tragusa3, we went to the rodeo and left early (and not just because it was getting late for the kids). I posted some pictures on facebook but for friends to see. You can PM if you want to be friends. :) I haven't posted anything about our trip yet on this forum. We ended up being gone 7 weeks. Our main focus was Yellowstone, Tetons and South Dakota, but we also stayed 5-6 nights in Idaho and Nebraska. We went through 14 states.
I agree about having experiences others will not. When people asked what we were doing this summer, so many said they would love to do that. The kids loved it. Our twins are 3 so I know they won't remember that much, but they had fun too.
My kids loved the Junior Ranger programs, and I learned a lot and had fun with them too. All the rangers were great with the kids and wouldn't let them slide like you mentioned (except the twins a little; one of the rangers thought one drew a picture of green beans - most people don't get to see that at national parks. :)). My twins definitely needed help and some were long so their attention span
I love South Carolina. :)
