Summer Nebraska Visit

We look forward to this trip every summer! We are always so thankful for this visit to see family and find a few adventures while we are there.

A Bit Of Nebraska History

The Sioux Army Depot was the only U.S. Army Ammunition Depot in Nebraska during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It’s mission was to receive, store and issue all types of ammunition (from small arms to 10,000-pound bombs) and general supplies.

The depot occupied 19,771 acres and included 801 ammunition storage igloos. 

The Navy built in this location due to the proximity to the area's three railroads, the abundance of underground water, cheap natural gas and electricity, the stable workforce, and the distance from either coast (being well beyond the range of Japanese or German bombers). At one point during World War II the facility was producing over 40% of the U.S Navy's munitions. It manufactured 40 mm shells, 16-inch projectiles, rockets, bombs, depth charges, mines, and torpedoes. Production peaked in June–July 1945, when the depot employed 125 officers, 1,800 enlisted men, and 6,692 civilians.

When the depot was deactivated on June 30, 1967, they sold the land and igloos to several area farmers and a local coop.

This is the quick Google version of this bit of history, but it was so fun to teach the kids about this during our visit! Brad grew up just using these as storage igloos for their farm. :)

A small glance at the igloos.
Yes they wanted them to look like they were just part of the ground if someone was flying above!

Checking out the shelters where the workers would go to test out the ammunition.

The rectangle building is what we were inside during the previous picture.

Inside an igloo. So much space!

The door of an igloo.

On the roof. Make sure you look out at all the others you can see!

More Adventures

They love clearing branches for their hideout in the trees.

Treasured trampoline time!

Playing Clue.

Brooklynn helped make this for the town.
 "Proud as a Peacock of Potter."

You can even have lunch on the "patio." :)

Pinball games while hanging out at the duckpin bowling alley!

Sweet girls resetting the pins for duckpin bowling!

Sundry Tinroof Sunday Ice Cream Treat

S'mores

An inland lighthouse (one of seven in U.S.) built during the great depression.

Lake Time

Such a different lake atmosphere from what we are used to...
we enjoyed being able to relax right by the vehicle and in the shade of the trees!

Catching bugs!

Building tents!

Wii time!

Gator fun!

We also got a chance to watch Glow Volleyball which was a fundraising event that Sarah put together!
Sarah, Karter and Hannah were all on a team.

Of course, you can't forget one of the boy's favorites from our visit...golf! 

Brad and Makin made sure to play Potter's course early in the week.
This is a very short hole, but they were super excited that
Makin was about 6 inches shy of a hole-in-one.

I'm a bit bummed about the team pictures from the two-day tournament this year but still going to include them for the memories!

Brad plays in the morning with his cousins both days.

And in the afternoon with Makin both days.
This year the afternoon team was Makin, Grandpa and Grandpa's friend Tim.

Brad is always completely exhausted by the end of this tournament, so we will have to see if he can keep playing with two teams, but he sure has fun!

Grandparents with The Grands!

Thanks for a wonderful visit Grandpa and Grandma!