The next stop is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl!
We were "warned" by a few people that it might not be as magnificient as we had always thought, or told it was carved in a small hill and not a mountain so don't be too disappointed. As we came around the bend as saw the memorial, we were not disappointed...we were in awe! It was beautiful...breathtaking...awesome (according to the kids)!
We sure do have adorable kids!!!
This memorial took 14 years to complete, from 1927 - 1941, and cost a whopping $989,999.32!
Once on the memorial grounds, you pass through the Avenue of Flags. Each state flag is hung and engraved in the granite below is the year it entered into the union. Yeah, we saw the California flag but I had to take a picture of the Ohio flag, after all, that's where I hail from!! It was the 17th state entered into the union in 1803! Just FYI for all my Ohio fans!!
We spent several hours during the day at Mount Rushmore and almost did not attend the lighting ceremony that evening. I am so thankful we changed our minds and went! The story of these men, singing our Nations Anthem and honoring the soldiers in attendance brought me to tears! Breathtaking!
The next moring, we headed to Custer's State Park. The drive into the park was filled with miles of endless trees, wildlife, bridges and tunnels like this one! What a great picture taken through the tunnel!
I had to include a few facts in this post. Just think...George Washington's faced carved into granite is one amazing aspect but the dimension of his face floors me! His head is 60 feet tall...his nose 20 feet tall and his mouth is 18 feet wide! WOW!
Once we entered Custer's State Park, we encountered "TATONKA'S" as we call them. Hundreds of bison we walking all around us. This picture was taken from inside our car, window rolled down and NOT on zoom. They were actually within feet of us! AMAZING!!!!!
Oh my goodness...it's another wild animal! I think they call it a Denkers! Our sweet, lovable Riley always had to pee! We finally gave up on locating bathrooms and let him be a boy! This became an all too familiar site by the end of our vacation!
As we headed away from Mount Rushmore on our way home, we passed by Crazy Horse Memorial. Apparently, construction has come to halt due to lack of funds. Instead of going into the park, we opted to take a picture from the side of the road! Good enough for us!
Once we entered Custer's State Park, we encountered "TATONKA'S" as we call them. Hundreds of bison we walking all around us. This picture was taken from inside our car, window rolled down and NOT on zoom. They were actually within feet of us! AMAZING!!!!! 
As we headed away from Mount Rushmore on our way home, we passed by Crazy Horse Memorial. Apparently, construction has come to halt due to lack of funds. Instead of going into the park, we opted to take a picture from the side of the road! Good enough for us! 
If you do not remember the significance of this battlefield, this is the place of General Custer's Last Stand against the Lakota and Cheyenne Indians. 
Just another marker and battle with Crazy Horse. If you look closely, you can see more white headstone placed throughout the field.
We happened to visit Little Bighorn on June 28th, three days after the 133 anniversary of this monumental battle. The memorial was dedicated to those calvary men who lost their lives that fateful day. The fallen soldiers names are engraved within. 
Not only are the soldiers memorialized on this battlefield but so are the Indians whose lives were lost. This is a portion of their memorial. We spent over two hours here and learned so much. Our respect for Native Americans have truly grown since our time spent here. Our hearts went out to those who were being forced from their land so many years ago.
Catching fish at the same time! Good job boys!
Enjoying Father's Day at Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, ID.
Horse and buggy ride in Burley with Uncle Alan.
Familiar site the first week of vacation, Kelsey asleep due to being sick.
Love that red helmet! Approaching City of Rocks in Idaho.
Rocks, rocks and more rocks! Every boys dream!
Cousin Kyle, Riley and Ethan watching Chris climb to the top of the rock. Thank goodness he made it safely!
Had to include this picture so you can see the size of the rock Chris climbed!
Riley made a new friend while eating lunch. This little chipmunk came and sat right beside him waiting for him to drop food. He did take off with one of Riley's chips right after I snapped this picture.
Great picture of the Denkers and Heward family! From left to right: Ethan, Loma, Kelsey, Chris, Levi, Henley, Riley, Aunt Melody, Uncle Alan, Jenni, Eric, Macey and Kyle. 
Thank you Heward family for making us feel so welcome! We love you!!!
Kelsey is much more comfortable with the animals she's familiar with. This cat came running right up to her while out touring the farm.
Riley became the permanent pacifier to all the newborn calves.
I loved feeding the babies!
Like I said, Riley couldn't get enough of farm life. Look at that smile. He enjoyed every minute!
Ethan decided he wanted to bottle feed a baby as well. He tried to go in a pen where the new babies were, but after falling face first in cow poop, he changed his mind! I wish I could of gotton a picture of that but unfortunatley it happened when it was raining! He's all smiles now!
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