Higgtastic

Yesterday we went to the Roots Festival. It's a two day music spree that goes on downtown. Everyone just floods the streets and eats food while listening to live music. Tanner was loving it and the boys and I had a pretty good time too. Next time we'll bring white shirts so they can get tie dyed. We didn't get to experience the full music festival spirit without it!


Every Friday and sometime during the week Tanner is out fly fishing. It's been so nice to live close to the rivers and it really relaxes him- I just get a little nervous with him being in the wilderness like that (I'm such a worrier!). Last Friday night he told me he would be home around 10. Tanner didn't have a cell phone, and so after 3 episodes of 20/20 10:03 came rolling around and I was on the phone calling neighbors to set up a search and rescue! I was truly scared that something had happened. Tanner was home by 10:04. Whoops. I love you honey!

Until I get over being paranoid about living here, Tanner let me buy some bear mace. Since then we've enjoyed exploring other areas nearby. We found an awesome girl to watch our boys so we're really excited for dates again. We headed on a hike together last Thursday and saw a ton of deer. We're beginning to feel like the deer are like the rats here. I went on a jog that follows the river and when I came up and over the hill there was a deer just staring at me. We both stared at each other for a few more seconds then went on our merry way. Kind of funny.

The women in our church group is getting together for a camp out overnight without hubbies or kids. I told them I would be nervous to camp in a tent because of bears. I was informed there was a "problem" bear in the area, but we'd be ok. So scary!

Summer has been fun and I can just feel autumn coming. Tanner talked to me about enjoying each day as it is, and trying not to compare it to the day before or upcoming day. I am really going to try and do that for the next few months.

We miss all our family and friends! We hope you've enjoyed your summer too.

Yesterday Tanner wanted to fly fish somewhere, so we all piled into the car and 30 minutes later arrived at our destination. It was so beautiful. Once we got on the two lane road that followed the creek we saw a herd of big horn sheep. They were just hanging out in someone's property right off the road! Let me preface this by saying I come from a place where I have looked for bighorn sheep hanging out in the gorge almost my whole life. I never spotted them like other people did- ever! So glad I could redeem myself. Liam and Julian loved it.
We were driving for a bit after that and finally decided to take a right and head down a road to the creek. Since we were kind of out in the middle of nowhere I was surprised to come across a couple our age with two little kids of their own. After some small talk the couple asked if we wanted to exchange numbers (because the wife stayed/played at home too). I was so excited. I've been missing our neighbors and friends so much this week, so to run across those guys who were our same age, with the same number of kids and at the most random place in the area was pretty cool. I enjoyed the rest of the evening watching Julian hook Liam's leg with the lure and the boys throw rock after rock into the creek. No bears were spotted, so that was a plus too.

Tanner sometimes asks after the day is done if I liked Montana that day. Yesterday morning I didn't, but by the end of the day it was pretty good once again :)

My family made a special trip this past weekend to see some family. I was so excited and happy to see them again, and to have them all stop by here was so sweet.

My grandparents can't travel much anymore, so to have them make the 12 hour drive just for us was so special. After breakfast was over I watched as they quietly cleaned the kitchen together. They are always so optimistic and completely selfless. I love them so much.

Three of the 6 hour drive to Washington is through this:

Pretty boring drive, but we got through it :) We'll definitely be visiting again soon.

I was asked for some pictures and an update, so here we go! P.S. I'm obsessed with panoramic views. It just gives a better idea of the area.


We are really loving the summer here! While getting lost and mozing around town we've found 4 splash pads. There's also a free lunch for kids, but it's not your typical free lunch. The turkey is on a whole grain roll and the boys get baggies of fresh and locally grown vegetables such as peas and grape tomatoes. Talking further with the lunch worker she told me that 60% of all the food at all the schools here are from local farmers! Even the beef! I love how this place supports local farming.


Once a week there is a little local symphony that comes to a park and plays. Everyone brings their lawn chairs and a picnic. There's a splash pad at this park too, so the kids can swim while the music plays. I'd say 70% of the folks sitting in the lawn chairs are senior citizens. Awesome.


Also once a week is an event called "Out to Lunch." Here the community gathers by a park by the river and listens to a live band while sampling different restaurants food.



Tanner couldn't get his Montana fishing license for awhile, so we just jumped in the car and drove an hour west to be in Idaho. We were driving up the mountain when we spotted this lake. It was fun except we weren't prepared with Mesquito repellent! Liam had about 30 bites just on his arms and legs. We saw a moose playing across the lake so it was totally worth it (at least for me!)