Hop-py Halloween

This year was so much fun. The boys decided to again be totally opposite characters on the spectrum of Halloween costumes. It made us smile.

My intentions, however, of making a costume that was warm for our less than tropic weather, turned into a super hero that looked like he had too many carbs. 

My 5 year old didn't notice. In fact, his cardboard claws and spandex undies made him feel pretty awesome. Tip: sew the black stripes on to the chest before you stuff with cotton.

After naming off a list of animals our sweet Julian decided on nothing less than darling for a costume: a bunny. I panicked when his mind was set. A bunny? Isn't that a girl costume?

 Luckily JoAnn's had some gray fur on hand and I reminded myself of the fun we'll have looking back (i.e. blackmail). Tip: make sure to take into account the extra material for your 3 yr old's belly when making their costume. 

 My sister made a great Halloween costume when she was pregnant, so I used that idea to make mine while announcing to our friends and neighbors our exciting news. Our baby's due next May :)

Hikes & Bikes

 

I've been wanting to hike up to the "M" this summer. and Tanner has been dying to bike up Rattlesnake Creek and go fishing. We both had fun accomplishing our goals today. Here are some of the views of the city going up the switchbacks on the hike to the "M":

 

There was a game going on when we hiked. I found our private view was good enough for me compared to the $53 seat tickets below. 

Julian insisted on holding the hands of both Liam and his friend Gage. All the boys did awesome the whole time. Liam and Jules are sleeping like babes right now.

Tanner had a ton of fun on his bike ride today. While on his bike he saw a bear cub. The warning around here is that if you see a cub you better book it because you don't want to put yourself between the cub and its mom. Tanner said he just started pedaling so fast. He was with four other guys, so that was good.

Last week Tanner was fishing at a creek, and on his way home he saw something in the bushes. He slowed down thinking it was a deer, but was surprised to see a mountain lion pounce across the road. He said he won't be fishing in the dark anymore and loved seeing it from a close and safe distance.

I also saw a bear a couple weeks ago, too (we're on a roll this summer). I was with the youth in our church on a hike and about to give a nice thought on honesty. Suddenly the girls pointed out a bear hanging out across the creek, and the thought I was giving was pretty much over before it started. It was neat to see it from a distance. I was glad I had my bear spray... never leave home without it!

Class of 2024

River City Roots Fest

Grab your Tevas, hop on your old bike and head over to the Roots Festival in Missoula this weekend!

I wasn't joking about grabbing the Tevas.

The white flip flop with painted toe nails is obviously an out-of-stater. Get her!

Kids Fest/Roots Festival