I really don't know where to begin. Have we had some issues with the RV? Yes. Am I still struggling with the septic system? Yes. Step number one in safely unloading the septic system is to check for a secure connection to the pump. Let your imagination go with that one...and then go a bit further...it's close to my morning yesterday. You're welcome. Have we spent about a month on the road after 6 days? Yes. But it has been spectacular. We weren't able to upload anything the past few days because of the shoddy coverage (which is actually glorious). 

In fact, it's strange to me that so much of the RV is designed around the TV. Where do you put it? How many are there? Do you have satellite? We have not yet turned either of our two satellite TV's on. We do have some great movies for such a moment...but it has not presented itself yet. It's been about as non-stop as we could have imagined. The Grit got into some rough spots yesterday due to road work in the Badlands park. She (we have decided it's a girl) performed wonderfully. For further amusement, we have started a new bet about our use of duct tape. The over/under on the number of furnishings and/or appliances that will be held together with duct tape by the end of the trip. Currently, after 6 days on the road it is on the closet, our bed, the door handle (thank you St. Louis thugs), the sun screen, and the dining table. Odds makers have the trip ending figure at 20.

Last night we stayed in the Badlands KOA. We had a great site with a pair of trees that the kids hooked their hammocks up to and we finally got the bikes off for a little sunset ride. Julie made tacos and we had a great fire. Reed and I finally got to shoot some hoops while the rest of the crew threw horseshoes and collected rocks.

We got out of the Badlands for a trip to Wall Drug and did Bear Country and Rushmore this afternoon. I must say (thank you Mark Williams) that Bear Country was a highlight. I can't really describe the excitement of the kids (and sheer terror) at the boldness of these semi-domesticated wild bears who were so at home with the cars that they literally ignored them...walking right next to open windows (ours was NOT open). Certainly this was Edward's moment...(he's been talking about it since we left Nashville). 

We have celebrated a few life moments on the road this week. We tried to explain to Grace and Edward that in Alabama, they're accepted.

We are also down one in the front of that California grin. Tooth fairy delivered a $3 receipt. She's from San Francisco.