A Fortnight In The Valley

I packed up the girls and headed to the Gallatin Valley to spend two weeks with family and friends.  The girls were also signed up for swimming lessons in Bozeman for the two weeks.  We had a great trip, and we managed to pack in all sorts of activities along with the lessons.

Josie and I did parent/tot lessons.  She had fun but didn't always want to do what we were working on.  She probably would have done better in the next class up, but she missed the age cut off.  Next year.

She only likes to blow bubbles when my hand is just under the water. 

Her favorite part was Humpty Dumpty!

Paddle, paddle, paddle.  Kick, kick, kick.

Look at us Grandma!

Bailey did AMAZING during her lessons.  She really progressed with the different strokes.

I am so proud of her, and she was very excited to get home to show Daddy everything she learned. 

The park at Bogert Pool was a great place to spend time too! The girls had a few opportunities to play at the park and we also had a picnic one day with Grandma Lynn.  Our friends, the Lees, joined us but I forgot to get pictures. 

Cousin Sarah came home from Missoula for a couple of days and we were so glad she did! 

Josie had to hang out watching Bailey's lessons.  She isn't very patient so it was a challenge.  She managed to sit still long enough for a few pictures. 

She is turning into a kid and not my baby anymore.  It is fun to watch but sad at the same time. 

I signed Josie up for a summer recreation class called Bubbles.  They did all sorts of water and bubble themed games, activities, and art projects.  She loved it!  Here she is all ready in her paint shirt.

Her favorite parts were the art projects.

The one-eyed bubble monster!

Do a little dance!

Of course there was bubble blowing involved.

We stayed the first week with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sue.

They were ferret sitting, which thrilled Bailey.  She played with Maka every chance she had.

Here is Josie and Grandma Sue setting up a little farm.

Josie kept playing pretend bakery, so Grandpa decided she should bake a real cake.  He even let her crack the eggs.

She felt pretty special getting to do everything. 

Bailey helped clean up of course.

Next it was time to give Maka a bath. 

After the cake cooled Josie got to frost it too. 

There was a mini carnival happening in the park one evening so we checked it out.  The girls got their faces painted.  Josie looks unhappy about it, but she actually thought it was great. 

Bailey wanted to be a puppy. 

The girls played all the carnival games and headed home with a bag of silly prizes. 

Bailey and I spent time at the Museum of the Rockies. 

On Friday we headed up to Hyalite Canyon for some communing with nature.  I guess Josie also wanted to work on her hula dancing.

After playing around by the lake we started the hike to Palisade Falls.

Josie and Grandpa!

Bailey was very adventurous and loved climbing around all the rocks.  She made me nervous but I tried to let her explore everything.

We ate a picnic lunch before heading back down the trail.

I was a tiny bit scared of Maka, but I think this is a cute picture.

As you can see Bailey had no fear and was so good with Maka.  Yes she wants a ferret, no she won't be getting one.

We spent week number two with Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Wayne in Belgrade.

Bailey went to Frontier Days in Whitehall.  More face painting!

Shaved Ice at the festival.

Icee at the Mall!

Frozen Yogurt at USwirl.  I'm noticing a theme here.  Lots of treats!

Grandpa Wayne let the girls make some music in his studio. 

Josie was also happy to dance along while Grandpa played.

Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Butch were on a big trip and came through Belgrade for a few days.  We were so happy to see them.

Grandma always has lots of arts and crafts for the girls.

We got to celebrate Uncle Shane's birthday!

Grandma Lynn took the girls to the school playground.

It was so nice to read each night with Grandma.

All ready for bed!

The girls always enjoy spending time at the River Rock "beach" by Grandma's house.

We had such a great time in Belgrade and Bozeman, and we hope to see everyone again soon.