Road Trip - Days 35 - 39 - Billings

 After a very busy day yesterday, I okay with some calm for the morning.  This is my view as I drink my coffee and recoup some energy.

Road Trip - Day 34 - Billings Fourth of July

 Happy Independence Day!!!!  We have a party to attend at Matt's house this evening, but until then there are still hours to use up.  Elena has to work until around 3 so the rest of us are off to the park for a bit.  It's been a few years since I was down at Pioneer Park and it's still as pretty as I remember it.

Road Trip - Days 31- 33 - Billings

 Today is July 1st and that marks Day 31 of this trip.  We are in grandparent mode and taking care of four grands while their parents take a vacation and few days together.  We're in Billings, MT and starting to get into the structure of littles and teens.  What a combo!  Oldest teen works for her uncle during the day and that leaves us with three.  Today, we are attempting to water the lawn AND teach Mariel that water is not of the devil.  She is truly afraid and runs from the water for quite awhile before venturing close to it but running alongside it.

Road Trip - Days 23-30 - Billings

 One more week left in June and we are staying at Matt's house.  However, Rhiana is throwing a birthday party for Isla today and she doesn't know we are in town yet, so Gammy and Grandpa will surprise her.  When we arrive, it's GREAT!  Littles are excited and my daughter is so surprised.  This is so fun.  Now to just play and enjoy the day.

Road Trip Time - Bigfork Day 8 Rhiana's Visit Ends - Soccer and a Baby Fawn on Father's Day

 It's Day 9 of our trip and we are once again preparing for soccer games.  Fortunately, today is not near as icky out so a bit less clothing is required, but it's still chilly.  Now to get these girls moving.

Road Trip Time - Bigfork Days 6-7 Rhiana's Visit Begins

 There are days when I feel so blessed.  Today is one of those.  Most of the day was just spent waiting for littles to arrive.  Rhiana and her family are driving up to this area for a soccer tournament this weekend and I'm super excited.  Time with family means the world to me and the more the merrier --- at all times.  I hope I never reach the point where I can't handle it, for that would truly make me so sad.

We have other visitors in the morning - 

Rhiana's family arrive in the evening and the house is full of activity and fun.

Malea and Elena go for a walk with Grandpa and check out the lake.  Malea even manages to get into that ice cold water.

Meanwhile, Isla is making herself acquainted with the house.

Getting everyone settled in takes some time.

When Grandpa returns, Mariel has him watching her run up and down the driveway.

Over and over again.

I'm still having a great time with Isla --- it's so nice that she's not afraid of me anymore.

Now that Mariel is back in the house -- she has some LEGOs to build with.  What will she make?

It's early to bed, though, for this one has a game at 8 a.m. in Kalispell.  We'll all be on the road bright and early.

Wrapped in my quilt -- what could be better?

After a good nights sleep, we are ready to roll.  Well, most of us anyway.  It's a cold, rainy day and we've spent the morning making sure everyone stays warm.  This wasn't planned for, so long sleeve shirts, jackets, leggings, warm socks, etc. have come from Grandpa, Gigi, and me.  We have also found hats, gloves, and umbrellas.  Yep, quite the scavenger hunt today.

Game one gets underway at 8 a.m. and Grandpa and I are just a bit late, but not too bad.  Thankfully, we were able to park very close.  We are bundled up and have found more umbrellas for all.  Time to watch some soccer.  Malea plays goalie.

A save!

Videos of saves - I am hoping to create a reel at some point.

With a win under their belt, we move onto the next game at 12:30.  We have a couple hours to kill.

Now THAT'S a smile.  She did soooo good.

After a bit of debate and some wrong Google info, we decide on Bojangles Diner and, although we have a bit of a rough start, it works out great.  Two tables in the back corner and we are set.

With a bit of time still, a stop at Farmer's Market happens.

Mariel is running along and I catch her in mid-air.  So fun.

Time for game 2 - get it Malea!  Hahaha, it's just warm up.

However, here are a few short videos.

The weather is much better this afternoon, enough that a trip for treats during half time happened.

An acai bowl and sooooo yummy.

Oh, the faces we see.

Grandpa and Mariel are virtually inseparable.

This game didn't go quite as well, but they have a third game tomorrow and depending on how it goes, they may make it further in the tourney.  Time will tell.

We have a bit of time once we get home from the games.  Malea talks Grandpa into an actual swim this time.

She went in and Grandpa has a video of her saying, "OMG, that's so cold."  Back to shallower water.

I worked the past couple of days to prepare for a family BBQ this afternoon and it's time to let the fun begin.  It will be nice for Rhiana and her family to spend time with those she doesn't see very often.  Here come the cousins.  Jill is hosting at her home and I'm super thankful for a place for all the kids to play and plenty of room for adults to chat.

Mariel fell in love with this swing.

Greyson getting in on some water fun.

Scenes around the gathering.  I'm just popping pictures here and there - no posing.

Isla and Avrielle - about 6 months apart.

Scarlet and Malea hit it off grand.

Time to feed the crew.

Keeping this one occupied so Mom can eat.

Yep, even dessert.  Everything came together well today.

Loving the chance to chat and enjoy each other.

Gam and Avrielle

Ahhh - Great-nephew and great-niece ---- I don't get to see Wyatt and Scarlet enough.

Out to the front yard for more fun.

Uncle and Avrielle - 

Trying a Strider - (she has one waiting at home)

Brock brings out the little car and before we know it, Greyson is driving Mariel all over the place.  They are also about 6 months apart.

Worried big sis.

Attention diverted and something else to do.

Silly Grandpa --- having fun with the kids.

Greyson, trying to mimic

A little help from Uncle and he's soon rocking the look as well.

No one is immune.  Elena even gives it a go.

Meanwhile, the car is still going.

Teaching - to carry the fun onto another generation.

Oops - not that way please.

Rerouting.

So, so fun to watch the shenanigans.

Greyson finally stopped and Mariel instantly moved into place and took off.  She's got this.

This is just too cute.  Now, they have a caravan.

Watching kids is always fabulous entertainment.

It's been such a fun day, but time to call it done.  We clean up and head back to the house for some rest.

I'm beat and hitting that proverbial wall tonight.  Off to bed for me and I don't think others were terribly far behind.  See ya tomorrow.