Destination Alberta Day 4

What yesterday lacked in adventure today made up for.
South Dakota is a gold mine of tourist destinations.
We were tempted by the billboards all along the way.
We stopped at the Corn Palace.

The only one in the world I might add.

We got some corn there and then left.
It was a much needed stop.

We continued our drive until the billboards lured us in again....
and our stomachs got the better of us we headed on to our next destination.

Caseys.
They have, hands down, the best burger I have ever had.

 Even Reader's Digest says so, so it must be true.

And their pie.  NO WORDS can describe the deliciousness.
NO WORDS.
It was so good.  I just want another piece right now...
It is almost worth driving through South Dakota again.
Just kidding.... kind of.  But really I'm just kidding.
We continued our journey but had to make a stop at Wall Drug.

 I mean they boasted free ice water- and it is insanely hot out right now!

 And we had been seeing billboards for it for over 200 miles.
It was a must stop.
Sadly it disappointed.
It was large, but after Casey's the food sadly disappointed.
And the ice cream wasn't that good.
And we have no need for needless tourist stuff.  And it was stinkin' hot.
So if you are ever travelling through south dakota- don't get lured in by the Wall Drug billboards.  Just go to Casey's instead...

And finally- Mount Rushmore.



The end to a very long drive but lots of memories made.
I think it was worth it.
I can easily say that when the day is over.

Tomorrow- on to Montana- and we get to meet up with Grammie Ruby and Papa Ken!  Ruby has been looking forward to this day for a long time!!!

Destination Alberta Day 3

We crossed 2 state lines today.
Finished up Wisconsin (and the cheese), into Minnesota, and finally South Dakota.
Lots of driving and not much to report.
We crossed the Mississippi River too.
I like the Mississippi.  It is always a sight to behold.  I would like to take a steam boat down that river one day.  I think they do that...
Tomorrow on to MOUNT RUSHMORE!
All of my travel dreams come true!!!!

Destination Alberta- Day 2

We have made it to Madison Wisconsin.
We visited 3 states today- Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
The day went well.
We had a lot more kids sleeping and a lot less Noni squirming.
We passed the University of Notre Dame.  It made me think of the movie Rudy.  Was it about the University of Notre Dame?  I could google it- but no time for that.
Anyway it was neat- fun to see- even if it was only in passing on our way to the highway...

We had a lot of toll paying today- that third axle is really killing us when it comes to tolls!
We stopped in Chicago to see the temple there.  It was really beautiful and unique- a nice stop along the route.

The gate was locked so we couldn't get in and had some trouble turning around in the trailer after we took some photos but Justin is a whiz when it comes to trailer hauling so he got us out of there in a jiffy.
We are just relaxing and enjoying ourselves tonight.
The kids swam- I relaxed and Justin did most of the work.  Well, I continued to grow a human so I guess I am working too...
Tomorrow on to South Dakota!

Happy Canada DAY!

Destination Alberta Day 1

Are we seriously doing this again?
Driving across the country?
Does that seem insane to anyone else?
It seems crazy to me.
How did one year go by so fast?
I'm not done my Ohio Favorites posts (don't worry)- just taking a break while we DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AGAIN.
I'm feeling super nauseous right now so that might affect this post a little bit...
Anyway- all the work is done everything is packed up- our van looks like this-

 and we are on our way.
We did a few last minute things this morning, said our goodbyes, and were on our way.
We took it pretty easy today- only going about 5 hours driving time- it took us about 7 so that should tell you how well the day went.
It mostly went like this.

(That's an angry face)
But we made it.
We are officially out of the state of Ohio.

One day down.
We are sad to leave Ohio.  It just doesn't seem real.  We had such a great year- definitely tough at times but it was great.  We will dearly miss all the friends we have made.  We are grateful for all of the service they have given us- especially during this move.  And we are grateful for their friendship.  I hope we can all keep in touch!

Now on to new adventures.