Hoppy's Jaunt to South Dakota

Early in the morning, on July 15, 2010 we sent Hoppy on the "Overnight Express" to our cousins, the Bakers, in Hillsboro, Kansas. Promptly following his arrival, Hoppy started on his way to South Dakota with Dave, Sue, Gavin and Dillyn.

Hoppy and the Bakers traveled through Nebraska and stopped at a friend's house. Here, Hoppy discovered real Cornhusker pride!

~What We Learned about Nebraska~

We talked about Nebraska's state symbols. We were surprised to learn that the state bird is the meadowlark and the state tree is the cottonwood--just like Kansas! We also learned that Lincoln is the capital. We discussed that Nebraska is largely a farming state and that there are very few trees (less the 2% of Nebraska is forested); also, not unlike our home state.  This led to a short study of the early settlement of Nebraska. During this time, we learned about the trails that pioneers traveled in wagon trains and the building of the railroad through the state. We learned that the workers building the railway had to travel many, many miles to find enough trees to make the railroad ties. This led to an even greater shortage of timber in the area and is one of the reasons sod was a common building material in the Nebraska territory. In honor of the pioneers who settled the Great Plains region, we made "sod houses" with brownie bricks!

 Nebraska is home to Father Flanagan's Boys Town; which he founded on his belief that "There is no such thing as a bad boy." We watched the Spencer Tracey/Mickey Rooney movie, "Boys Town" and a short documentary included on the DVD as a fun family movie night.  Also, we discussed the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument and the types of dinosaur fossils found there.

In South Dakota, Hoppy visited Sioux Falls,                                the Badlands,

  Mt Rushmore,

 Custer State Park

the Corn Palace, Wall Drug, Reptile Gardens and Spearfish Canyon.

~What We learned about South Dakota~

In our study of South Dakota, we learned about Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Chief Sitting Bull, the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Legend of Paul Bunyon building the Black Hills. We then, of course watched the Disney version of the "Legend of Paul Bunyon." We also discussed the state symbols and dinosuar fossils found in the state. (A dinosaur study and activity is in our near future!) We studied the building of Mount Rushmoore, had a quick study of the four Presidents, and talked  about the Crazy Horse monument. This picture of Gavin & Hoppy inspired the kids to draw themselves as figures on Mt Rushmoore.

 The children have decided that the Badlands and rock formations at Custer State Park are two of the most incredible places God created. Another favorite in this study was the legend of the "City of Gold" hidden in the Black Hills. On movie night, we watched "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets." It's always great to sneak in little bits of  history with the fun!

Hoppy's journey with the Bakers also included a quick trip to Devil's Tower in Wyoming!

 (To be studied later)

Thank you, Bakers, for sharing your vacation with Hoppy! We learned so much!

We are definitely adding South Dakota to our list of places to visit!