In the summer of 2012, I hit the road with my two girls (ages 4 and 8, at the time) to explore the beauty and diversity of the United States, with a special interest in its breathtaking national parks. Since that time, we have visited 22 states and 5 countries, explored 22 national parks, traveled thousands of miles, hiked many trails, traversed a few caves, run out of gas (twice!), shared lots of laughs and, most important, connected in ways that are priceless. Below is a chronicle of our adventures.


South Dakota & Chicago
Cassandra Metz Cassandra Metz

South Dakota & Chicago

Grasslands that give way to forests of ponderosa pine, an awe-inspiring landscape left desolate by water and wind, the shores of Lake Michigan, iconic architecture and numerous other points of interest. This is South Dakota and the Windy City.

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