HOME!!!

5 weeks and 4682 miles later (yes, I kept track).... We made it home. To be honest I actually didn't realize how much I missed Montana until I went back but it is also a great feeling to be back in my own home with my own things.

But what did I really miss the most?.........................

4 weeks apart is enough to realize that I could live anywhere as long as I'm with him.

I'll post his trip in Alaska later....ya, he wasn't home by himself mopping around....he was up in Alaska "working"

Last Week in MT

Justin on his new favorite ride...Aunt Rikis pink moped

A little water park in Troy.....my kids found the river much more fun...and Justin found the only spot where the mud was clear up to his knees

This is the little park. The flower sprays water and there is a little water pool with shooting water. (this whole thing is going to be mixed up because its not letting me move pics)

BULL LAKE with my sis and mom

FISHING with my own personal tour guide/rower a.k.a Dad

I know after all these Montana pics you all are going to want to go up and visit...all I can say is DO IT!!! Libby is beautiful but a little out of the way of pretty much everything and I would probably suggest going in the summer...I'm not going to lie...the snow berms are pretty much as tall as you in the winter. Thank You to my parents and in-laws for letting us hang out for so long. Can't wait to come back at Christmas!

ROSS CREEK CEDARS

We had an Anniversary celebration for my Grandparents on Saturday which brought in alot of family...well at least those who aren't already living in Libby which is probably less than 5%. But most importantly I got to see my Uncle Jay, Aunt Kim and 2 FAVORITE cousins Deseri and Kari and their adorable kids. We went to their house one night to play and roast marshmallows and the next day went out to Ross Creek Cedars. Which is (another) beautiful place that has giant cedar trees that you can go inside. 20 years later I still think they are great!

Justin and Jared eating s'mores. This little boy is 2 and it was the first time I got to meet him. Such a cutie and a good little boy.

Cousin Kari, Justin and Me

ROSS CREEK CEDARS

I told you it was beautiful
My sis Riki and Justin making funny faces (his favorite thing to do when the camera is on him)

Justin 3 1/2, Sage 4 1/2, Jessica 13 mo., Jared 2

After a miserable first couple of weeks (eye infection, slight ear infection, new tooth) my baby girl is happy again and has taken her first steps...YEA!

good hiding spot bud

I wish I had a picture of all of us when we were young. We would spend hours in the woods coming up with great stuff...great memories! Kari, Sage, Me, Jessica, Justin, Riki, Jared, Des

Kids hiding in a "fairy den"


I think the kids loved the fact that they could go inside trees


But they were a little unsure once they were inside.

Uncle Jay, Aunt Kim, Des and Kari...I LOVED being able to spend time with all of you. Definitely one of things I will miss when I go back to Arizona.

Our Week in Missoula

The kids and I made our way back to Missoula to spend some time with the in-laws. Once again...it was a great week!

Justin playing baseball with papa and his cousins.

Hope cheering them on

Jessie w/ our favorite dog hunter
Jeff took the kids for a day while Tracy and I went into town. All the grand kids love Papa. (don't worry Chad they didn't leave the property)

The Carousel





Papa, Jess, Justin, Nana watching Kayakers





Papa and Nana left Wednesday morning with Noah (8) Seth (7) Hope (4 1/2) Justin (3 1/2) and went camping up at Seeley Lake. Jessica, Tanya and I had a great time together and stayed at Tanyas house. We came out to the camp spot Thursday evening. According to Nana and Papa the kids were perfect until Tanya and I got there (isn't that how it always goes). So Tanya and I may not be invited up next time:)

Jessicas 1st camping trip...I'll just say that I was the mom driving around at midnight trying to get her asleep

Justin absolutely loved being with his cousins

One of the best things about camping at Seeley is this great little ice cream shop in town. This is before I sat down on the picnic table tipping it over...at least it was a good laugh...those thing are always funnier when it happens to someone else!

I just have to say that I have THE BEST sister-in-law EVER!!!

Papa and the kids in the raft

Tanya and Jessica

Just a pretty picture on the way to Tanyas house

LET FREEDOM RING...

We had a GREAT 4th of July...except for the boat not starting, blowing a tire on the boat trailer, cutting my foot on the propeller (twice) and my money getting stolen out of my wallet....Levi was willing to stick us all in his boat (Mom, Riki, Josh, Me, Justin, Jessica and Diesel (their dog)) and go up to the Lake. Have I mentioned how much I love the Lake...especially the Reservoir/ Lake Koocanusa (KOOtenai Indians - CANada- USA...little history lesson). I know I am kind of rambling....Libby is just so beautiful this is just one of at least 8 Lakes w/in 25 min of town. Anyway on with the pics....

Levi and his boat...Thanks so much...my kids and I had a great time!!!

Aunt Riki w/ Jessica. Uncle Josh w/ Justin

My cute kids

Justin playing in the mud


Jessica eating the mud

My favorite thing...stopping the boat in the middle of the lake and jumping in.

My parents neighbors put on a great fireworks show. So we just laid our blankets in their yard and watched. I put Jessica down for a nap at 8:00 knowing that we would be up late and she ended up sleeping through the whole thing.

HAPPY 4TH!