Muddy Mountain X 2

We went to Muddy Mountain this week... twice!  In the eleven years we've lived in this area I think we've been to Muddy Mountain only a couple of times.  However, we've had friends tell us how beautiful the wildflowers are right now so Saturday Mike and I decided to go take a look.  We were NOT disappointed!

We took some short trails and just wandered around a bit.

The views are spectacular!

Isn't Wyoming pretty?

Bode had a good time.

The flowers were so impressive, thanks to all the rain we've had.

Crazy beautiful wildflowers.

 ...and more wildflowers.

Just look at this scene!

I know that many people in this world never get to see so 

much space, wide and open. I love it!

Anyway, it was so breathtaking, we decided to invite the 

rest of our local family up there for a Father's Day Picnic.

 It was a great day!

Sam came along.

We were just missing Ben and Sara, as well as our adopted family member, Laura.

Is your heart just melting?

One of my happiest things is knowing our little granddaughters

have a great Daddy. That means so much to our peace of mind!

Doesn't it look like Elise is floating?

I took lots of photos of the little girls.

Big surprise, huh? 

I will post some more soon.

Two Dads

Godfather...

Seriously, Sam can be acting absolutely geeky but he has this incredible

skill for snapping into serene composure for all photos.

And one last photo.

It's a good one and I am particularly proud of it.

I think Eric will be proud of it as well.

Father's Day

You may have noticed how much I love our granddaughters.

I want only the best for them.

When it comes to a Dad, that is exactly what they got!

Our own children also hit the "Dad Jackpot" 

and for this, I am so very grateful.

Both of these men are adored by their offspring...

and their women.

Happy Father's Day Mike & Eric!

These Are The Days - Father's Day at Independence Rock

Mike had a request for Father's Day.

He wanted us all to go to Independence Rock.

So we did.

Sam came along with us and

Maria and Eric and girls followed behind

We were missing Ben and Sara.

Mike and Elise greeted with a snuggle.

We weren't short on dogs!

This was the first time for Bode to meet our new Granddog, Atomic Betty Sprinkles (Betty).

He liked her.

Maria and the girls and dogs partway up Independence Rock

We sent the guys on up while we relaxed in the shade.

The nearby creek was a hit.

Water and kids just go together!

Like I said...

It was a hot day.

The dogs were so happy to cool down.

Bumblebee kept rubbing her face in the mud.

Yes, Bode is urinating in the creek.

Elise didn't want to leave.

Bode is still urinating.

Our daughter was mistaken for a professional model this week-end.

Can you see why?

The scenery on the way home was lovely, very Wyoming.

Sam and Bode had a little trouble getting comfortable in the back seat.

I'm kind of afraid Sam will be mad at me for using this photo,

but I couldn't help myself.

He's really easy going.

He'll forgive me.

Pretty sure.

To My Children, A Word About Your Father

Dear Maria, Ben and Sam,

First of all, let me say, "You are welcome!"

Thanks to my fine choice you three have experienced the fatherly love of a good man.  All right, I admit, I didn't really think much about his fatherly potential when I chose him.  Nevertheless, I'm taking the credit.

You already know he was and is a fun person.  You  have to admit he was good at taking the time to play.  He was the one who would pretend to push you into the hot lava or shout out, "Kid Hunt!"  He also played a lot of Crazy 8, Candy Land and Old Maid.  He's a quirky guy with lots of character and I think that just adds to the adventure.

I hope you always knew of his love for you.  He made a lot of sacrifices on your behalf... all three of you.  He always put your needs before his own.  I think you know that, too, don't you?  He wasn't always confident that he knew how to parent but you always knew he would be there for you.  You knew he was steadfast and fiercely loyal to his family.  Even if you never really thought about all that, I'm sure it must have helped you feel more secure in a world that doesn't always feel safe.

Ben and Sam, in a world where boys aren't always shown how to be good fathers, you were given that valuable example.  Maria, because of him, you were able to recognize a good man for yourself and a good father for your own children.  For all of you, he's taught by example the value of integrity, generosity and perseverence.  He's also let you see his love for God, family, music, Montana, baseball and goofy dogs.  I don't know how all these things molds you, but I think those things, to you, will always be associated with your Dad.

So, again, I say, "You're welcome." Above any gift I ever bought or made for any of you, providing you with this man for your father was a stroke of genius and I know you are thankful.

Love,
Mom