Last summer we were not able to travel to back home to South Dakota, but this year we planned for a 2 week trip to see family. We traveled first to Rapid City and spent a week and then traveled East River to Huron for a week. We were able to see a lot of family, attend a baby blessing, a wedding, and spend a lot of time outdoors.
A Light Show that Rivaled Sea World's Light Shows
On our drive, we saw this amazing lightening storm for about half an hour.
Caleb said it was just like being at Sea World!
Rapid City Game Fish and Parks
Rapid City recently had a new Game Fish and Parks facility open in town. It features a great educational exhibit, lots of fun free classes, and acres of land to wander and enjoy the outdoors.
This area reminded us a lot of the Wildlife Refuge that was right by our home in Philadelphia. It was so nice to see so much green and so many beautiful plants.
The weather was perfect!
The Wild Horse Sanctuary
Having grown up in South Dakota, Rapid City was a great family vacation location and there are so many tourist attractions. After many vacations and 2 summers waitressing and living there for another 2 years, I have almost seen them all but there are a couple things I hadn't done yet. The Wild Horse Sanctuary is one of those things, and of course since horses have always been my favorite animal, it has always intrigued me. I was excited to see the wild mustangs with the in-laws.
The sanctuary is massive and they load you up in a bus to head out to see the herds for 2 hours.
A beautiful view and the leftovers of a movie set location
Got to love Grandpa Time!
It was beautiful area, but we did not see any horses for quite a while. Only these 2 strays. We started to get a bit worried that we wouldn't see the herd.
In the sanctuary is a sacred Native American Sundance Ceremonial site and sweat lodge.
Finally we found the main part of the herd. It was beautiful to see them coming over the hills
The sweet colt! It was a treat to see the wild colt.
We were allowed to get out of the bus and walk up to the horses if they allowed us. There are wild but are used to human contact but are still skittish. Grandpa was actually the most well liked!
Brydon's youngest sister has 2 children and during this visit we were finally able to meet them both. Her daughter became our quick friend and was excited to see horses.
Loving the time to hang out with grand kids!
Surprisingly there is quite the cave in this rock. The door is placed there to keep the horses from getting stuck.
On these walls are some petroglphs but they haven't been able to figure out what they say.
Beautiful View!
Grandparents are great for helping entertain children.
Wild Spanish Mustangs
If you look closely, you can see the strips on the horses legs that distinguish them as a Spanish Mustang. There are a beautiful gray!
The Refuge is very expensive but it was neat see the so many horses in the wild. You are most definitely making a hefty donation to the refuge with your refuge, but if you love horse as like I do it might just be worth it.
The Baby Blessing
We were excited to meet our newest niece and nephew and be a part of our nephew's baby blessing.
The Sweet Little Family!
My little buddy!
