First Days of School 2017

We are off to an amazing start of our school year.  Josie started kindergarten, and Bailey is in 4th.  They are both doing so great!  I am enjoying my 2nd year as the school librarian as well. 

Bailey wore a dress the first day but has been back in shorts and tees since.  Too much playing to do at recess!

Josie started a day after Bailey, and she declared it the "Best Day Ever!"

I am so proud of my girlies!

Misc. Summer Fun

I don't know why, but this picture cracks me up.

Bailey and her friend Taryn at FamFest.

One last hurrah at the Frog Pool with Autumn and Dessie. 

She spent her birthday money on a Baby Alive.  It talks, crawls, and pees. 

Bailey has had fun with the MC Rock Adventures this summer. 

Bailey grew her 3rd grade cabbage for a contest.  I don't think she will win though.  Oh well.

Bailey and Shaylee really enjoyed the fair. 

My future's so bright I gotta wear shades. Josie thought the eclipse was cool.

Bailey took multiple art classes, including this one on ephemeral sculptures. 

Miss Josephine Turns 5!

On the actual day of her birthday our great friend Matt had us over for a birthday supper.  Josie really wanted octopus for supper, and he was nice enough to share his with us.  Josie had octopus on her birthday last year from Miles' Alaska trip, and she was convinced she loved it.  This time she took one bite and changed her mind.  Oh well, it was more for the rest of us!  Delicious.  Josie wanted a princess party for her friend birthday, and she usually gets what she wants.  She was so excited to have her friends over for the party. 

Octopus!

The birthday girl!

Sam serenaded Josie with "Happy Birthday to You"

We made cupcakes for the birthday party. 

Josie and I planned lots of crafts like making crayons, painting castles, decorating crowns, and more. 

A scavenger hunt for "jewels" was so fun.

She received some great gifts!

The girls got to decorate their own cupcakes.

Josie was thrilled with her party, and that made it all worthwhile.  Happy 5th to my baby!

End of Summer Trips with Grandma Kate

Grandma Kate took the kids on little getaways again this summer.  Jacey and Josie got to spend a night in Billings and go to the Reef.  They had a blast.  Bailey and the boys headed to Belgrade for two nights and spent one of the days in Virginia City.  I only have a few pictures that Kathy sent, but I am pretty sure everyone enjoyed their time. 

Swimming at the Reef!

Playing at a kid's discovery center in Billings. 

Virginia City

Panning for gold.

Muscha Summer Party 2017

We kept up the tradition of having a summer lawn party in August.  We had about 85 last year, and we weren't sure we would get that number again.  We got close with about 80!  That is a lot of people in our little yard.  What a great evening it was though.  We love our Miles City friends and family!  This year was a fish fry which included fish caught by Miles, the girls, and many friends throughout the summer.  Three fryers were kept busy most of the night, and everyone feasted on 27 pounds of fillets.  Of course a Washers tournament took place as well.  

Our guests brought plenty of yummy sides and desserts.

The frying operation.

Soccer Camp and British Coaches 2017

August is soccer camp time for us.  I am the coordinator for the camp, and Bailey has been attending for the last four years.  We always host coaches at our house, and it is a fun but busy week.

We always show the coaches some eastern Montana history at the Range Riders Museum.

Dress up the coaches day was actually "dress" up the coaches day!  That is my dress minus the tutu and I supervised to make sure it made it out alive. 

We toured the fish hatchery, and Bailey was thrilled to hold salamanders.

Here is Bailey getting her certificate on the last day. 

Saying goodbye is always hard.  Italo was the Brazilian coach, and we enjoyed getting to know him too.

Jack headed out to a camp in Lewistown.

The Miles City Star did an article on camp, and Bailey made the picture during Wacky Wednesday.

Dan got to spend an extra day with us before heading to his next camp, and we took him on a hike in the Strawberry Hills.

A little rock climbing.

We really enjoyed having Jack and Dan with us as well as meeting Italo. We hope they enjoyed their time in Miles City!  We are already looking forward to camp next summer!