From Nauvoo, we headed to Seneca Kansas, the homestead of the Droge Family on this continent. Shawn's Grandfather and great grandparents lived on the farm here in Kansas. The reunion was for Shawn's Grandpa's siblings and all their descendants. We had a great time getting to know the extended family, and learned a ton about where our family came from, It became obvious pretty quickly that a lot of Shawn's coolest traits are Droge traits, and we loved these people immediately

This is the Clarence Droge family (Shawn's Grandpa). The Lynn Droge family definitely beat everyone else out on attendance this year!

Sharon, Nola, Mary Ann, and Lynn Droge (Dad and his sisters)

This is the grave marker of Angel Sophie Poppe, one of the first of the family to live in Seneca. If you notice the dates on the marker, she died in 1870. This is the original gravestone, but it looks absolutely brand new. It's cool.

Sarah enjoyed the wide-open spaces in Kansas :)

Here is the old schoolhouse in Seneca. It is well over 100 years old, and was in use when Shawn's dad's cousins were in school (so less than 50 years ago). This is where Shawn's grandpa would have attended primary school

A view through the window into the classrooms of the schoolhouse. Desks, chairs and blackboards are all still there.

Proof positive we're in Kansas-- This is the tornado shelter outside the school. The native Droges told stories about playing in here when they were in school. Apparently, when they played hide and seek, if anyone thought they'd hide down here, the other kids would lock them in. It wasn't unusual to find snakes and other creepy creatures down there to keep you company until someone would let you out.

Shawn's Great-Grandmother Gertrude

Shawn's Great-Uncle Emil was a very special part of the Droge kid's life. He loved to come and play checkers with the kids.

This is the Droge farmhouse. The stone part of the house is original-- well over 100 years old.

A wider view of the Droge Farm.... Uh, yes, you did read the writing on the barn correctly. It is called Lazy Ranch. That explains a lot... ;)

What farm would be complete without baby animals? Here are Sarah and Annie cuddling a baby rabbit.

Sarah REALLY liked the bunnies.

This is one of Grandpa Clarence's brothers. (The name escapes me...)

Sarah, still cuddling bunnies, and Ethan playing ball. We could get used to this farm life.

Click here to view all of the pictures of the Droge Family Reunion in Seneca, KS