This summer, in addition to many other summers prior to this one, my husband and I have stuffed our three children into our aging, but very capable, minivan (lovingly referred to as the "cheerio wagon") to drive and visit some family in Spokane, WA. This year was different for a couple of reasons. First, our children are older and that adds an entirely new dynamic to anything. Second, and because our children are older, we decided to let go of the idea that our drive was a marathon sprint to get to our destination in record time. Instead of racing to get there, we took our time and enjoyed this as part of our vacation as well.
One of the stops that we made along the way was in South Dakota to enjoy the views that are so breathtaking as you stare up at Mt. Rushmore, and into the eyes of presidents past. My excitement was very obvious as I spit questions in rapid-fire succession at my husband - "Do you think it is as big in person as you dreamed it would be?", or "I wonder who the next president will be to have their face carved in stone...". As we got closer to the monument, I could see the faces and the excitement just intensified for me! Once we parked, got out, and began to walk closer to the Grand View Terrace, I became one of the many tourists snapping endless pictures and resembling a paparazzo chasing an exciting story. I couldn't believe that I had grown up, gone on endless road trips, and have never stopped to see this amazing work of art!
Here are some of my pictures that I took while staring up into the faces of Jefferson, Roosevelt, Washington, and Lincoln - an experience I will never forget!
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| This is my family. Look how close we are to the mountain. It almost felt as if you could reach out and touch their faces from where we were standing! |
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| This picture is one of my favorites. As you walk closer to the Terrace, you walk under individual states' flags that are flying high from large pillars that are carved with the dates that various states joined the Union. I love the patriotism and the memories of our country's history that overcomes me when I look at this picture. |
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| We are getting closer to the terrace now and are almost as close as we can be to this beautiful monument. |
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| This is the view from Grand View Terrace - I can't believe how close we got! |
