Montana Part 2

We headed up to Montana again for just a few days in July. Again, it was stifling hot in Salt Lake, so it is always nice to go to Montana where the air is clean and the weather isn't deathly hot. Anton had his work party, which went really well. It was nice to meet some of the people I hear often about. He is surrounded by a lot of good people, and his co workers are so great. 

I have never been able to learn how to do a french braid, so one morning we were just sitting around and I told Lilly that I was going to have her sit while I taught myself how to french braid. I was so proud of myself because I FINALLY figured out how to do it! This is a little messy since it was my first one, but I was so happy - but Lilly was even happier!

On Saturday, we went to the Lewis & Clark Caverns per recommendation by Anton's assistant. I was sl glad we did it! It was really cool, and the girls had a blast. It always feel good when we get out and do things as a family. That's one of the things we love about Montana...we don't have a big yard to take care of, or a huge house to clean, so our Saturdays are open to going and doing fun things instead of house chores.  

Later that night, Elizabeth & Jurgen had us over for dinner to celebrate Anton's upcoming 40th birthday. I tell you what, we really lucked out with them. She made one of Anton's favorite meals and they showered him with gifts and cards...and just the fact that they insisted on having a little party for him meant the world to us. Anton was going to be up there on his actual birthday, so a few of his friends/clients/co-workers took him out for a really nice dinner and then back to the man cave to play cards. Anton said the guys gave him a really nice jacket and a pair of Jazz tickets....who does that?! So nice! So in return for the kindness, during poker, Anton won $100 off of one guy! Ha! So grateful for so many wonderful friends who treat us so well. We are lucky people! 

Phone Pictures

I love how random Claire is - still! Every so often I get a little sad thinking that someday soon she will outgrow her quirky behavior....but I have been thinking that for a long time, and she just gets funnier and more quirky! Love it!

(Clearly I needed to clean the lens on my phone!) We went out to go see my parents new lot & home. It is exciting to see it, and to get a real sense of the layout. I am so excited for them!

Claire likes to wander up when I am working out. I can't believe how big she is getting. Pretty soon that thumb is going to have to stop going in her mouth. Her front teeth are coming in, and I am worried that her thumb sucking is going to make those teeth look funny. I kind of hate having to break her of the habit....I had to when I was little, and it was not fun. Ugh.

We got invited by our neighbors to go up to a BBQ at their cabin. That day was SO hot in Salt Lake, so we were kind of looking forward to going up somewhere cooler. It was so beautiful and the temperature was perfect. It was a fun night! We have great neighbors - were really lucky.

Swimming & diving lessons started and my girls were in heaven! Willow Creek has been closed for a  year while they were building a new clubhouse and pool. The new pool is so so so nice and so much fun for the kids. They added a slide, a kids area, they have 2 diving boards and ton of tables and lounge chairs. It has been so dreamy! We love it!

The girls have done so well in their lessons. Claire is totally on her own now, and is learning the basic strokes, and Lilly is doing great with her dives. Her teacher is not the nicest, but it is actually good for Lilly. She is so reluctant to try new and hard things, so sometimes she won't push herself. So, this teacher wouldn't let her chicken out or not do things. By the end of lessons, Lilly was doing beautiful back dives and front flips. I was really proud of her!