Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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!

 
 
 
 


Saturday, June 22, 2013

Strawberry's

Oh, I do love the berry seasons of the summer!
Strawberry's started this last Monday and since Pat was going to be home Saturday I thought it would be great to just leave Louis at home with him and pick with no struggle.
(Until 10 strawberries into picking, and a whole hayride out to the patch,
Hannah tells me she has to go potty, sooo bad.) 
Drew decided he wanted to stay with Dad to help with the sale of the jetski (and it did sell).
Isabelle, you know you made me so happy with each full box you poured into the my flat.
 I was so proud of my helpers, it took about an hour to get the 3 flats.
 
  Mom, just please could we get one?
You had bunnies when you were little. I remember seeing the pictures.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A visit to Aunt Maggies ~ Chicago

We went to the zoo the first day.  
 Chicago skyline.

 Hmmmm. I guess this is the only pic I have of the animals. A nest of some variety of rodent.
 If you look close you can see the zebra.
 A chocolate shop that we happened to walk by and had to stop in. I am glad you were game Maggie.
 Lego sculpture of Woody, the kids thought fascinating.
 Lake Michigan
 The kids were loving it...not sure Aunt Maggies thoughts were the same.
 Back to the zoo to experience the tornado machine.
(We recently had a tornado touch down just miles from our house and totally wipeout
an entire house and do damage to the surroundings, so it had been a fascinating topic)
 Isabelle I am glad you are enjoying it! This is all you wanted to do at the zoo.
 Waiting for Dad enjoying someones expression of art.
 Thanks for the great time Aunt Maggie!
 


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

School's out!

A week ago Isabelle "graduated" from kindergarten.
She was very proud and felt very special especially since Dad came from work and
Grammie, Aunt Emma, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Susan and little Stella came too!
She was given the award for achievement in Reading and attendance....
to which the latter the school principal (which happens to be Pat's Uncle Dan)
later commented it was the first time he ever gave
 an award for attendance to a Leahy and
thought in this case should have changed it to be awarded to the"Nistler" side of the student.
 
 
 
 
I have to say I am glad we have no school for 3 months. 
Not that I have lots of experience yet,
 my kids are young (maybe I am naive)
but I dont understand how some mothers
 dont look forward to this time.
I enjoy the extra action at home not
worrying about stopping the kids interaction
so they can finish their homework or get to bed on time.
(I may change my mind come August)
but I dont want to. I shouldn't. I want to take
advantage of this time they are home with me.
 

 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                         A box of gold fish for a pinata.   Why not?