Today, we were woken by cows. If you have never had this experience, you may not realize how LOUD cows are. I had no idea. I NEVER would have imagined. So, we are all up.

Deon needed to work, and no internet access, so we drove to jewel cave national monument. Still no internet access, and no tickets for hours. So we secured tickets, and headed back out to Custer. We found a park so Deon could work and we could play. It was great. I had picked up junior ranger books, and the big kids voluntarily got them out and worked in them. 

Headed back to Jewel Cave. Started out tour. Jedi climbed up the railing, and we were admonished to keep him off. No problem. Kid in hand, we descended another 80 steps. Then the intern informed us that since Jedi had “almost fallen over the rail,” a blatant untruth, we would need to leave the tour. 

I have mixed feelings about this. I am all for following the rules of a location (although I will say I’m not a rules person). I dislike rules “for my own good,” and feel I am capable of judging whether something is too dangerous for my own child. But, with 6 kids, we are kind of a walking (running) train wreck. So I get the concern. The woman was young and probably childless. She let us continue for another 10 minutes before making us hike back out. And I really don’t agree with helicopter parenting. But the mom with the 4 year old in the gorilla exhibit…I don’t want to be her. And I could see that happening. 

So, we walked the ground, my 2 little boys and I. And I tried to cool off. And everyone made it back, having had a pretty good time. They said the tour guide seemed in a hurry, which I thought was interesting. And the kids finished their jr ranger programs, and we were on our way, with all 6 kids intact, thanks to the ranger lady. Who probably saved my kids life.

I guess the real issue is that I felt judged. Which happens to me a lot. When you have 6 kids, you are wearing your life choices on your sleeves, literally. And it makes me want to judge right back. Which isn’t helpful, but judging behaviors are human nature. To all my friends who feel judged, I hear you. And in the spirit of being a better human being, I’m going to make a conscious effort to not. 

Tonight’s destination: Nebraska! A new experience for all of us. First thought: are ALL the roads here dirt? 

We were on the fence, but decided to stop by toadstool national geological park. So awesome! The landscape reminded Deon of Death Valley, and there was a great interpretive walk. The kids climbed and slid and played. I tried not to panic at the drop offs. I have a small fear of heights, mostly on others’ behalf. There were also fossilized ancient tracks spanning 3/4 of a mile. So cool!