Montana -Miss Elena is 2

Upon our arrival back in Billings, we decide to drive out to Pompey's Pillar and have a walkabout.  It is hard for me to believe, but after all of my years living here, I have never visited this place.  What is up with that?

The plan is for a short hike up to where the signature of Captain Clark is and back as it is dang cold today.  It is not a sun-shiny Yellowstone Valley day.  Drat.

We head to Rhiana's new house for the day and Mister quickly gets to work helping Kyle put together chairs for the new dining room.  Miss Elena is offering help all along the way.

That evening, we are treated to a wonderful dinner and sit at the brand new table.  Rhiana and Kyle have done such a nice job with the house and they have great plans for working on it as well.  Love the old historic homes.

The next morning it is time to get to work.  We have one very cool, very detailed cake to get to work on.  It takes hours and hours with BOTH of us working on it but, -- is this not wonderful?  And the best part is that I got a whole day to spend with my daughter in the process.  It just doesn't get much better than that.



Look at this little princess with her castle.  Now that is the picture of royalty.  Yes, indeed.

Party time!  Cousins and friends started showing up along with grown-ups too.  The house filled with stories, laughter, and the ever constant chatter of little ones.

Elena had gotten a trampoline for her birthday and so that was the main attraction and held all the little people's attention for quite awhile.  The backyard was just abuzz with activity.

A most delightful Mommy and Me moment.

Cousins Hyrum and Zyra are along for the day as well.

Soon it is time for the birthday girl to open her gifts and blow out the candles on her cake.  Doesn't everything look perfect?

Elena was allowed to help deconstruct the cake in order to serve it.  Hmmm - sure did go faster on her part than constructing it did on ours.



Mister and I had purchased a pretty pink Strider bike for her birthday.  It is a tradition that we started a few years ago and have been trying to continue it.  Check this out -- she is on her bike - on the table.

Everyone continued visiting and just enjoying the day.  The older kids all ran off and played together, but Miss Zyra kind of hung around the adults.  Naturally, Grandpa had to grab a couple of her quiet moments as well.  Super nice day.

A Birthday in Bigfork -- Mine

It was my birthday and I hadn't spent one in Bigfork in a very long time.  I was really looking forward to it.  So, we left Billings and drove to the Valley for an early birthday celebration as I was going to need to be back in Billings on my actual birthday.  Whew.  My mother had planned a wonderful birthday dinner and we had the chance to spend time with family that we don't get to see very often.  My niece, Jill, brought her boyfriend and we were able to spend some time together visiting which was so nice.

Later in the day, my nephew, Zach, and his family arrived to share in the party.  Rebecca and Wyatt are fun additions to the family and I am still in shock that I am a great-aunt.  Goodness, but adding a "great" sure makes one feel old.

Check out the happy face on Wyatt in the family shot.  He was really fun to photograph.

Dinner was delicious and my mom had ordered a lovely cake from the store where she works and it was topped with fresh flowers.  I thought it was so cute.  Check out the turtle salt and pepper shakers that my sister gave me.  Fun.















The night ended all too soon and we had truly enjoyed ourselves.  Mister was holding Wyatt and so I snapped a shot that he played with in development.  What a cute face.  I know you are wondering which one I am talking about.  That's my secret.

Time to hit the road again.  It will be awhile before we are back up here in the Flathead.  I truly love it here.  Aw, heck -- that's the way it goes.

Back to Billings.

Next Stop - Billings - Zyra is 1

I flew from Las Vegas to Billings and met up with Mister who flew from Dallas to Billings.  This was the start of a small trip in Montana centered on birthdays.  Love this time of year.  First up is Miss Zyra who is 1 -- oh my what a great number to be.  I was excited to be with them and to share in this day.

We arrived at the house and the kids came running to see us.  They were both ready for a party.

Grabbing pictures when we can, we ignored Hyrum's shirt.

Stone faced Zyra, Unhappy Hyrum ---- but a very happy Grandpa to be spending time with them.

It did take Grandpa long to get down to playing.  We had brought a game for him and soon the two of them were creating many funny faces.

