Thank you all for following our life in Montana! We are loving this adventure called life! I am really enjoying writing about our experiences - we have been beyond blessed. I may not write often, but I'm hoping one day I can look back and treasure these memories!
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| Jess and Zach came out to visit in October. We had such a great time and loved that they took the time to come check out Montana! We floated the river, went to a bull riding festival, got a babysitter and went out to dinner and showed them a local brewery. We tried our best to convince them to move to Helena - not sure it worked - but we can be wishful! |
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| Brian and Teenan had some great father-son time this fall. They went out fishing on the Missouri, tied some flies, did some hiking, they even helped a friend pack out an elk (which doesn't sound fun to me, but some how is). It's so nice that T has the opportunity to come visit so often. We love it, the kids love it and it makes the distance seem a little less. |
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Halloween - this year was so fun! Gav and Sage had a blast. They both were so cute and put on all the charm to score gobs of candy - we are still eating candy. Brian was Gav's parent helper the day the kids all dressed up so they dressed up together as Superman. Gavin was very proud!! Our church got some people together to rake some leaves for various families. There were a quit a few kids - so each yard took a bit longer than it otherwise might have (imagine piles of leaves and jumping kids). They had a blast!
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| Thanksgiving this year was so great! Brian's parents, my dad and our nephew Noah all came up here from CO to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. My heart was full from having a full house for a few days. I think this was the first time we hosted Thanksgiving and therefore our first attempt at cooking a turkey - which I can proudly say turned out perfect:) Our time was filled with fun games, good food, lots of laughs and the best company! |
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Getting ready for Christmas and celebrating in Helena with our family was a blast. We did countless things the days approaching Christmas. We started with makings some of my favorite spritz cookies, hot chocolate and hanging out with Santa. Dad sent us an elf on the shelf this year - which provided ample entertainment for the kiddos. I was shocked at how much they loved finding "Zelf" every morning. It was fun to see the mystery and imagination in the kiddos world! My goal for Christmas is to teach the true meaning of Christmas - but I do not want to disregard the fun of Santa. I recently found this awesome letter that I hope my kids will understand an appreciate one day. It reads..."When asked are mom and dad really Santa? the parents responded...the answer is no. We are not Santa. There is no one, single Santa. We are the people who fill your stockings and choose and wrap the presents under the tree - just as our parents did for us, and you will do for your kids someday. This could never make any of us Santa, though, Santa is lots and lots of people who keep the spirit of Christmas alive. He lives in our hearts- not at the North Pole. Santa is the magic and love and spirit of giving to others. What he does is teach children to believe in something they cannot see or touch. Throughout your life you will need this capacity to believe: in yourself, in your family, in your friends and in God."
Gavin's preschool put on an adorable Christmas program. They sang 3 songs, with actions and lots of enthusiasm (especially from Gavin)!! I was beyond proud - my smile stretched a mile long!
We are trying to institute a few family traditions. We celebrated a few days early since we spent Christmas in CO. This year we went and looked at Christmas lights, made pizza, ate upstairs by the tree, opened presents and then had a sleep over by the tree. It was a fun evening - Brian and Gavin were the only ones who made it all night - Sage and I preferred our own beds:) |
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| We took off Christmas Eve for Christmas in Colorado. We packed up the kids, the dog, presents, lots of snacks and headed south. We had an exceptionally smooth trip and made great time considering our passengers! Christmas was a blast, we spent Christmas and the few days after with dad in Longmont. Dad spoiled us once again, but the best present was us all being together. We prepared a delicious dinner, relaxed, went sledding and went to the zoo lights. The next day dad had planned for some other family to come over so we didn't have to run all over town to see everyone - excellent planning dad!! |
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Cousins.
Cousins. Cousins. Such a wonderful time with cousins. We spend the second
half of our trip to CO in Colorado Springs with Nana and Papa and Aunt Christi,
Uncle John, Noah, Helena and Anaiah! We had a terrific visit, the cousins had a
blast together. They spent an afternoon at the zipline gym, checked out
the zoo (check out that tongue) and spend some time at our friends skatepark -
Gavin even padded up and hit a few ramps:) The girls all got matching jammies
from nana and they sure are adorable! Over Christmas we also found out we will
be getting another sweet little nephew - what a wonderful blessing! It's always
nice to be with Nana and Papa - we always have a great time laughing! I am
looking forward to our next visit.
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It was so nice to see Grandpa Scott! We were only able to have a quick visit-hoping to spend more time next time!
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| We felt super blessed to be able to stay a couple extra days over the holiday to celebrate dad as he was inducted into the Colorado Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. Everyone had great words to share about him (it sounds like everyone has gotten to see the wonderful person I know), dad also gave a fantastic speech. Congratulations dad!! I have to include a hilarious story from the day. Brian had Gavin were in the bathroom (Gav had to poop). Brian stepped out for a quick moment, and of course during that quick moment Gav saw a pair of cowboy boots under the door and found it in himself to ask for help "hey cowboy, I'm done, can you wipe me". Brian could have died - but it provided lots of laughs-haha!! |
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| Of course I need to include Brian in the story:) This winter he had found a few new hobbies. I wish I could pick up a hobby as quickly as Bri. In the fall he bought his first bow - he hasn't hunted with it yet but has a nice target set up in the backyard. He has also gone out on quit a few early morning hikes just to try and spot wildlife. We are within minutes of a trailhead making it easy and convenient! He has seen quit a few animals - bringing him home super excited! Brian got me a kayak for Christmas - so I'm hoping to get out and pursue some hobbies of my own. |
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| Gav and Sage had their first ski lesson of the season - G rocked the bunny hill. It won't be long before he is cruising down the mountain. Sage was adorable but wasn't quit as thrilled to be following directions:) |
Is anyone still reading this...
