Mountains and Monuments

A couple weeks ago, Joe and I and the kids packed up our van and set out on our first road trip with a destination that was NOT Wisconsin Dells or Chicago. We drove through Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. That was a long time for five people (including a baby) to be in a car together, but we did it (with The Greatest Showman soundtrack blasting) and we are still obsessing over our trip as well as planning for a new adventure next year. Here are just a few snaps we took while at Mount Rushmore and also while hiking in Colorado. 

I love that the girls were so excited to see Mount Rushmore! Cece keeps talking about how great South Dakota was and how we have to go back. It was perfect weather the morning we went to Mount Rushmore and afterwards, the drive through the Black Hills was just so scenic and cool.

Our time in Colorado was filled with activities as well as exploration.  Joe ran a Spartan Beast, we perused small towns, frequented parks, and just enjoyed the freedom to wander. Our most adventurous day was the one where we hiked four miles with the kids and got caught in some afternoon rain/hail on the McCollough Gulch Trail in Blue River. Even though this hike had some dramatic weather moments, it was still something I will never forget and always be so glad we did!

It also needs to be noted that Cece lost a tooth on this trip and also got her ears pierced on the same day! (that's three holes in her head in 24 hours!) Fortunately, it did not prevent her from enjoying an ice cream treat with her siblings. As for Rosie, she wore her current outfit obsession as much as she possibly could (my sister's old ice skating dress). And Ares was pretty great at just going along with the flow, no matter what we were doing... so long as we had snacks.

Aside from one selfie at Mount Rushmore, this is the only photo of Joe and I on our trip (thank you, Cece! And hi, little Rosie!) 

My parents, siblings, and I used to have the coolest and most memorable experiences on our road trip vacations and it was just so fun and surreal to do this as an adult with my own husband and kids. I absolutely hope the future has more of these types of vacations in store for us!

Ok! Back to school and on to all of those fall family photo sessions! Hope to be posting again soon with photos of all my lovely clients!