Montana Vacation

We just returned from a vacation to Montana.  We did things a little differently this time.  This trip wasn't so much about visiting people but rather about visiting places.  It was also an unstructured vacation.  We didn't plan too far ahead, sometimes only minutes!  I'm a planning kind of gal so I had to let loose of the reins a bit, but I really enjoyed it.

One of our stops was to Big Timber Waterfall in the Crazy Mountains.  When we last lived in Montana we went there from time to time for a little day trip.  I love that place!  The last time I remember being there was 22 years ago.  Our son, Sam, was only 2 weeks old and Ben and Maria were only 8 and 12 years old. This return visit was overdue!

Do you ever try to imagine yourself back to a favorite spot? Well, this is a place I go to in my mind sometimes.  That visit 22 years ago, for some reason, was special. Part of it was that we had a new baby and I remember feeling that our family felt just right, complete.  I just remember feeling a strong sense of peace and joy.

I took this photo of Mike at the waterfall on that visit 22 years ago.  He had just been sitting there relaxing and looking handsome.  One year I framed it as a gift for him.

Years after that, Maria did a painting for him, based off that photo.

And then, her painting became the cover for one of his CD's.

Of course, I wanted him to recreate that photo.  You wouldn't believe how many times I took his picture, making him move this way and that way, until I settled on this one.  It isn't perfect but close.  It makes me happy!

After that "photo shoot" we just hung out there. We saw a few people early on the trail but seemed to have the place to ourselves after that. It was so lovely! It was so perfect.

Early in our marriage we lived on a farm in Montana and had most of our hours spent together.  It was one of my favorite times for just that reason.  Now, with both of us working, it isn't that way.  Like most couples, we really have to be intentional about making time for each other.  I loved this day because it was just us, reliving memories and making new ones.  Such a day is a gift, nothing less.

We talked about our sons and our daughter and their childhoods. It went by so quickly.  It was fun reliving those memories, just a little bittersweet.  Still, it made me think about how precious a memory is! We can go back to those times whenever we wish, as long as we have our memories.

But then, as long as I have Mike it is as though I still have a child, right? Get off that log before you fall in, Mike!

This man... I know that I am so blessed to get to go through this life with him. I better stop with the mushy stuff, though, or I will embarrass him. 

Water! I just love being near water!

I have aged in the 22 years between visits to Big Timber Waterfall.  So many things have happened in our lives, mostly good things.  We could not have dreamed of how our lives would be, all the places we'd go, the new people added to our family during those years. It makes me wonder what new experiences are ahead for us.  Now matter what lies ahead, I'm certain I will look back at this visit to the waterfall as one of my favorite days.

This last photo was one of my favorites. Sunshine through the trees in the mountains always makes me feel closer to God somehow. It is almost as though his love and caring is coming down with those rays. Peace.

Mountain Hike

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of going on a two hour hike up a mountain with my daughter. What a sweet pleasure! 

It was a pretty strenuous hike for me but soooo worth it.  The scenery was so beautiful and two hours with Maria was a real treat.  She does this hike frequently so she showed me the way, pointing out beautiful things along the way. When, early on, I asked how high we were going, she wasn't exactly forthcoming. That was probably for the best as I had no clue how much climbing it would entail.  As it turned out, my Fitbit thinks I climbed 105 flights of stairs that day! 

Anyway, I took my phone along so you, too, may enjoy the hike.  

Great day! 

Friday Funny

 This Far Side cartoon was what I put on my office door one day this week.  I really wish we did have such a system! 

Even When You Are A Teenager!

This evening we were all out to dinner and I was seated next to Elise. After eating, she wanted to snuggle with me.  I know!  I love it! 

She had deep thoughts on her mind, though.  Elise looked up at me, face showing her worry, and asked if I would love her even when she is a grown up. I assured her I would but she wasn't quite done. She asked if I would love her when she was a teenager.  What barely three year old thinks like that?  

I had to take a photo of her concerned little sweet face.

She also wanted to know if I would still come to sit by her in church.  Of course!  I smiled inwardly as I pictured me crashing in on a pew where she is sitting with her teen age friends. I will do it, too! 

Then the crazy little thing wanted to know if I would still love her if she died. It was a sad question but we then talked about likely I would die first but I would still love her and wait for her in heaven.

Finally, all was well.

I Love Golf Courses

I do NOT enjoy golf. I probably would, except I am very bad at it. Nevertheless, I love golf courses.

This week I walked the course while Mike golfed it. I don't suppose you get to see antelope and their babies on most golf courses. This photo was one Mike sent last week when he was golfing. It is the antelope nursery.

These photos are from me tagging along.  It was a perfect evening.

The roughs were pretty rough.

This is what a golfer looks like when he is looking for his lost ball. You'd think his wife would help, rather than taking photos of his frustration, wouldn't you?

I admit, I took off my sandals and enjoyed the grass.  I had to watch out for antelope poo, but it was otherwise a lovely experience.

And my favorite photo of the night.

Prairie Beauty

I drove a few hours Saturday to see my Mom, my nephew and my sister.  It was a  nice visit, although short.

One thing that I always enjoy is that two hour drive to them. Wyoming is really pretty and this year has been exceptional. It is still green and lush. If you live somewhere that receives a decent amount of moisture, you may not realize how little Wyoming gets some years. This year, we have had waaaaay more than usual. 

Anyway, I had to stop on my drive to get a few shots. Enjoy.

And I just like how horses look on the prairie, don't you? 

Inside Out

Maria invited me to go to the movie, Inside Out, with her and Cordelia and Elise. We were there plenty early to spend a few moments together before the movie.

Really, what kind of mother gives an innocent little sweetie rabbit ears?

Actually, the FUN kind I think.

As it turned out, it was really a pleasant movie. The characters were fun, there was lots of humor and it has an imaginative premise. Actually, it was one of the best movies I have seen in awhile!  Afterward, Cordelia told me today was one of the best days ever. She really enjoyed it as well.

So, grab a kid or two and take them to a movie. Or, just take yourself. I think you will enjoy it. I sure did! 

Just Elise

Dainty

Appreciative

Engaging

Bright

Winsome

Charming

Irresistible

Just Cordelia

Amusing

Enthusiastic

Witty

Thoughtful

Curious

Sweet

Loving