't see on the right is the clean water for the second rinse) - Don't feel sorry for them! They are in their element!

Time to gather up sticks and wood for the Camp Fire that we will light for the Evening.

With all the chores done, it was time to play.

A small evening stroll...

Lastly, Marshmallows over an open flame.

Time to get the Flashlights out. It is also time to cuddle in the sleeping bags.  Back at home, I have been use to weather that only gets down in the 70's at night (if that). Tonight, it is supposed to get down to 44 to 48 degrees!  It sure doesn't feel like July! But then what can I expect, Wyoming is un-predictable. It has been known to snow in the middle of a Summer month!

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South Dakota is the 17th biggest state in the USA - South Dakota State Facts

Our last day in touring South Dakota was yesterday. So, let me catch my blog up so I won't be to far behind in updating.  These are the activities that we did yesterday. I am updating while we are heading out of South Dakota and going into Wyoming. We see how well my connection last!  :)

Bear Country USA (in Rapid City, South Dakota)  is home to 20 species of North American mammals which live in large natural exhibits. While captive born, every effort is made to imitate a wild environment for our animal residents. Larger species roam freely throughout 250 acres of the drive-thru park. Smaller animals, as well as those younger than one year, are exhibited in the Babyland area.- Bear Country

With our RV set up from the night before, we hopped into the SUV and headed to Bear Country. Bear Country could be called a zoo and we wanted to get there early in the morning while the animals were out and about eating and roaming.  For some of our Zoo adventure, you stay in your car and drive through many, many acres. The other half of the zoo, you get out and walk among trails to see the baby animals. Our favorite was the bear cubs! 

Since, this is the animals homes, you are to stay in your car with your windows up, because they animals roam free. That means the animals have the right-away. This can be some what frustrating at times and also funny. It reminded me of growing up in Alaska. You never knew what visitor would be in your yard that day!  

Here is a bear that was pulling guard duty. He kept going back and forth and wouldn't let us pass. Eventually, we paid or fee!  (A lot of TIME waiting!)  He eventually let us pas through.  Only the next car wasn't so lucky. They too had to wait. Their wait included two bears going back and forth! (giggle)

Just hanging out....

Bear Country also has other animals for you to see too.  There were lots of Elk (left picture) and many Mountain Goats. This one is losing his winter coat.  They also have Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Otters, Beavers, Foxes and many other animals.

Now, one of my favorite animals is the Wolf!  So, I was tickled when a Artic wolf walked right by my window. (Beloved spent some extra time letting me watch the packs roam around our car.)  

My little ones like "barrel-john deere tractor pulling" transportation. So when we got out to walk around the Baby Animal area of the park, the Little Ones were excited with what they saw. Beloved let them take a couple of rides around the park. 

While at the Park we bought our first "Restaurant" meal while RVing!!! 

We all ate BUFFALO burgers and BUFFALO Hot Dog! (giggle) Now, growing up in Alaska,  I have had them many times before  so it wasn't anything new to me. However, it was the Little Ones first time and also Beloveds!  I would have taken a picture but my camera battery went dead and I needed to charge it for the next attraction! (sigh) Everyone was so hungry that it was packed away in those little tummies! The Little Lady was full of questions about what she was eating though. (giggle)

"A monument's dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilization of the events commemorated. We are not here trying to carve an epic, portray a moonlight scene, or write a sonnet; neither are we dealing with mystery or tragedy, but rather the constructive and dramatic moments or crises in our amazing history." -- Gutzon Borglum the carver of Mount Rushmore. 

Now, you can't go through South Dakota with out seeing Mount Rushmore.  It just isn't right! So that was exactly where we went next-- to see the faces of 4 Presidents. President Washington, Jefferson, Rooservelt and Lincoln. Did you know that Rooservelt actually has glasses on?  

And just cause you never know if you have the next Future President in your Family. It is important to take a picture with your Little Ones just incase they become the next one carved on the mountain! (giggle) Just kidding the Mountain is finished!

Sitting on a Mount Rushmore rock.

If you have been following my blog for years you know that we do the JR Ranger Programs at all the National and State Parks that we go to. Well this was no exception. The Little Ones received their book, did all the activities for their age group....

and pledged the oath...     I think they are up to about 10 badges and patches now!

"The mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians."  -- Crazy Horse Monument and Historical Museums.

Our next stop was to see the 5th Head of the Black Hills. Not to far from Mount Rushmore is the continuing carving of a memorial to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The carving is representative of all North American Indians.  Since the carving, unlike Mount Rushmore has the goverment's money behind it, Crazy Horse is being funded totally by Private Donations. So, it is taking awhile but when it is done the carving will be absolutely beautiful and the biggest in the Nation.

