Trip Highlights

I'm going to post some very detailed reports of our trip this past week, but I thought I'd do a post with just the highlights for those who might want a shorter version. For those waiting for the full versions, consider this a preview!

Last week we went on our first major trip with Matt, including his first airplane flight. Matt did well. He got a little antsy toward the end of the first flight, but we managed to keep him occupied enough that he didn't cause too much trouble. Matt was very tired and a bit fussy for the second flight but fell asleep shortly after takeoff. He woke up as we were leaving the plane, just in time to meet his Grandma, Grandpa, and five aunts and uncles who were all waiting for our arrival.

Looking out the plane window

Despite our long travel day the day before, the time difference meant we were all up early on the first full day of our trip. That morning we walked around the campground, and that afternoon we went to Storybook Island, a park / playground with various tableaus from fairy and other children's tales.

Riding the carousel at the campground

At the campground, we chased a couple of wild rabbits through the fields.

With the fire engine at Storybook Island

Trying to see what the Cat in the Hat is reading (This kid can't pass up a book!)

Matt's favorite part of Storybook Island: riding the choo choo (bottom two photos courtesy of Matt's Aunt Ane)

Our second day we saw as many animals as Matt could handle. We first went to Bear Country, one of those animal parks where you drive through the various enclosures. We went early in the morning, before the heat, and managed to follow the caretaker's truck as he fed the animals. Needless to say we saw just about all of them up close!

The arctic wolves

Walking around the zoo, looking at the bears and other animals

Katherine, Jon, & Matt

Then we headed to Reptile Gardens to view their exhibits of reptiles, birds, and a few other animals.

Matt enjoyed looking at all of the crocodiles and alligators, lizards and their relatives, frogs and toads, and of course snakes.

Scouting out the prairie dogs

Touching one of the giant tortoises

Saying hi to the cockatoo

Passing under a boa constrictor

Needless to say, after that very busy morning, Matt needed a big nap. When he awoke, we took him for a little afternoon drive with a few more stops, including Dinosaur Park.

Sitting on the triceratops

Feeding the stegosaurus

 Posing with Mommy next to the stegosaurus

Seated on the protoceratops

We had to scale back our ambitions for our third day thanks to Matt being tired from his traveling and sightseeing of the previous few days and from his last two teeth appearing. We began at the Air & Space Museum.

Sitting in the cockpit simulator (photo courtesy of Jon)

The new Bomb Wing Commander takes a seat at his desk.

Exiting under the shadow of the B-1B Lancer

We added in a tour of the missile silo at the adjoining air force base. Fortunately all buttons (except the one for the maintenance car) have been deactivated.

On day 4 we were back to visiting animals. In the morning, Matt and I went to Old MacDonald's Farm, a petting zoo with a barnyard theme. The highlights were Matt on his first pony ride and another "train."

First horse ride!

Feeding the fish (his favorite animals to feed)

Train ride all by himself!

When we finished, Jon joined us and we finally made it out to Custer State Park. It was worth the effort, because we saw lots of wildlife, spending a lot of time looking at the bison in particular.

First glimpse of buffalo

Traffic jams look a little different out here!

Some of the buffalo came very, very close to the car.

Matt and Jon saying hi to the donkeys

We went to Mount Rushmore in the morning of the fifth day of our trip.

Matt with me in front of the monument

That evening we had the wedding rehearsal and dinner.

The three of us at the rehearsal dinner (photo courtesy of Matt's Aunt Ane)

The sixth day was the big day: the wedding of Matt's Uncle Ben and Aunt Dawn. Jon served as one of the groomsmen, and Matt was the ring bearer. For his first wedding, the little guy did very well throughout the preparations and ceremony.

Getting his boutonnoire

Walking with Grandpa and Daddy before the ceremony (photo courtesy of Matt's Aunt Karina)

Walking with Jon (photo courtesy of Matt's Aunt Karina)

There was so much action Matt barely even noticed when Jon and I went in the limo with the wedding party to the reception (photo courtesy of Ane).

Enjoying a treat with Grandma at the reception

Cupcake, before and after

Matt enjoyed being the life of the party at the reception. Amazingly, we got him home and got him up early for our flight home the next day.

Keeping himself occupied with a book

And we made it all back in one piece. Whew! That was quite an adventure.