Sickies!

My poor girls have both been sick recently, and it is so hard on Mom when kids are miserable.  They are doing great now, but here is what sick looked like at our house.

Bailey seemed to get the worst of it and spent a couple of days with a towel near by.  I won't go into detail but let's just say the towel served its purpose.

British Invasion!

British Challenger Soccer Camp came to Mile City, and Bailey took part in the week-long camp.  She had a great time despite the heat and bugs.  She has decided she wants to go to college on a soccer scholarship which I think is a GREAT idea.  We had also signed up to host a coach from the UK and actually ended up with two coaches staying at our house for the week - Luciano from Abergavenny, Wales and Michael from Manchester, England.  Luc coached the morning and afternoon sessions at camp, but Michael only had to coach in the morning so he spent a bit more time with us at home.  Michael had to leave on Friday because his contract in the states was done, but Luc got to stay with us until Sunday before heading to Lewistown for another camp.   It was such a fun experience to have them at our house, and we were sad to see them go.  We hope to start a tradition of hosting a coach or two each year. 

Bailey's first day of camp.

We took Michael to the Range Riders Museum.

We spent one afternoon at Spotted Eagle with a friend's paddle board.

Michael and Bailey paddled around the water.

The girls really enjoyed their time with Michael.

I think this is such a sweet picture!

Water break on the last day of camp.

Playing in the World Cup finals.  Bailey's team (Brazil) won it all!

The Banana Song!

All the camp participants and coaches.

Coach Sabrina

Coach John

It was hard to say good-by to Michael.

We took another trip to the Museum to show Luc around.

There were more tears when Luc had to leave.

What a great week!  We really hope to keep in touch with Michael and Luc, and maybe someday we will get to see them again. 

Odds and Ends

Harvesting the garden with Daddy.

Bailey took swimming lessons at the Oasis.  Here she is running out for the first day!

A great tree lean-to that Bailey built at a BBQ.

Bailey set up a stand and sold out of Freeze-pops in about 30 minutes.

I love this picture of Josie running in the yard.

A California Get-Away

My amazing friend Greta lives outside of San Diego, CA in the great area of Encinitas. At least once a year I try to visit her for a little vacation.  Last summer we stayed close to her place (which is a staircase away from a beautiful beach) and had a wonderful time, so this year we decided to head up the coast for a little exploring.  We took the Amtrak train to Santa Barbara then a bus ride to the little Dutch town of Solvang.  It was quite an interesting place surrounded by wineries.  The town is full of wine and beer tasting rooms, quaint shops, Danish treats, and yummy restaurants. We also spent part of a day in Los Olivos which is a funky artist community.  I had a perfect, relaxing trip and really enjoyed all the time I got to spend with Greta.  Now we need to start planning for next year!

We spent LOTS of time on the train!

Wine tasting.

Here we are being typical tourists.

Our view from the train.

Just plain silly.

Downtown Solvang

Beer tasting.

One of many gorgeous properties outside of Solvang.

Oh goodie, one restaurant had martini flights.  They were all yummy!

Bread and Martinis - such guilty pleasures!

We spent the last day of my trip in Encinitas and took a couple of nice walks on the beach.

I love this picture!

Giving the Swami's Beach tiki some love. 

Overall an amazing trip! I loved seeing Greta and spending time in CA.  I'm dreaming of a beach house someday.  A girl can dream, right?