Wrapping up Montana

     This will be the last post about Montana for now, since we've moved south for the winter. In case you couldn't tell, we loved our summer here and are so thankful God led us back to be reunited with friends. 

Emily with her friends.

Makayla and her friends frequently planned to have the same hairstyle. 

Michael and his friends - lots of noise here!

The dirt roads are so fun to drive on!

Ethan and his beloved cat.

The church picnic was at Medicine Rocks.

It's so fun to wander around these strange formations.

Scavenger hunts for the children are always a hit.

Fall is definitely here!

Our garden is dying. We've cleaned out a lot of it.

The sunflowers did well.

Emily Maria - Age 6, grade 1 and 2

Ethan Myles - Age 4, grade preschool and play

Makayla Monica - Age 10, grade 5 and 6

Michael Eli - Age 8, grade 3

Emily with her beloved horses.

Peppers for the freezer!

Our friends gifted all the children a Montana shirt.

     It was hard to leave but like we told the children - if it's not hard to leave then you haven't had a good enough time or formed real relationships. We are currently at my mom and dad's in Texas taking care of their 20,000 chickens and 2 teenage girls while they are on a cruise to Rome. Of course we have all the vehicle inspections, Dr. appointments, and other miscellaneous things we have to do when we are back in our home state. We'll be here until the 11th of October then Eldon starts his next job in Wichita Falls, TX. Hopefully we'll survive big city life 😐😁.

Picture catch-up

     I tend to blog about the major things we do but that leaves out my favorite - normal, everyday life. So here's a lot of nothing spectacular :). 

I'm taking a picture at this spot every month this year. It's fascinating to compare them and see the differences!

Our beautiful lettuce several months ago. We went waaaay overboard and have loads of lettuce now!

One evening I heard lots of shouting and gales of laughter and went to investigate.

Calf wrestling!

One stormy evening this rainbow appeared.

Ethan and Emily love Josie, The Very Old Pony.

And kittens! Ethan adores cats and will play outside for hours as long as there is a cat around.

Climbing on the haystack behind our camper is better than the playground.

More stormy weather.

 

One evening the circus was in town. This juggler was amazing!

None of my pictures turned out..... trampoline tricks!

And of course, elephants!

 

The view coming in the lane.

We celebrated Michael's birthday at Medicine Rocks State Park.

He decorated his own cake.

Part of the crowd of friends :).

He was quite pleased with his gifts. Not pictured is the "grandma money" that he's most excited about spending!

We've spent a lot of time in the garden.

Pulling weeds

And more weeds! 

Eldon has spent hours and hours in the hayfields. I was thrilled to rake hay for a few hours one day too.

More garden pictures. We've had so much rain that watering is rarely necessary. 

One more garden picture!

We were SO excited to have my parents and sisters come visit. I didn't get many pictures but we had a fantastic time.

Exhausted......

 

The children all went riding Sunday evening.

Makayla loves to ride midnight.

Ethan smothering a cat with kisses.

Rain in the distance!

We went to Medora, ND for 2 short days to meet up with friends, the North's. A great time was had by all!

One afternoon we ladies went to a few very touristy stores. And paid $5 for an ice cream cone.

Relaxing!

Tamera and I enjoying the gorgeous weather.

That big Montana sky!

Ethan watches the window and anytime he sees someone come to feed the horses he'll go streaking out. Here he is hanging on the fence talking to Mr. Standard.

     Our country fair is in 2 weeks so the children are busily working on all sorts of projects. These projects frequently involve me too so my patience is tried daily since crafts are not really my thing 😜. Until next time!