The Crazy Horse Museum is very large. It is dedicated to all Native American Artifacts. They have many Historical Items, many Native American (particularly Lakota Indian's on site that display their arts and crafts along with many ceremonial items. They also have local Native Musicians as well. The Museum is also a Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and is also a center that is operational for University classes and as a medical training center for Native Americans.

There were so many rooms in the Museum. A lot of the Historical Artifacts came from Custards time. Here is just a glimpse of one of the rooms in the Museum.  Although I could have taken hundreds of pictures of the spear, bow and arrows, pottery, the weapons that they used to fight with, the rugs, the flags, and all the beautiful Indian jewelry.  I found the Buffalo eye striking and unusual.  On one side the buffalo is red and yellow. On the other side it is black and white.  I wondered what was the artist doing? 

Apparently, there are 4 Directions of the Lakota People. There are 4 colors that represent them also and there are 4 animals that represent those colors and Directions. To the West is the color Black and the Thunderbird. To the North is the color Red and the Buffalo. To the East is the color Yellow and the Elk. To the South is the color White and the Eagle.  The Colors also represent the 4 colors of mankind as well.  

The Buffalo is symbolic of the Lakota's way of life and their beliefs. The artist wants all who view him to want to learn more of the Lakota People. The artist of the Buffalo is Donald F. Montileaux an Oglala Lakota Artist.  

After, our "tourist" adventures for the day, we went back to camp. The Little Ones played on the play ground and road their cycles. We had dinner and packed up the RV a little. We planned on getting up early (on June 8th) and making our way to my Dad's old stomping grounds! He grew up in Wyoming!  

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Under God the People Rule. - South Dakota's Motto

We arrived in Sioux City, South Dakota on Saturday night and spent our 1st day  (Sunday) in South Dakota with a day of rest in that area. Then on Monday  (our 2nd day) we began traveling I-90 which goes across the State. Here is a recap of our 2nd day!

Did you know that Butterflies do not grow? Their size is determined by how much they ate as caterpillars. -- Butterfly House Facts

One of our first stretch-our-leg stops was the Sertoma Butterfly House in Sioux Falls.  My Aunt Sydney and Uncle Laurence suggested it thinking that the Little Ones would probably enjoy it! With hundreds and hundreds of butterflies, I will let you figure out by the Little Man's cheesy grin how much of it was a hit!

The butterflies were very beautiful. One of the Ladies that worked there pointed out this Moth. (picture on the right) She said that it is the biggest of the Moths and said it only lives about 5 days. The Moth was about the size of a large man's hand.

The Butterfly House also had a Children's Book Room, Photo contest room, and an Identification room. Here is the Little Lady and the Little Man checking out the collection.

We enjoyed our time at the Butterfly House. It was a lot of fun for my little ones. But, we need to put some more miles behind us. So, as we were cruising I-90, one of the places that I remember going to as a Child was the Corn Palace. My Parents took my Sister and I across the US several times and when we went through South Dakota , I distinctly remember going to it. So, Beloved pulled over for one of our other stretch-our-leg stops right in the city of Mitchell.  

Today, the Corn Palace is used for Basketball games, Public Speaking, Concerts, Indoor Festivals, etc.--Corn Palace in Mitchell

The Corn Palace was established 12 years after  the City of Mithell was established and 3 years after South Dakota became a state.   www.cornpalace.com  (You must see the picture of the Palace it looks a little Russian to me. It is very large)  The Corn Palace is amazing really. It is a large building that is decorated each year with a different theme of corn murals. This year the theme is American Destinations.  To decorate the Palace they use 13 different colors of corn. They keep the colors separate in the fields to insure the purity of the corn color.  Approximently 275,00 ears of corn are used in decorating the Palace each year. The Corn Palace begins it's decorating process in late May and it is finished in Oct. Since, August is harvest, each year the Corn Palace and the city of Mitchell has a huge festival.  

A few Corn Murals.

Hanging out with some "Corny" People in the Corn Cessions.

Now, although there is a lot of Corn Morals to see, and several things to do at the Palace, one thing is a MUST!  You can't go to the Corn Palace with out eating something with Corn in it! We decided on Popcorn. Because I like my popcorn boring with just butter and salt,  I decided to just do the "theater" pop corn. But,  others tried the fun flavor varieties such as caramel and/or cheese.

