July Update - Part 2 - MONTANA

The kids and I had the opportunity to join my parents on their "lake vacation" this year. It was, as always, a wonderful time.

The "painted rocks" that give our favorite lake its name

Taylor heading out with Grammy on the tube

Taylor's first try at kneeboarding. He did great!

Aric had no desire to do water sports this year, but he was quite happy to drive the boat.

Swimming with Uncle Shane

Playing in the water on a hot day - what could be better?

Hanging with Grumpy

"Camp Apple Pie" - toast surrounding warm pie filling, cooked over an open fire

The big frog the boys caught one day...they also caught a few minnows

Jumping to Uncle Spencer

Another of the spectacular views we really miss...this one is Trapper Peak

All the family except Jeremy... It was sure a rare but special treat to see all my brothers at once

We attended my parents' church picnic... Spencer was the MC. Here, Taylor's participating in a food relay. Lots of the kids ended up with candy or fun things to eat...poor Tay had to eat jarred baby hot dogs (he doesn't even like regular hot dogs, so this was a real challenge!)

Playing with cousins

Seeing the baby calves

We spent a day at my Grandparents' place revisiting a lot of my childhood favorite things to do, like playing in the ditch...

...eating raspberries right off Grandma's plants...

(Ascha and her little cousin had a great time together. Here, he's feeding her raspberries. :-)

...having popsicles, then sending the sticks down the creek in a race to the bridge...

...swinging with Papa...

...or jumping out of the swing yourself...

...going as high as possible on the teeter-totter...

...playing in the "Tiger Tree."

All these things are sweet memories from my childhood and it is such a blessing to be able to see my kids enjoying the same experiences. I'm so thankful my Grandparents are so happy to share special moments like these with another generation of kids.

Of course, on our way through Idaho, we stopped and hung out with our friends. Here we are at Coeur d'Alene's "Art in the Park."

Thanks to all our family and friends for sharing such a special visit! Much love!