the dog house

I was thrilled to learn this Spring that a new option for getting to Missoula came by way of Frontier Airlines flying there directly from Denver.  Unfortunately, the O.N.L.Y. flight time (every other day, mind you) is 9:30 pm.  The thought of taking Ben alone on a flight at 9:30pm terrified me and the cost wasn't low enough to justify the stress.  Captain MeeMee to the rescue!! I thought MeeMee might be heading to MT for the sort-of-annual pig roast and wondered if we could catch a ride.  Not only did we catch a ride, but MeeMee drove us all the way to Missoula and she spent a few days there exploring and seeing friends.  We arrived Sunday, mid-day and hung at "the dog house," with Papa Ken and pups Bill and Boomer until Friday morning.  
I had discussed with my dad that Ben would be very happy to spend every day at my dad's new country club pool, and though we spent only two days there, Ben was indeed in heaven.  We also spent time running around the campus of my alma mater, having famous Hoagieville cheese fries, having breakfast with Aunt B, shopping, and enjoying a few other favorite restaurants. 
As Ben doesn't have quite as many energy outlets at my dad's as at home, we also spent all but one evening at the local school playground to burn off steam and insure a good night's sleep.

We traveled with MeeMee's new pop-up camper

have Blue, will travel

 

nothing better than post-swim in a hotel bed when you're a kid

first glimpses of MT mtns and rivers

playground on the first night

h.o.a.g.i.e.v.i.l.l.e.

The city has a big "out to lunch" with food trucks, etc., every Wednesday. The kids activity this week was guitar lessons and Ben was elated (and impatient.)

We also got to ride the carousel and get ice cream.

We helped Papa walk the dogs a few times

Papa's new club is gorgeous with a rustic ranch feel and 360 degree mtn views

 

Living near the airport is AWESOME when you're a little boy!

real-deal play dough at Ciao Mambo

How to relax poolside by Ben Heimer...........

like I said...Heaven!

the poolside life is a tough one :)

 

a little griz

 

 I've been so blessed to go to school in two really beautiful places.

 

Last night on the playground-until next time!!