Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Family visits have come to an end and we are excited to take in some of South Dakota's spectacular sites.  Although both of us had seen the Badlands before, it was well worth revisiting this amazing place.

It is impossible to compare the Badlands to anything and difficult to imagine anyone inhabiting this surreal place, yet the Badlands have supported humans for more than 11,000 years.

 

The Badlands were first called "mako sica" or "land bad" by the bison-hunting Lakota Indians who inhabited this area for 100 years.

Meadow Lark

Langford and Pierre, South Dakota

Family visits are about to come to an end as we cross the South Dakota state line, arriving in the small town of Langford. We are happy to be able to reconnect with Doug and Janet Hupke, who graciously planned a dinner for us with cousins. The food was wonderful, the conversation was the best. A really great visit!

Keith, Julie, Doug, Joyce, Janet
Janet, and Ken

The next morning we pay a visit to the cemetary where so many family members lay at rest.

 

 

 

Last, but not least, we met with cousin,

Lori Neihoff for dinner in the city of Pierre, South Dakota's capitol. Lori was full of great ideas of things to see in this beautiful state. Before leaving Pierre the next morning, we tour the Capitol Building.

Minneapolis, MN

It is Memorial Day weekend, and we are excited for the chance to visit with Ron and Lorraine at their home on Weaver Lake. When you are in the state of "10,000 Lakes", we did what anyone would do, fish!




Ron's boat

Weaver Lake

Alas, the fish gods were not with us, and there were no fish to be caught, this time...

Our timing was excellent, as it was not only Memorial Day, but a weekend to celebrate Ron and Lorraine's grandson's graduation on the "BobShell".



Brandon with brother, Patrick, also soon to graduate.

Festivities included a ride on the St. Croix river and lobster boil.





Lobster boil done right!

Team coral!

Many thanks to all for a great weekend!

Indiana Dunes State Park & Chicago



Camping with the Tear Drop

Our return trip continues our theme of family visits with three nights parked at the Indiana Dunes State Park with brother, Scott and wife, Stacia. All the comforts of home!




Jim with our personal guide, Scott.

South Shore Train

Scott gives Chicago tours as well, including a ride on the South Shore Train.


The Field Museum



Stanley Field Hall



Sue, the largest, most complete
T. Rex ever discovered!



 

Sibs!

We will be back, Chicago. So many more sights to see. Thank you Scott and Stacia for making this a very special visit.

Our week at the Farm!

We are always so happy to return to Rimersburg, just to hang with all of

the McNaughton families.This year we were hosted by Rich and Denise

and could not have been more pleased with our campsite.



Brother Frank with an assist from Brandy

Countless games of pool have been played in Mike and Kate's basement.

We can always count on Mike and Ken
for a game of golf.

Jim, always first in line,
at the traditional family picnic.

 

Many thanks to Rich and Denise, for your generous hospitality!

 

Graduation! - Indianapolis, IN

 

At last! The moments we have been waiting for, Kelly and Cc's graduations!

 

 



Dr. Kelly Andrew Lara









Clairesse Lara
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

 

 





 Proud Mom!





Another proud Mom!





 



Chillin' with Diesel