Becca had turned the house into a wonderland for the birthday and you could definitely tell that it was a little girls birthday party.  Everything was set - let the party begin.

While waiting Uncle Matt plays with Elena -- oh my check out that hair.

Soon it is birthday time and the moment for the star to shine.  We sat her on the banister behind the table and I am behind her standing on the stairs and holding her so she doesn't fall.  Look close and you will see my fingers.  She never wiggled at all -- just smiled and smiled.

Mom had created a special cake for Zyra along with a regular cake and cupcakes for everyone else.  Smart lady.


She put Zyra's cake in front of her and let her go.  It didn't take long and  she soon had cake everywhere.

Big brother, on the other hand, was slowly, oh so slowly enjoying his cupcake.

Taking any chance I can to get a girls shot -- Mister pulled us together for a quick one.

Next up, gifts.  We had purchased a "giraffe" for her to ride and it didn't take long for her to climb on board.  I cannot believe how big she has gotten already.

She loves the stuffed animal -- can't you tell?

After the festivities are over -- "Uncle" has some quality time with Elena.  I loved the interaction here.  Peek a Boo is such a great game.

Best picture of the day!

Next stop --- Flathead Lake -- and away we go.

A NEW Grandson!! Caleb is here. Off to Las Vegas

The waiting was almost over and little Caleb was ready to make his appearance in the world.  I hopped a plane to Las Vegas so that Amanda would have some help for the first few days and then Trent's mother was going to take over for a few days.  I was looking forward to having time with  Raef and Ryan equally as much as a new baby.  As always, I arrived with a few small gifts for the boys.  I had purchased a small Duplos and a small Legos set for them.  From the very moment the Legos set was opened, I realized that Ryan had outgrown Duplos and his fascination with Raef's car was obvious.  Live and learn Gammy.

I had arrived one day prior to Amanda's schedule delivery and so took the day to learn the routines, directions to school, schedules, etc.  Amanda is so organized that she makes it easy to pick up and take over.  I did snap a small "before" picture that I am sure she will cringe over, but dang --- this is NINE months and she looks amazing.

 Early the next morning, Mom and Dad went off to the hospital and the boys and I continued with life.  Meals, school, meals, laundry, meals, baths, etc.  I think I lost my camera during these times as I really don't have all that many pictures.

I picked up Raef from school and took the boys to the hospital to meet their new little brother.  They were so excited.  I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet they became the minute we arrived at the hospital.  They were drinking in the whole experience without even realizing it.  They each took turns holding "baby Caleb" and were so gentle with him.  I tried to snap the first picture of the three of them together.  Funny part is that I took several and this one is the best.  Ah, little boys.

Mom, on the other hand, was easy -- and I got a turn too.  What a sweet little one to have in our family now.

Ah, hospital time came to an end and back to life.  I spent the rest of my time there helping in anyway that I could find.  The boys and I had some great time together and I was also treated to great talks with Amanda when she was awake.  Mostly, we just let her rest.

 The highlight of each day for the boys was going up to Mom's room and taking turns with Caleb.  They are going to be such awesome big brothers for this little guy.  Just look at the love already.

I enjoyed my time here, but I had to get on a plane and fly North.  I would not set foot in my own house for over two weeks with all the family activities ahead.  Let's go.   Oh -- wait -- Amanda, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of these oh so special moments.  I am indeed lucky.

Easter with Grands

Holidays are always so much better with family and this Easter is no exception.  Our house is full, but we love it.  Easter morning dawns bright and beautiful in Dallas and the indoor egg hunt is ON.



Although it does not appear that everyone is wide awake, the ones hunting sure are.  The kids take turns with youngest going first so that the harder eggs are left for the older ones.  The adults spend their time counting and recounting the eggs.  That and doing their best to utilize their memory banks.

And then -- the hunt for the baskets.  Where oh where were they?  Let the trading begin.

The rest of the morning is spent playing games and getting dinner in the oven.  Isn't it great when you are still in your pajamas playing?  I loved it.

Yep, Becca  -- you are indeed quite the funny one.  I loved it then and love it still.