Headed West - Mt Rushmore

 "Friday" 

We met up with Lineman Son and His Gal 

late morning ~ we discussed things to do...

Upon hearing that the other group was going

to head to Mt. Rushmore we decided to

check out one of the brewing places and

then try to join them at Mt. Rushmore.

This was a first for Steve and I to tour any  of the 

brewing companies  in the Black Hills (there
are many of them)

It was very interesting ~ tasting the different 

brews- we  all have different tastes

and preferences.

We then heard that the other group was heading

to Mt. Rushmore so off we went hoping not

to miss them.

It was a Mustang ride with us gals in the back!

We arrived - it was the heat of the day and yes it

was extremely hot with not much shade to be had.

We grabbed this shady area, had lunch and

thought we would wait for the other group so

that we could go on the boardwalk as a group.

After waiting ~ we decided to head on around the

boardwalk and get started... 

There has been some changes since Steve and I 

were last here - new boardwalk and railing and

some additional areas to go off the main

boardwalk.  Very nice.

It was warm (hot actually) -- we stopped a couple

times to just cool off and find some shade.

At the end we visited the book store (it was

air conditioned) - we should have found that 

earlier when we were waiting in the sun :)

We visited with the Ranger and told him that

we were waiting for some family members

coming from Sylvan Lake and it was taking

an awful long time (hours) - he informed us

that "oh yes, it will take a long time there is

road construction in the one way area through

the pigtails etc. 

He was correct it was hours... we were

finishing up with an ice cream cone and they

arrived..

We headed out and the others headed to the

boardwalk.

As we left the parking lot we saw brother-in-law 

Cullen - dogs were allowed no farther than the 

parking lot so he was helping them keep cool.

---------------

We enjoyed a nice supper out and then 

caught some of the others afterwards

at the hotel.

We were aware of some stormy weather in the

area but it appeared that we would be on the

edge of it.... no rain no wind.. all was good

And then the sky opened up with a few sprinkles and

before long it was hailing!   Unbelievable ~ we

turned our car around and got the hood under

the 2nd floor walkway at the hotel and then

just sat and watched ice junks fall from the sky.

There was lots of damage to deal with

come morning - as fast as it started it

was done. 

What else can you do but laugh about it....

after we were done crying :)

Headed West - A Unique Stop and Family

We said our goodbyes at the entrance of Devils 

Tower after having a bite to eat in the

little restaurant. 

The kids headed back to Spearfish Canyon for

another night and we headed towards

Hill City, SD (our destination for the 

balance of the trip).

We took what I would say is the "scenic highway"

back ~ what beautiful country in that part

of Wyoming.

I believe I have found another area that

I wouldn't mind spending some time in.

Small towns heading to Belle Fourche, SD

I kept an eye out for Aladdin, which is

described as...

"the old storefront of the Aladdin Store makes up

most of the town of Aladdin, population 15."

We found it - it appears to be a popular stop.

Look - it is for sale!

The Post Office is next door.

The store is packed and even includes a

small bar (a cooler where you can buy just

one bottle of beer)

And if you can read the sign they have dancing

girls   "Dancing Girls Every Night

But Tonight"    :) 

The upstairs was full of new and old items to

sell (plenty of old items and some antiques).

We sat on the quite worn porch and enjoyed

a beverage ~ also enjoyed some conversation

with a couple of gals who came in on

Harley motorcycles... they were definitely

 interesting..

There was quite a bit of laughing going on!

Wikipedia says "the general store was established

in 1896.  In July 2014, it was announced that the

town was for sale $1.5 million for the general

store, bar, family's 4-bedroom home, the town's

trailer park (not the trailers)".

``````````````

That evening we checked into our hotel ~ the same

hotel where the rest of the family would be (minus

lineman son and his gal).

This was actually the only night that everybody
was together - we

spent time outside before being chased in

by mosquitoes.   There was lots of visiting 

and catching up to do.

(photo by other) 

And niece, Renee, was there!  Gosh has 

she grown ~ she had already spent many

miles in the truck traveling from Louisiana 

to South Dakota  :)

It was sure good to see her and everybody.

(photo by other)

Hmmm....

The hummingbirds have been busy and loving

their nectar.... 

I have been filling up the feeder every other

day ~ I filled it up on break and got

back to my desk....

Look what I saw...

The bottom that screws onto the feeder

was gone - really gone! 

This glass feeder, as far as I can figure is

20+ years old.... so off to find another

feeder.

I think they like it   :)

Headed West (Devils Tower, WY)

Day 2 of our Out West Trip brought us to

Devils Tower, Wyoming.   It had been

nearly 29 years since we last visited which

was on our honeymoon.

The entrance to the monument has changed quite

a bit ~ we recall a small white ice cream shop.  The

gal at the gift shop told  me that the present owners

built this building 20 years ago or so.

Across the street was a KOA Campground,

another gift shop and small restaurant.

The parking at the monument and the popularity

have certainly changed (parking was limited and

there were many more than just a dozen

cars in the parking lot).  When we visited

in 1986 we don't recall even meeting people

walking on the trail.

1986 on our Honeymoon 

2015

We walked the trail around the monument and

look who we found ~

Lineman Son and His Gal ~ they went on their

own adventure this morning taking some roads

and trails that we have snowmobiled on and finally

found their way here  :)

The guys did some climbing! 

Devils Tower, Wyoming

June 2015

The next time we visit it will be with 

grandchildren.

Baby Shower

Today was Baby Shower day ~ gifts galore!

The party was hosted by the two aunties-to-be

(sister-in-laws) - one took care of the decorating

and one took care of the food.

It was perfect and so fun to see the Fireman

Theme.

Our  guest of honor ~ and the little guy well he

is scheduled to arrive in one month and days.... 

The entire bridal party was present - how 

fun is that  :)

They received many books which was part

of the party theme, lots of clothes and

more and this crocheted fireman suit made

by the other grandma-to-be  (adorable)!

Thank you!

With all of the rainy stormy weather we have

had ~ thinking of Lineman Son (be safe)

and thank you to ALL LINEMEN

Family (updated)

With the recent wedding ~ there were

many family members around.

This family includes 7 kids ~ all seven were

present at the wedding.  They came from near 

and far (Metro MN, WI, greater MN and one 

now lives in the State of Texas).

They had some "fun" with the kids & spouse

picture - it took awhile for everybody to

catch on! (they did a switch-a-roo)

We could have done a cousin picture there 

were 12 of the cousins there (not bad

12 out of 20)

Family Notes:

We had a cousin come that hasn't been seen

by many for 10 years ~ it was good to see him

and he looks great.  Maybe we will see him

at the next family function.

-------------------------

Families usually consist of many different

personalities and that is a good thing

otherwise it would be pretty boring

to go to family gatherings.

---------------------

Some family things don't change ~ good

thing we all don't present ourselves

in that fashion  :)  (Update - I was
attempting to be very careful how I worded
this - this comment doesn't refer to the
cousin above (he is doing great) but
refers to myself and a different connection
that never seems to change)   :)

Rumor has it the next family wedding

gathering will be in the Dominican Republic

in the middle of the ocean.

Wedding in the Family

This was the 2nd wedding celebration for

extended family this year - a cousin was married

back in April and then another cousin 

(who is our son's age married Sarah last Saturday).

The decorations were rustic with burlap

and barnwood ~ the ceremony was

filled with lots of music (the youth 

pastor is quite a singer).

I should have taken a picture of the wedding
favors - packaged "smores" all ready to eat!

The "I Do's"

Getting ready to share the cake.

Little people enjoying the music ~ how cute

are they!

Best wishes to the couple as they set

out on their married journey.