Montana

We are back from our annual trip to Montana.  Had a wonderful time!

We spent one day in Billings, saw lots of family including Gramma Great and Penny!

Jim and Maddie were big hikers this year, spending lots of time on the trail together!

We went on lots of kayak rides.  This was just before I dropped my phone/camera in the lake.  It survived!

Spent lots of time on the porch watching this squirrel.

Celebrating August Birthdays.

Peyton picking a gift in the white elephant party.

Went on a hike to The Falls with all the Coxes.

Loved being there with Megan this year!  We had lots of time together and families had a great time together.

Aunt Janet and I

Megan and I took the girls over to Shannon one day and Helen and Peyton spent HOURS playing with the lake weed.

Lots of games with Gramma Sue.

Peyton working at her job, helping Sara with the espresso bar.  She got up every day and raced down to the lodge to help from 8-9am.  She even made some tips!

Maddie spent much of the week training in ping-pong in hopes of beating Papa this year.  Maybe next year Maddie.

Family photo at the Hump.

Girls at the Falls.

Thanks for a great time Gramma Sue & Papa!

The Week in Review

Abe & Beti came over for lunch on Sunday and a run through the sprinkler.

Aiden & Mason hung out with us on Monday while we went to the orthodontist...

...and to get ice cream.

Megan joined us for a swim and a smoothie at SAC.

Had a evening frisbee toss.

Peyton, being Peyton.

Jim had a father/daughter day at the  Evergreen Space Museum and water park.

which everyone enjoyed, even me who was home alone!

And finally a little cuddle time with a hamster.

Peyton's Unbirthday

Today we celebrated Peyton's birthday several weeks early.  Usually by the end of July, everyone is on vacation and can't come...so this year we decided to do it early.  It worked, everyone came and they had a great time.

The whole crew

Cupcakes & presents

The hungry crew after swimming

Max was the only boy but he didn't seem to mind!

Seattle Tournament

 Just home from a fun, but exhausting weekend in Seattle for a volleyball tournament.  Maddie's team played some great games and ended up taking 3rd place in their bracket.  It's a nice group of girls and parents and all in all a success.

We drove to Seattle Saturday morning to get there in time for a 2:30 game.

First a team meeting with parents, players and Coach Gabi.

We cheered extra hard for #11 when she was serving.

Jeannine, Ron ans Haley came to watch a game and take Peyton for the night so she could have some fun too!

Jim and I visited Megan & Chris's, went out for a fun lunch with them and then they came to cheer on Maddie too!

We watched 4 matches Saturday, 3 matches Sunday and two matches Monday.  I also played around with my phone camera during those games.  :)

Chris, Maddie, Megan, Helen, Jim, Peyton and Ava

The rowdy cheering section.

The most surprising bonding of the weekend was the Simmons' new kitten Roscoe & Jim.  Jim is typically allergic, but the kitten loved him and it was mutual. 

The team during a snack break between matches.

Peyton and I posing during lunch. 

Homecoming 2011

I had a wild weekend away with my college girlfriends for UM Homecoming and the 100 year celebration of our sorority house.  Haven't been back for Homecoming in 15 years, and it might take me that long to recover from this weekend.  But had a super fun time.  Haven't laughed that much in a long time.

Deb, Jill, Shawn, Megan, Ronette & Nici at the game

The beautiful campus

Norville, me & Megan at the DG cocktail party

Our composite still hangsi n the DG dining room!

Happy 100 years to the DG house.

Go Griz!

The gang at our favorite bar--the Rhino!  Still as good as ever.

Lots and lots of people back for the event.

Haven't seen Cass in about 10-11 years!

Parade on Saturday morning before the game.

Great seats for the game!