Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Last night we pulled into the Comfort Inn really late and headed straight to bed. We are looking forward to coming back tonight after the National Park and getting in some pool time!!

Looks like Grandma Sutton and Garrett got in some good sleep and snuggle time :) I think this is the sweetest picture!!

We finally got up and around and headed into Theodore Roosevelt National Park!!

They have all kinds of activities for the kids. We even borrowed one of their family fun packs. We also got our Junior Ranger book while we were here.

Garrett of course loved all of the hands on stuff. This is how he learns best!!

One of the things that Garrett had to do for his Junior Ranger booklet was to go on a Ranger led activity. So we chose to listen about Theodore Roosevelts Maltese Cross Cabin. It was interesting to hear about his life and his love for the great outdoors. 

We then left the visitor center and headed out. We found the Prairie Dog Town. These little guys are so funny!!

 One of our first stops was Skyline Vista. So beautiful!!

Garrett was really getting into the bag the rangers had let him borrow. There were several books. Some were about birds, flowers, plants, and even animal scat. He was having a great time learning and some ladies that had come behind us were even enjoying helping him find the birds we were seeing in the area. I think he really enjoyed all of the attention!!

Getting back in the car to head out. I never realized North Dakota was this beautiful. I can see why Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with this part of the country!!

Next stop was Wind Canyon Trail.

Garrett was really getting into all of the hiking and exploring what is on the path. I've found out with Garrett you have to look at something and be like "oh my goodness, look at what I've found" vs. "Garrett come here and look at this". He becomes much more interested if you aren't making him do it, LOL.

So much for us to explore!!

The Missouri River flows through the National Park. It really is so beautiful here!!

You can see Tim's Mom on the path ahead of us in the blue jacket.

Garrett actually found the dead mouse along the trail. I told him you never know what you are going to find!!

Hiking along the trail, heading back to the truck!!

Back in the truck and we spotted some Bison. 

So much pretty landscape to look at!!

Then we came upon some of the wild horses. Man have we been getting lucky with seeing wildlife or what!!

We went about another mile or so down the road and saw more wild horses. This time it looked like it may be the mom, dad and baby. They were so precious to watch!!

Then we came across this big boy. He must have been the grand daddy of all the bison. He was HUGE!!

Not too long down the road we came upon another one. This time it was safe to pull off and take some pictures!!

The Badlands Overlook was the final stop before the road was closed due to a landslide. It was a beautiful stop with a circle drive so it was easy for everyone to park, get in and out of the area.

We stopped on the side of the road to have lunch not long after this. Of course Garrett was excited to just get out and be able to play!!

I tried showing him what the scenery was that we were actually looking at, but at that point I don't think he really cared. All he wanted to do was play.

Driving back the opposite direction and we came upon the horses again. This time they were blocking the traffic!!

One of our last stops was the Boicourt Trail. 

We were all ready to get out and stretch our legs for a bit. Plus you just couldn't get a better view!!

I've seen a lot of things....but I've never seen mushrooms growing out of poop.....until now!!

We took the bag we borrowed from the rangers back, and headed home. Tonight we were going swimming and Garrett was super excited!!

​He couldn't wait to go down the water slide. He was loving it!!

Garrett getting out of the slide section of the pool, and heading over to the main section where the lily pads are. This pool section was awesome!!

After such a busy day today I think we are all going to sleep great tonight!!