Here are some links to pictures from our trip out west. Because so many of us have had trouble posting pictures directly to our blogs, I chose to do it this way.

Simply click on each "red" portion of text, and then hit the "back" button to return here for more pictures.

A visit to an Iowa Park to see the white pelicans...

Stephen panics on his way down a slide at the Iowa park (It's hard not to smile at the poor child's expression!)

A Visit to the SD Badlands (I loved this place! It was beautiful to me!)

... Where we learned Gaelin forgot his jacket!  (He had to borrow his 4 yo brother's extra one! )

Nadia at Mount Rushmore (Isn't she adorable!? )

Mountain goats ... at Mt Rushmore (Surprisingly, they weren't the only wildlife we encountered, there!)

A mountain accident...  (A sheriff's truck sped past us, shocking us. No one would dare go that fast during a storm like the one we were in the midst of! -- We soon learned there was an accident. A truck had gone over the edge of the mountain. This was the view in front of our car, as we waited for the go-ahead to proceed...)

The view from my window during the accident... (While we waited to be allowed to pass by the accident site, I was amazed by the view out my window... Notice the blowing snow and the long icicles on the side of the mountain! It was 20 degrees F.)

Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge, WY -- Wild elk

Seedskadee - Wild buffalo herd (... Just before they decided to go in front of our vehicle and block our way forward on the road! )

Beautiful mountains! (Oh, the handiwork of our dear Creator!)

Me -- Out entertaining the children while Steve and the olders "explored"... (Wyoming)

My husband Steve and Gaelin (11) stumble upon some eagles... 

... That were not welcoming! (The eagles circled overhead and "hollared" at them threateningly, and sat upon their nest, angry!)

Wild sheep...

The Flaming Gorge - WY (Again, simply beautiful! Steve parked the car in a safe spot, to take some pictures from our view on the highway)

Flaming Gorge

Gorgeous handiwork of God!

Downtown Aquarium - Denver, CO

A funny from the aquarium... Whoever heard of a giant turtle atop an ugly eel!?

The children pet the stingrays at the aquarium. I wish the picture of poor Nadia (3 yrs), after having been severely splashed by one, would have turned out better! The poor thing didn't know what got her! She was dripping wet!

I tried to present the pictures in a simpler manner... This was the only thing that would work. I'm so sorry for any inconvenience!!!

Click away!!! Don't be tempted to miss a picture!

~ Carrie

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Shared by deedee06

I'm glad to read that your family had a good trip and got to see many interesting sights. I admire your attitude on your trip. Mama surely does set the tone for the family's attitude. I enjoy traveling in the "off season" when traffic is less, gas prices are a bit lower and some motels still have their winter rates. It must have been such a treat and very educational for your family to see different states. ......Blessings from the Big Sky Country.......Denise (prairiemom)

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Shared by BackyardTreasures

What awesome pictures!! My favorite is the one of your daughter with Mt. Rushmore in the background.
Glad to hear that you all had a good time.
~~Anne

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Shared by BlueApple

Loved all the pictures! What a great vacation!

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Shared by mulberrylane

Oh, what a beautiful vacation. We went out to SD last fall and I just love it there. We went out to Yellowstone park one year, so I enjoyed your thoughts on Wyoming... it is a rather drab place in some parts. I will always remember God's protection in Wyoming. We were pulling a trailer and our trailer tires were falling apart, basically, hadn't flattened, but a driver signaled us and told us to pull over ... we did and it was the last exit for 60 miles. We had no idea, the trailer wasn't pulling odd as tires on both sides were basically turning into marshmallows. (It was HOT when we went). If that driver hadn't signaled us just 1/2 mile before the exit, we would have been caught between towns and no way to get help... God is good! Anyways, loved your pictures, it is our favorite trip to take, we take it every couple of years, it is so peaceful and it just feels like God's country... and I agree... avoid the tourist traps.... just enjoy the view!
Warmly, ~Melissa

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Shared by morningsunshine

love the scenery out here. I have always wanted to see the badlands, but I am familiar with Wyoming and Flaming Gorge. love it!!!! how can you look at that and not marvel at the greatness of God?

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Shared by homesteadinthemaking

Oh, my, you and your children have really gotten to experience all of God's grandeur in this trip. Those are beautiful sights and memories.
Blessings,
Trixi

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Shared by haflinger

Great pictures and its looks like everybody had a great time.. What kind of camera do you have? it takes great pictures.. Thanks for sharing.. haflinger

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Shared by Keeblur

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures! My husband gets to go to Wyoming for a few days every year. One of these days we're going with him and I'll take photos as well.
Vicki

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Shared by Kitty

Thank you soooo much for sharing your pictures with us. Your family is beautiful, just more of His wonderful handiwork. I loved the one of your little boy in the slide, priceless.
Thanks again
Kitty

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Shared by angelaintexas

It makes me want to take a vacation very soon! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your vacation.

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Shared by mtdjaques

Beautiful photos! Some looked pretty cold. brrrr. Thanks for sharing them.

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