The first week in August, we honored my dad’s life on his birthday in his hometown of New Rockford, N.D. I’ve shared some shots from that trip already, but not nearly all of the images I’d hoped to highlight.
The night before we left for New Rockford, we stayed at my sister’s home in Hazen, N.D., and she showed us the campfire rose she bought with some money from Dad’s memorials – another way to pay tribute to the man he was. Dad was an outdoorsy kind of guy and would have enjoyed the name and “spirit” of this rose, I think.
We ended up eating lunch in the place where we’d later spend the night, at a hotel in Carrington, N.D., The Chieftan, a place that provided some photo opportunities years ago, too, when Camille and I were little pipsqueaks.
I’m sure this old telephone booth was there then, too. The kids hadn’t really seen one before. Old school is fun!
I wish I had the old photos of us sitting at the base of the Chieftan chief handy. It would have been fun to compare.
About 16 miles beyond Carrington, we finally reached our true destination.
It was fun to explore downtown and find the movie theater where Dad used to spend countless afternoons…
And the pool where he and his eight siblings splashed many years ago – assuming it’s the same one.
Mostly, it was just time to be together…
The night before, we had homemade ice cream at my sister’s. The ice-cream quest continued in New Rockford.
And our night ended here, at the Old Church Theater, where we watched a lively rendition of, “Life Could be a Dream,” the musical.
It’s worth a watch (clip of one of the songs)! Dad would have loved it.
Looks like a grand adventure. I’ve been to the Chieftan. Funny. Who’s the third boy in the pics?
(Would you consider taking off the word verification? I’ve had trouble leaving comments lately.)
Hey Mary! That’s my sister’s son. 🙂 I’ll definitely consider a rewind of the verification. Sorry you’ve had issues with it.
I think I was there or somewhere like it.
So great to have read about this and now to actually see the photos- it brings it all home. I have been to New Rockford a few times, and it was fun to see it through your eyes. Its also refreshing to see the silly antics of your kiddos and know my own goofy two are in good company!
Loved the don’t ask photos! Looks like a great way to spend a little time with family to remember a good man and his early years. Ice Cream makes everything better:)