Race for the Cure

The kids and I headed to Whitehall Friday night, so Mikayla, Linda and I could head to Helena the next day to participate in the Race for the Cure. I wasn't able to run the 5k but they had a 1 mile walk option and being able to walk 1 mile was a huge accomplishment for me. 

After the race we had a lovely lunch and then some antique time before heading home. 

Sean stayed with Papa Ron who put him to work for the day. He had fun helping demolish a fence.

Selfie at the Captial Building.

 Linda getting ready to walk the 5k.

 She always makes friends on these things.

 The lilacs were in full bloom and almost every yard along the route had them. I love lilacs as they always remind me of my room at the ranch where lilacs bushes grew outside of my window. 

Mother's Day

Kyle and Cami took Mom to their annual Mother's Day Horse Races in Miles City. The kids and I decided to celebrate with a trip to the zoo. It was a beautiful day.

We fed the farm animals and saw two goats butting heads.

 Sean was our navigator and made sure we didn't miss any animals. 

 Sean didn't want to spend anytime in the garden's but I convinced him to at least do a quick walk through. I was glad I did because they had some very beautiful tulips in bloom. Since I was laid up with the bad back I had not had the opportunity to enjoy the spring flowers. 

 Mikayla made sure to keep her new purse from Kyle and Cami safe. 

 There were four otters that wanted to play. They were following your hands as you moved them along the glass. He was a lot of fun. 

After the zoo we had lunch and then headed back to Kyle and Cami's for a nap. We spent the evening at Riverfront park. It was a perfect day. 

 If we walk like a goose will they notice us?

 Last one there is a rotten "acorn". I was the rotten acorn.

Mikayla Turns 3!

Our little girl turns 3!. I'm not sure where the time has gone. It's been a wild ride with her but she is so joyful and loving when she isn't being a her indenpendent, stubborn self. (I wonder where she gets it from). 

She got new close from Finn and Auntie Lisa. Finn also gave her a cool pair of sunglasses.

 We celebrated her birthday in Billings. It was the same day as the annual Women's Run. I had talked many people into doing the race and I was so sad I couldn't participate but I enjoyed being at the finish line cheering everyone on. 

Grandma Barb and Grandma Linda pushed Mikayla in the race so she got to participant in her first Women's Run.  They enjoyed the race but sure wish I would have remembered the jogging stroller. I hope this continues to be an annual Mother's Day tradition for us.  

While we were at the Women's Run. Sean and Papa enjoyed Scheel's. The farris wheel was a hit. 

 After the run we celebrated her birthday in the park with Ron, Linda, Kyle, Cami, Jon, Michelle and Michelle's family. It was a lovely party. 

Grandma Barb made the cake which didn't disappoint our horse loving little girl. 

 She was trying to blow he candle out with a little puff from this distance. 

 Finally she took a big breath, but we aren't sure if it was her or the wind that blew it out. 

 Cami made her a special shirt which she loves. 

 Play time with Papa Ron is always a good end to the day.

April Showers

The month of April brought a few weather showers but the main downfall was that I had a huge flair up with my back problems. It's been about 6 weeks but I can finally walk and function close to normal. Pain persists but hopefully I am on the road to recovery. 

Ethan ended up working almost everyday of the month as he had an opportunity to get some extra work helping some folks restore a 1889 house that is going to be a bed and breakfast.

 The poor kids had to entertain themselves a lot!

Before the pain really kicked in the kids and I headed to the park to play. It was a park they don't go to often so they had a really fun time. 

Sean was very excited to be a monkey climbing on the vines. 

 Mikayla loves these twirl seats and laughs the whole time she is being whipped around. 

 After the park we had a wonderful lunch together. 

 Ethan was out at a ranch north of town. Helping a friend build a deck. He called us and said we should come out and visit. This was an area the kids and I have never explored before. The views were amazing and reminded me why people love this valley. 

 The kids really enjoyed the trampoline.

 

 The cows even enjoyed watching the kids.  

 Once the next week the pain really kicked in so the kids were on their own for entertainment. Mikayla likes to take care of her babies. Ever since we visited the Jones family in January she plays that she is Lisa and this is baby Oscar. 

 We had a lot of snuggle time in bed. 

 Puzzle time as well. 

 By week 4 the kids were tired of being cooped up. We headed to Whitehall for a day so Ron and Linda could see the kids. I forgot my work computer at their house so we had to meet Ron in Three Forks the next day. While we waited for him to arrive we found a park in town and the kids loved it. 

Sean really enjoyed this "cage" and talks about going back all the time. 

 Mikayala was excited to be able to ride a horse.

 And loves doing her horse tricks. 

 When Mikayla saw this slide she thought it was awesome. It was so big and you went really fast. 

 Sean was a little apprehensive. 

 But made it down safely and enjoyed the ride.