We made our final trip for the summer to Montana the middle of August. I was nervous to go as I had planned on driving by myself there, but traveling with 2 young kids while pregnant is not always fun. Especially driving straight through 11 to 12 hours in one day. But we did it and made it, and the girls did GREAT!!! We even brought our cat Ellie with us so we didn't have to leave her at home. We left on the Monday after Olivia's birthday party, so it was a busy weekend before to say the least.
We did a lot of fun things while we were in Kalispell. Growing up on a farm I love harvest time and have really missed it since we have lived out here. I have not been home in August since we moved here six years ago. So I really wanted to go home this year in August for the fair (which I grew up going to) and to be there during harvest. We had a lot to cram into one week. We visited Woodland Park to feed the ducks, the fair (twice once when Hans got there and Grandpa could go with us, had a reception for my brother's wedding that was in March, went fishing and visited family and friends. Claire and I even took a ride in the combine (but I forgot my camera and didn't get any good pictures on my cell). I barely fit in with her on my lap so we didn't go a second time. Hans got there late Thursday night and it was fun to have him there for the weekend and to drive us back home. I had a much better trip home as I could move around more and not feel quite as uncomfortable. Unfortunately when we went to catch our cat to leave we couldn't catch her and she bit up my mom's arm pretty bad, so she got left in Montana. We are missing her but hoping they will be able to bring her back out to us after our baby is born.
So that is the run down and here is the large amounts of pictures!! Sorry (but not really) for how many there are, it is just hard for me to choose !! :)
Shortly after all these big geese came we left because they were just getting too close to the girls.
Then we fed off the bridge so they would be safe.
And took a few pics of the girls.
Claire getting Olivia to smile!!
Wed. evening we went to the fair. The girls loved it. The animals they were over fast and they really just wanted to ride the rides. I just wanted to eat!! I love fair food!
Claire thought the animals were going to get her and did not want her picture taken with them.
My favorite!! The PIGS!!! I raised pigs for the fair from 3rd grade till I graduated and even won 2 grand champions in that time. It was fun to be home at "my" fair and reminisce.
I loved the little kids rides at this fair. At our fair in Kitsap they do not have any small rides that Claire can ride alone (plus they are over double the price when you just buy tickets). The girls had a blast and could ride all the little rides by themselves together.
They wouldn't let me ride even the carousel while pregnant, so Grandma the joy of riding with them.
I think they had fun!!
Playing on stage!
Claire doing her silly dance!
Grandma helped Olivia make a kitty cake for her and Grandpa's birthdays (a little late).
We went to the fair parade!
At the reception...
Grandma and Grandpa Tolf came up for the reception.
Giving Grandma Mary kisses.
My handsome husband!
Marcail...I used to babysit her when she was 2 and we were in college. My how time flies!
Looking for grasshoppers.
My little crazy girl!
This is what Claire looks like after she pulls out her pigtails.
Back at the fair.
It wasn't near as nice this night!
But then it warmed up and we went fishing with Grandpa. The girls loved it because they caught so many perch and sunfish (all little and thrown back).
Can you blame me fore missing this?
A sunfish Claire caught.
Claire always wants to catch 2 more.
Another great trip to Montana. We loved our time there and as always it was way too short. We won't be back till Christmas time again after our new little one arrives.