Badlands National Park  has over 224,000 acres. The Badlands were called by the Sioux Indians, "mako sica".  (mako, land and Sica meaning bad) - The Badlands National Park Facts.

While still driving across South Dakota, another place  that I remember going to when I was younger was the National "Badlands" Park.  I remember thinking as a little girl that we will never get out of the "Badlands".   So, I wanted to see if my memory served me correctly. (giggle) My memory was very good. The Badlands have a rugged beauty all of its own but you don't want to be stuck in them. The term badlands generally refers to an area that is difficult to travel through primarily because of the rugged terrain and lack of water. (I would say because of the heat and snakes too.)  The landscape within the park erodes at a rate of about 1 inch per year, so this provides an ever-changing landscape. 

It is sad to me that many Indians were expected to live in this type of land. So many of them hid out here to prevent from being moved or killed. This area is rich with History!

Our drive day on Monday ended up at a Campground in the Black Hills of Dakota, near Keystone and Rapid City area. Now that we had made it to the other side of South Dakota,  Beloved stopped at the Airport and rented a SUV so we could set up "camp" (which means eating yummy caste-iron outdoor cooking and allowing the little ones to cycle and play) and also so that we could use the SUV instead of the RV to drive around some of the "Black Hills" area. Beloved also wanted us to be able to do some of the tourist attractions in a little bit more easier way. So, with our big day ahead, we needed to get some dinner, some fun play time for the Little Ones at the Park, and a good nights rest. 

(Gigi we are eating your Chicken and Rice Recipe. It was so good that the Little Gentleman needed two forks!)

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine

Well, We took a day of rest from traveling on this beautiful Sunday. Unfortunately, I think I need a day of rest from my day of rest! Normally, camp grounds (private, KOA's, and State Parks) typically have some sort of Church service but this campground was trying something different so we skipped their program and had our daily routine that we normally do with the kids regardless of Sunday Church days. 

With a few long days of traveling, trying to get away from those things that we can see with in a day or two drive,  the Little Ones and I were ready to have some fun. The only "Seeing" attractions or "Seeing" family that we had done the last few days was when we stopped  to see my Dad's Cousin, Ruth.  Ruth and Ron live just 9 miles off of the interstate. Since we were on passing right by their exit, we stopped to stretch our legs and to see their place.  

Cousin Ruthie has 50+ acres with a beautiful pond. They also have a great set up for their grandchildren. They have a place where they can safely jump on a trampoline, play games, ride trikes and play basket ball.  Let me just say, my Children enjoyed the quick run-around stop!  Cousin Ruthie also has some great antiques in her home which was fun to see. All of her antiques of course came from her Family from over the years and I enjoyed hearing the history.

With just a quick hour stop, we were back on the road, and the Little Lady was back to doing some Math!  (I know that last 2 months of pregnancy that I gain lots of water weight but just between this picture and the one that I took with Stephanie, it looks like I have exploded!)

When we arrived in South Dakota we set up camp. Since we knew we were going to rest the next day, Beloved and my Dad unhooked the bikes from the back and took out some of our camping gear that makes us feel like we are doing our normal type of camping.  (This RV has a lot of storage)  

With the grill out that means the caste iron was going to come out!  And, oh my, Caste Iron, means Cobbler!  Beloved gave me the choice of flavor so I picked Blueberries! Yummy! Blueberry Cobbler!  

After dinner, we got prepared for the Fire Works display. Beloved happened to find a camp ground that was not to far from the Missouri River and apparently was near housing areas that set off fireworks in grand style. This was extremely nice because the campers just took their chairs to a small area and we were able to watch for several hours, if we chose to.

So what did we do today for our "day of rest"? Well, not exactly rest but we sure did enjoy our day of activities! 

The Little Ones wanted to go bike riding. The Little Lady wanted to try her bike with out training wheels. Since we don't' have a place around our home to ride bikes safely she had her first lesson today.   She also had her first skinned up knee.

I am so glad the Little Ones enjoy riding bikes because Beloved and I use to "cycle" rides. We miss it a lot. We hope that it will be something that our Family can do together in the Future.  As of right now though, they are just working up their leg muscles!  

Swimming was also another activity that we did today.

Campgrounds also tend to have "family" activities or socials to meet other campers. This campground offered "free" ice cream. 

  "Smile for the Camera"                        He said, "Cheese!"

Then we headed off for Putt Putt which is more about burning off ice cream energy than it is about technique! (giggle)

Tomorrow starts our sight seeing part of the trip! And, oh, I am excited! We will begin the traveling that we are used to doing!

Before I head off for the night, I need to shout out to Abbey (my niece) a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"