South Dakota

--Clay photographing buffalo at Custer State Park


--Clay, Elliot and Annabelle, the Badlands


--Solomon at Mt. Rushmore- glorious day!


--rare group photo at Badlands; my kids despise group photos! :(


--crossing the great Missouri River, where Lewis and Clark started their journey. Sometimes the road did seem to go on forever, but it was wonderful! The kids watched only one movie on the entire drive!


I have been to South Dakota many times with Clay.

This was the best trip ever.

We spent the first half of the week in western South Dakota. With Rapid City as our hub, we explored the Badlands, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, the quaint town of Keystone, Clay's alma mater (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology), and MOST IMPORTANTLY, visited with Aunt Onie.

Aunt Onie is a sister to Clay's father. She was the fourth child in a family of twelve children. To say they had it rough in their youth is an understatement! Always needing to pinch pennies, Clay lived with Onie during his sophomore year of college. She has great affection for him, and he for her. It was the sweetest visit!! She has always been warm to me. I appreciate her so much.

Onie said that Solomon looks the most like Clay did, and has his silly facial expressions (true!). She said that Max looks a lot like a cousin of Clay's...and I agree. It was interesting to hear her observations. She was delighted to meet Annabelle, and thankfully, our daughter was sweet and polite and answered all her questions.

We ended the week in the northeastern part of the state in Clay's hometown. His class reunion is a night we will never forget. We had a blast! I found all the women to be like old kindred spirits. There is something about the north and midwesterners that warms my heart. The men were fun and we had wonderful conversations. Clay was very thankful that we attended.

My father-in-law and his friend Maxine were wonderful hosts. We spent a day fishing and kayaking with them. I could not believe the size of the fish the children caught. Annabelle caught the first trophy because she was focused and determined to win the race. She always is. That girl.

Enjoy the photos. I may blog about this more later, as Clay has not uploaded his photos yet. Love you all!!