Waiting for the hike back to the visitors center

After many "first" photos - we hiked up to the base of the mountain

We ran into Miss South Dakota on the way into Mt. Rushmore - great photo oportunity for the girls - the boys were too shy!

We went to Mt. Rushmore cave - fun - Eric experienced a touch of Clausterphobie -and had a slight panic attack - what we do for our loved ones - he didn't even tell us until we were done!

Courtney and Shelby with their souvenir rocks from the mountain we bought - The kids were getting ready to pitch money and make wishes!

Courtney and her friend Shelby had fun exploring

You can see the people up on the mountain working - funded by donations and admissions - no government help - they truely want it owned by the people!

We went to the Crazy Horse Monument -similar to Mt. Rushmore - honoring the indians - it was amazing - the story is absolutely incredible. Definately recommend a visit! The statue shows what it will look like when it is finished - you can see the mountain in the back showing what has been done.

We stayed in Rapid City ND at the Fairfield Inn - great time for the kids to play after so many hours in the car!

Fort Myers

Eric and I flew to Fort Myers for a few days to relax and get away - the beaches were great and as you can see - someone has a hard time detatching from reality!

We flew over a rainbow in the flight on the way home - really cool to see.

Mothers Day

The kids/dads hosted us ladies in a lunch for Mother's Day. They cooked, served and cleaned up. The kids did a song before the lunch for us.

Adam is such a treat!!!!

Springfield Illinois

We went to Springfield Illinois with my mom, dad, and Chris and his family. Went to the Lincoln Museum, his home, law office, tomb and many other sites in town. Lots of fun and so much history to learn!

Annie Get Your Gun

Adam was in the Lincoln High School Spring Musical Annie Get Your Gun - as you can see he had multiple parts and had a great time with all his older friends -

Day on the Lake

We got a boat last month and finally had time to head to a lake today and "practice" the kids had a great time tubing and playing on the lake. Eric was a good teacher and I got it on the trailer my first try - I told him I must have been a pirate in my other life since I never learned any of that as a Gelb! Courtney took a friend and we had a lot of fun watching them try to get back on the tube after being ejected :)

Teenager!

Adam turned 13 - where has the time gone - seems like yesterday......

and more Friends!

Adam and Nick Holt had a great time playing airsoft - while the others played on the trampoline.

Friends

Our friends the Howells came in for a few days. We spent lots of time playing and having fun in the back yard. The kids enjoyed playing with Natalie on the swings and the trampoline.

Linda, Courtney and Katie Holt went and got pedicures/manicures - they were so CUTE!

Willy Wonka

Both Courtney and Adam were in the Clark play of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - Courtney helped with the backstage and had a blast - Adam had the role of Charlie - both did a WONDERFUL job and I was so proud of them - I cried at the last performance!