A week in Spokane for Bloomsday

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We had a week in Spokane scheduled around Bloomsday (the 33rd annual road race, 7.6 miles, and 50,000 people). I have found since we no longer live in Spokane, when we go home it tends to be a bit busy visiting family & friends. I love it though. The slide show will give you a little glimpse. Thank you to all who had us over while we were there. The kids had their dentist/Dr.'s appts. & everything went well. Ravenna is still not liking the dentist, but it went better than the last visit. Ravenna is weighing 28 lbs. & 35" tall. Hudson is 40 lbs. & 44" tall. We love staying at my parents house. Hudson has established his morning ritual of going in to wake grandpa up,and they hang out until the rest of us slowly rise. It's very cute! We are loving the spring weather (when it's nice) and enjoying these long days. I can hardly wait for summer!

To the farm

We took another field trip with Hudson & Ravenna's pre-school class a couple weeks ago. The destination was a farm just north of town. There were cows, goats, and a Shetland pony which pulled kids in the buggy (story to follow). Hudson also found the little John Deer tractor very enjoyable. In fact it was hard to get him off of it. Once all the kids got their turn in the buggy with the pony, they moved on to other things. Not Ravenna though, she was loving the buggy ride. So Rick continued to take her for a ride. After Ravenna's 5th loop in the buggy Hudson comes down a hill on the John Deer tractor & spooks the pony. Here is where my heart stopped & adrenaline kicked in. It all happened in about 30 seconds. Off goes the pony & who knew how fast those little things can run. He is running full speed with Rick & Ravenna (bouncing and barely hanging on). I remember having 2 thoughts: 1) is this really happening? and 2) surely he will get control. Well the answer was yes & no he didn't get control. That pony bolted for about 75 yards & went up a hill which flipped the buggy with my daughter in it. I am sprinting after them by this time, and I am not a sprinter. Thankfully when the buggy flipped and sent Ravenna flying Rick had hold of her jacket & she landed on him. By the time I got there she was hysterical & Rick was just getting up & limping around. The pony/buggy were headed down the driveway. Fast forward about 30 minutes & Ravenna was doing much better & actually wanted to check on the pony to see if it was ok. I am so thankful she landed on Rick as he seemed to soften the fall. She was given a little hot coco & she was good to go. Note to self....always be leary of cute, little, Shetland pony's.

Rendezvous Days - Eureka, MT

Last weekend we headed about an hour north to a little town called Eureka. It's settled right next to the Canadian Border. They had their annual town event called Rendezvous Days. We spent all day Saturday up there and had the best time. We caught the parade, lunch at a fantastic restaurant "The Front Porch", checked out the local vendors & got the kids cotton candy, watched some Dutch Oven cooking, went to the Sand Drags, then Mexican dinner & finished our night off with the Lake Koocanusca (I love to say that word) Rodeo. Another new adventure which turned into a great day!

At the park before the parade.

A car like my dad grew up with.

These were the best! Cooler/Scooters....how cool are these?

A view of downtown Eureka after the parade.

Oh the joys a little cotton candy will bring!

Keeping warm at the noisy sand drags.

Watching the drags with her daddy.

Lake Koocanusca Rodeo. After about 1/2 hour Hudson turns to me & says "I love this mommy"!

Lots of nasty falls, which equals guaranteed entertainment.

Surprise visitor, field trips, and parties

Uncle O'neill stopped by for a quick visit last week. The kids were thrilled. As you can see he was too!
They were especially excited he brought his dogs Bear & Blue. As Uncle O'neill drove away Blue was sitting on his lap in the driver seat. The kids were convinced Blue was driving the truck.

Little Miss Elyse turned 4 years old. Steven and Grace had a princess party for her. Grace made her pretty blue dress & "castle" cake. All the little girls dressed up as princesses, while Hudson & Cash opted for Mickey Mouse hats.

Hudson & Cash!

Ravenna giving Jim Petersen some loves.

The kids had some field trips this week with their pre-school. We went to WBC & built bird houses one day (I forgot my camera). Then we went to the Whitefish Mountain Mall & learned the Makarena.
They had a face painting booth. Hudson & Ravenna opted for their hands. As you can see Hudson is a little upset he only gets one dinosaur.
Then the lady from the forest service told them about all the animals that live in the forest & trees.
This has also been a big week for the Brewery. We have been closed for Spring cleaning. Stephan has taken my part in this event as he is more valuable than I when it comes to projects. They have scrubbed & scrubbed, painted, moved the bar, fixed numerous things & worked really hard. So Marcus decided to throw a little employee party while we are closed down. We had much fun & not enough sleep.
The crew on the roof of The Great Northern Brewery.

Easter Weekend 2009

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Rafting on the Flathead River, April 5, 2009

We were able to go rafting with Uncle Gerard & Aunt Loretta last Sunday. We had a great 4 hour float on the Flathead River. Another benefit of living where we do & near such great family. It was Hudson & Ravenna's first rafting trip & they did awesome. They even had a little nap on the last leg. Thanks so much to Gerard & Loretta.
The Crew. We also had Stephan's friend Jeff Kautz in town & he was able to come as well.

Hudson fishing off the back with a special pole Uncle Gerard brought.

Helping daddy row......or so they thought.
Looking into Glacier National Park.

Girl Time - Tampa & Vegas

I was able to spend some time last week with my girlfriends from college. I went to the University of Idaho & some girls from my pledge class get together every year. This year we celebrated 15 years of friendship and went to Tampa, FL. We have all accomplished so much & it such a blast to get together. Only 5 of us were able to make this year (we were missing 4 others), but we laughed enough to make up for those who couldn't make it. The weather was fabulous & it was especially great since it was snowing all week at home.
Due to my wonderful husband taking care of the kids (all by himself for 8 days) I was also able to meet my girlfriends from Spokane in Vegas. I flew directly from Tampa (with a long lay over in Dallas) to Vegas. We too had great weather. Our itinerary included laying by the pool, eating good food, & seeing a show....mission accomplished. We were also able to meet up with Ronda our friend from high school.
I had the most perfect vacation, but realized 8 days is a long time to be gone from my kiddos. I missed them so much & am glad to be home again.