Enjoying a visit from Uncle Kevin, Aunt Susan and little Stella

We were thinking we would go swim in Kev and Sue's pool but since

Hannah was still recovering  and feeling a little under the weather, they came to us.

 Enjoying icecream of course.

 

Louis discovered Hannah's leftovers.

Blueberry Picking

One of my favorite places to go/things to do in the summer!

Just being outside, "storing up for the winter", reliving (to a small and different extent)

 our huckleberry picking growing up.

Of course there is always a bit of whining from one

(and sometimes all) of the kids about heat or bugs, but in the end it is all worth it!

 

Heading to the field with zest.

Bragging about a big one..........

.......or just a handful..........

or a 1/2 bucketful........

I have to say I was very proud and grateful fo the picker that you were this year Drew.

Each time you have filled close to a whole bucket for me.

On our way out, they just had to try out the other bushes.

As a kid it would be annoying when Mom would say "one more cupful everyone" 2 or 3 times,

but now I totally identify. It is so hard to leave the field, despite the youngests' foul smelling diaper

and the others crying, whining or complaining,

when you still have beautiful berries hanging on the bushes. 

Mom, aren't they beautiful. These were actually the small variety. 

Just proud to carry a bucket. 

We have gone up 3 time this year and hoping to go up again when Hannah is feeling better.

The last 2 times we have ended with blueberry pancakes for an early lunch.

They really did taste good!

Mom we will miss you picking with us this year. (Her hands alone usually bring in another 20 lbs)

I still brag about what a berry picker you are!

This is what I look fwd to at the end....the kids play and I sit in the shade

and rock on the big wooden swing and read.

 

 

Hannah's tonsil surgery

It was a hard decision to make, whether we should have your tonsils out

but every night going to bed hearing your labored breathing, I feel it was the right thing to do.

I have been so happy to hear you breathing quietly each time you fall asleep now.

Everything went very well. You were very brave. God worked out everything perfectly. 

Drew and Isabelle were more concerned than you,

of course they were able to envision a bit better of what was going to go on.

The night prior to the surgery Drew told me he was just going to bury his head in his pillow

until we returned. I questioned why?

He said "I am just scared, I want to have it done to me instead of to Hannah."

As soon as we returned, he jumped in the car

and asked how you were and wanted to carry you inside.

From there on out it was a competition between he and Isabelle who was the nurse and who the Dr. tending to your needs. They had set up a bed with an extra lamp, your doll right next to you, books and crayons to color and had gone to the store with Grammie to get a sick present:

a deer which they insisted You wanted.  

When asked if your throat hurts: "No, not really."

We will give it a couple days.

The deer you named Stella (hope you dont mind U.Kevin and A.Susan)

 

It is nice that we all benefit from the additional popsicles in the freezer.

Sunday Bikeride

Thank you Pat for getting us all out together for our bike ride; pulling the 3 kids so I have no load at all but to coach Drew along the road safely (which poses in itself a task at times....

as he thinks his hands or feet have to reach out to every tree, lightpost, stop sign etc as we go by causing a near catastrophic event.)

First we went to the park, for a picnic and to play, then to ice-cream. Good ol'Ziggy's.

I really love these times Pat. Thank you! 

Montana highlights

2 weeks in Montana!

I truly feel spoiled having such an opportunity to stay with my parents, living quite comfortably, upon waking Grannie is all prepared with a healthy smoothie and toast for the kids and out the door for the rest of the day...except the little girls making there way in and out of the basment to exchange a baby's clothing or something where all is set up for the girlish fun.  So, here are pics of some of the fun things we did...does not include L&C Caverns or backpacking to Blackfoot meadows or floating down the Jefferson but......

 

Enjoying the pond and cousins.

 Floated to far without the oars?

 It became Isabelle's duty to get the twins braver out in the water and Collette really loved it!

 Pull Isabelle!

 I'll get the gun ready Hannah...line us up.

 Louis didn't discover the excitement of the water till the last few days

so enjoyed playing with the sand toys.

 

Returning for lunch....or to jump on the trampoline?

Fun with the twins! 

 

 

 

A 4th of July party planned by Uncle Matt!

Remote control car race for best time.

Paper airplane contest~construct and fly.

Pellet gun shoot off.

All with a prize for the winner!

Fresh pattied elk burgers and all sorts of extra treats.

I didnt take my camera floating down the river (with which we started with) but 

floating all together was a great time.

Thanks Matt  and Carolyn!

 Louis thought the dog door was just for him.

 

A fish fry for breakfast~only with Grandpa and Grannie.

Grandma let Drew batter and fry them - made them taste all the better.

A boat ride with Uncle Joe to Indian Trails through the Gates of the Mtns

and Happy Birthday!

 Keeping Hallie and Louis content with Lemonade

 Drew's highlight, he got to help drive....I am sure all the 3rd graders will hear of it come Fall.

 Isabelle had to put up a real stink about the outhouses.

A Sunday stroll up near the lodge.

Nothing better than romping through the woods on a Sunday hike....able to run and wander .

 

 
 

and of course sharing leftover donuts.

Not sure what's going on here! 

 

We love you Grandpa and Grandma!