Odds and Ends

For Labor Day weekend we decided that Ethan needed a break from working on the house. We headed to The Reef water park in Billings. The kids loved the park and Sean and I really enjoyed the water slides. We had dinner at Ethan's favorite place, Red Lobster, and Sean decided he wanted to try lobster. He loves shrimp and had heard that lobsters tastes like shrimp so he wanted to try it. He tried one bite and said he liked it but upon on the second bite decided he didn't. 

 The weekend provided good rest for everyone, except the driver. 

We are all tired of the smokey skies and ready to see our mountain views and big sky's again. The evenings are starting to cool and we have enjoyed some time outside despite the smoke. 

Mikayla and Finn wrapped up their summer swim lessons. Mikayla had really started making wonderful progress. Their teacher let them pick a pool toy to keep, Mikayla chose a rocket. 

Mikayla has been begging me for some girl time and to get our nails done. I finally made an appointment for the two of us but had something come up at work. Grandma went in my place and Mikayla enjoyed her first manicure and pedicure. 

We think all 9 chickens are laying eggs. We are getting 4-8 eggs a day. The kids and I enjoy gathering eggs, all but one is laying them in the coop nest boxes, so we still have an Easter egg hunt everyday. 

We finished running the radiant tubing and making all the connections back to the boiler. We are all set to have it hooked up and ready to heat by next week! 

 We also finished framing the majority of the walls. We have a small wall to do once we revamp some more plumbing. 

Since Mikayla is in school in the morning I told mom that I wanted her to start actually enjoying retirement. She has enjoyed reading Zane Gray books and thinking of old recipes that Grandma Irene used to make. Her and Mikayla made spudnuts the other day. Mikayla enjoyed learning how to knead bread.  They have also enjoyed some time painting. I have enjoyed seeing Mom and Mikayla have quality time sharing these moments. 

Mikayla's First Day of Pre-school

Mikayla started a new pre-school this year in Three Forks. She will be attending Mountain View Montessori M-Th from 8am-noon. She was excited for her first day but when it came time to leave her there she was very sad. I had to leave her crying in the teacher's arms. About 20 mins later I received a text that all was well. When Grandma Barb went to pick her up she didn't want to leave and wanted to have lunch with the other kids. 

Solar Eclipse

This year the U.S. experienced a full solar eclipse on August 21st. We weren't in the path to experience the full event but we did have 95% coverage of the sun. The sky turned dusk and since we weren't proactive enough and purchase the glasses necessary to watch it safely we used a shoe box and could see the shape of the sun change as the moon covered it. 

Billings Mustangs Game

Cousin Rici invited us to join them for a Billings Mustangs game. Sean and Mikayla aren't baseball fans but they enjoyed the other attractions at the ball park. 

 First stop was at the slushy cart and around the 5th inning we took a walk and found the bouncy houses. 

 It was a warm day but it is a beautiful ball park, Ethan actually worked on it early in his career with Langlas and Associates. We got there early enough that Mom and Sean got a bobble head and we enjoyed good company. 

Sean's First Day of 1st Grade

Sean started 1st grade at Three Forks Elementary School this year. He was excited but a little nervous about starting his year. We found out that our neighbor who moved next door to us in the Condo last summer was going to be his teacher. It eased his mind knowing that he already knew his teacher. 

On his second day, Sean decided he wanted to try and ride the bus home. Grandma and Mikayla eagerly awaited his arrival while shucking corn. 

 He made it home safely. About 40 mins later than expected but made it home none the less. The letter we received said pick up was at 7am and drop off at 4pm but it is actually 6:40am and 4:40pm. That's an hour and 20 mins on the bus! He is the first pick up and last stop on the route. He hasn't ridden the bus since but says he will another day. 

 Everyone was excited to welcome him home.  

Visit to the Ranch

 Before school started we headed to the ranch to visit. The kids couldn't wait to ride Woody and spend some time with Larisha. 

 Sean enjoyed their new cat.

 Larisha taught them how to play Mario Kart. 

Good ol' Woody. Many kids have enjoyed rides on this old boy.