Great Grandpa Bob!

We headed up to Plentywood to visit Carl, Karen, and Great Grandpa Bob. It was so nice to see them.

Josie kept crawling right up into Grandpa's lap.  He loved it!

Hanging out with Uncle Carl.

Bailey spent some time in the trees on the farm. 

 

Karen has her old rocking horse which entertained Josie. 

First Days of School

The last week of August was a big one for the Muscha household.  I started my new job as a school librarian, Bailey moved to a new school for 3rd grade, and Josie started preschool.  Lots of firsts!  I was quite stressed about all of it, but everything worked out and now we are in the swing of things.

Bailey is growing up so fast!

Josie didn't start on the same day as Bailey, but she wanted in on the pictures anyway.

Josie's first day of preschool!

I was that mom who was there with my camera when they came out from their first day.  It helps that my library is right across the hall!

Waiting for the bus with her new friends.

How is she old enough to ride a bus??

I am so proud of her.  She is amazing.

Josie's Giant Birthday Party

We decided to join Josie's birthday party with our annual summer BBQ.  We invited lots of friends and family, and I got a pinata and some party favors.  We expected around 50-60 people, and I planned for around 25 kids.  The party got started, and the people just kept coming!  I could never get an accurate count because they kept moving around, but I think there were more than 40 kids.  Over 80 people crammed into our back yard for an amazing night!  We feel so incredibly fortunate to live here and have so many amazing friends.  Next time I will get more party favors though.

Making goodie bags.

Trying to organize the kids for a scavenger hunt was interesting.

There was so much good food!

Josie got first swing at the pinata!

Happy Birthday to You!

End of Summer Getaways with Grandma Kate

Grandma Kate wanted one last getaway with the kids so she took them on two little trips to Billings.  First the older cousins went to the Battle of the Little Big Horn and also got to spend time at the Reef.  A few days later it was Jacey and Josie's turn to spend time in Billings.  Everyone had a great time, but I'm pretty sure Grandma was tired by the end. 

Alaska 2016

Miles had the opportunity to join some friends on an Alaskan fishing trip in August.  The trip sounded like plenty of hard work, but he had a great time.  My favorite part was the 100+ lbs of seafood that he brought back for us!

On a float plane from Ketchikan to Prince of Wales island.

We have eaten some of this octopus, and it is amazing!  Bailey asked for more of it for her upcoming birthday supper.

Halibut!

Salmon!

Miles and Matt went diving for sea cucumbers.

The accommodations.

Matt took Shifty along, of course.

Beautiful!

It is hard to see, but a black bear is in this picture.

Miles and Matt went for fuel and ended up getting to carve on a totem pole.  Very cool!

 

Miles will definitely have to check out the finished product on his next trip to AK.

Packing up the seafood for the trip home.

One last look!