Bluemound State Park

We just got back yesterday from one last camping hurrah of the summer

 with our good friends, the Selles.

It was a beautiful weekend of weather

to spend in the great outdoors - 

Here we are, setting up camp.

The big excitement was definitely camping with friends,

and friends nonetheless that brought a camper!

I must admit, mommy is warming up to the idea!

Here are some fun pics from the hiking action of the weekend.

Hannah quickly fell in love with the older girls -

and then there's E-man, who wants in on the fun, always :)

Hiking was probably our biggest hit (= least amount of attitude/fits) 

of all activities of our weekend.

well, including the transportation to/from some of the hiking...

We also checked out a few observation towers -

There isn't a better way to sum up this post,

then the smile-winner, Brant

 

THANKS SELLES!

Hope to do it again next year!!!

Spontaneous Park Picnic!

Last Monday we found ourselves 

joining up with good friends

for a little spontaneous park picnic action.

The boys have really started to isolate themselves

to a "boys only" group (at times)...

so found themselves a nice "cozy" spot

in the middle of the sidewalk?.

While the girls worked hard at "not minding"

the rejection from their brothers/friends.

Even Lydia got in on the fun this day...

which ended up being a "neutral zone" for all, 

boys and girls alike, 

 and great photo ops for mommy!

Family Fun Run

Last weekend Noah and Hannah decided to participate

in a local 1 mile kids run.

All smiles getting set to go, 

with their official race #s on...

BUT, then the pre-race jitters started to set in, 

and they weren't so sure it was such a good idea anymore...

(here's mommy giving a "pep talk"/getting talked into running with them :)

So, with our best attempt at some smiles

(I think this pictures makes mommy look just as nervous...

which probably was accurate seeing how she hadn't run in a 

VERY LONG TIME)

And, we're off!

 Elijah was a great little bro fan club, 

cheering them on (with Lydia too)...

Hannah had a teary-early start, however,

she turned it around and dug her heels in....

She really gave it her all -

as did Noah, who was still battling strep throat and ear infection.

Nice job lil racers!

We are proud of you.

U.S.A. - MT style

I realize this post is a little delayed, 

seeing how the closing ceremonies took place last night.

BUT....

this is how they started -

Kicking off the olympics, 

Montana style!

MT summer - a few weeks later....

Mommy definitely had her camera in tow much less this trip

(probably due to having Lydi on her hip a good portion of the time)

but still able to capture some warm-hearted smiles

in the arms of our MT loved ones!

Here are just a few of our favorite highlights from our week there.

Boys day 

(new tradition started this year)

consisted of heading to Red Lodge for a day of fishing

Thanks MT cousins+Auntie/Uncles/Papa & Mimi!!!!

We treasure our moments and hope the next aren't so far away!