Bear Country USA

Bear Country USA features many species of North American animals, including the largest privately owned collection of American black bears. You can observe elk, wolves, reindeer, buffalo, big horn sheep, rocky mtn goats, mountain lions and other wildlife. This is a drive through park. You were supposed to keep your windows up but the Thomas family didn't do a very good job of this at times. Kassade did access the sunroof for some of the pictures.

I think these guys look like cartoon characters.

This is called "Baby Land" for the little bears. I just had to laugh because it looks like a daycare and they are outside for recess time.

Jewel Cave

They went to Jewel Cave and did the lantern walk. They were each given a lantern and hiked through the cave. They said they felt like they were discovering it for the first time. They had to hike down ladders, crawl under low ceilings and so forth. They gave this activity a 10. Later in the afternoon they also went through Wind Cave.

Thomas Family Trip

The other week I was without my camera and this past week I was without the computer. So, now I am ready to do some posting.

Russ took Kassade and Keyton on a family trip to Mt. Rushmore. I don't think they were too sure what all was in store for them. "You never know about dad" they say and as teens they do question his abilities.

Their first stop was at Concordia, KS. This wall is built out of bricks.

The ever so famous Wall Drug Store. I told Russ he needed to stop there with the kids. He kept asking me why - I said it was hard to explain. - Free Ice Water - I think they had a lot fun, at least that is what the following pictures show.

The dinosaur eats ever 10 minutes - Keyton was getting ready to feed Kass to him.

I love this next photo. Russ wanted to get into the picture the kids told me, but look behind him - the two yahoos who the camera focused on.

The Flintstone slide.

Even though this picture is out of focus - they informed me it was very important to keep it since it took many many times to get them all in it.

The video posted before was a radio station the kids found while Russ was checking into the hotel.

Horseback Ridding

Day 2 - The one thing Kassade wanted to do was go horseback ridding. This is them up at 6 AM. Russ found this ride where part way through you stop and have breakfast out in the woods over a campfire.

Kassade and her horse

Kassade was trying to get a picture with all three of them

French toast, hash browns and more for breakfast