The Z family does Mount Rushmore

We're happily ensconced at Grandpa and Grandma's now after an uneventful trip out West. I really enjoyed watching my kids see Mount Rushmore for the first time. We pass this way every year, but haven't stopped here until now, figuring the kids were a little bit too young to appreciate it. Even my two little chatterboxes were silent when we first came down the avenue of flags onto the Grand Terrance.

They did seem to really appreciate it, although of course, running around on the trails was more their style than listening to the reminiscences of the only remaining living worker from the original carving, or viewing the historical displays and artifacts.

Mike and I enjoyed seeing the place for the first time in fourteen years. They have really completely overhauled the place, improved the trails, museum exhibits and theaters. Someday we'd love to go back for the night-time lighting shows. But the monument never changes... and it still moves me deeply when I think about the nation and the ideals and values it stands for.

Dan was selected to be "George Washington" during the ranger's talk about how they transferred the measurements from the 1/12th scale model to the granite mountain face. He was his usual clowning self, making faces the whole time.

The weather could not have been more perfect. Love that pine-scented mountain air. And the lack of bugs here is just awesome! Looking forward to a couple more days with Grandpa and Grandma all to ourselves before the rest of the family comes.

Comments

[Gail]

I saw Mt. Rushmore when I was 6. I was so amazed that the mountain had these faces just 'show up' in it ... and they were famous faces! I guess my parents neglected to explain (or I didn't listen) to the part where they said they had been sculpted!

Have your kids seen National Treasure 2?

[Dee in N.H.]

Wow, great pictures! That is one place I would love to see. Sounds like you are having a great trip. Enjoy!

[Kimberly]

I'm originally from SIoux Falls, SD and summer vacations as a kid were to Rapid City. I took my kids home last summer and we drove out there with grandpa. My kids loved shooting the dynomite in the museum. It was so much fun to watch them and for me to see it for the first time (again) in 15 years. I'm glad you could do this with your family.