big sky

Ben, Ryan, MeeMee and I just returned from 10 glorious days in Big Sky country.  We left late Thursday evening and made it to Buffalo past all of our bed times.  We made it to Missoula late the next afternoon.  MeeMee dropped us at Papa Ken's before she headed out to hang and camp at Uncle Carl's.  We joined her the next day to celebrate Erik and Kari's winter-time nuptials (see next post.)

first MT mountain pic

valuable lessons learned on the road

  

On Sunday we settled in for a few days of fun with Papa Ken, Boomer and new-pup-addition, Beckett.

discovered more than one of these grapefruit radlers on this trip-so delish!

we day-tripped to Seeley Lake with Papa Ken and the pups

Ben and I had a Minions movie and Hoagieville date while Ryan and Papa Ken golfed.

We hauled along Ben's big boy bike and it got lots of use.

 

We attempted some fly-fishing on the Clark Fork one day and re-confirmed that fishing with Ben in tow is years away.

new-pup Beckett

On Wednesday morning we bid adieu to the dog house and headed east toward MeeMee's property.  I finally convinced my fellow travelers to stop at the Patagonia outlet and Ryan hit the jackpot while MeeMee and I didn't find too much in our sizes.  In the end, the hour and a half out of our way didn't seem to bother anyone too much.:)

We made a last stop for groceries and headed off the grid to East Rosebud Creek.  It was a joy to show it to Ryan for the first time and see the awe on his face that surely graced mine last year.  We spent 3 nights this year and got in a great hike, a little fishing, some serious Skip-Bo playing and MeeMee and Ryan built a successful inaugural fire pit.  Ben is definitley in his element while camping and I think we all enjoyed the un-plugged time. 

Not a bad place for your morning joe. 

 

Every time we pass this barn, I daydream about taking family Christmas card pics there.

this little trooper hiked over 4 miles this day

playing in East Rosebud lake

a lot of fresh air and a finger pinch could only be fixed with 

a good cry and a long nap in mom's lap

heaven

Ryan and Ben made a "bike track," in the grass with the car and Ben got to ride in the front seat with NO seatbelt!!

 

We took the scenic route home through northern Wyoming and it was gorgeous!  It made for a long day of travel and Ben's morning wish of a cheeseburger, chocolate chip cookie and pizza all in the same day actually came true when we ordered pizza as we neared MeeMee's house.  The trip was delightful and perfectly long and short all at once.  I know Ben will have fond memories of these trips and I will continue to do all I can to encourage his love of all things outdoors.