houser lake. montana.

the last hurrah in Montana before returning home was a big family get together at Houser lake just outside of Helena.  It was a glorious afternoon spent in the sand and sun.  We picnicked for lunch and dinner and got to spend time with my cousin Ike and his wife, Erin and their three kids, who were visiting from Oregon.  Aunt Brenda and Uncle Mike had their boat and took us all for rides.  It seems like when I'm having fun I forget to take pictures, so no pics of the cousins together!  Darn!

 zach loves the sand and the water!

my auntie cracks me up! she is so hilarious! this was her throne and she was very safe from the sun!

Olivia held on tight when we first took off in the boat!  she was unsure if she liked it at first, but soon remembered the thrill of the ride and stayed on for a few hours!

my little cousin Jacobie, with his Grammie (my Aunt Linda)

Brady was there too, as were many others...like I said, minimal pictures taken!

virginia city. montana.

when we were in Montana the kids and I went to Virginia City with mom, Aunt Linda and Megan for the day!  Brady enjoyed taking pictures of things he was interested in, as did my mom and I!  We all shared the camera, so I can't credit for all the pictures.  In fact, mom took most of the second half of them from the train ride and on.  I think we have the same "eye."...

Virginia City is an old abandoned mining town just west of Ennis, Montana. It is kept up beautifully and has some modern day conveniences like some small cafes and an ice cream parlor!  There are also guided tours like the stagecoach and train ride.

I just love the detail of everything...

We took some "old-time" photos.  One of the three kids and one with me and my mom.  The kids came out adorable! Me and my mom...well, I am glad that we have make-up and don't have to wear those clothes!  Thank goodness for digital and photo editing!  

I tried scanning and uploading the pics but it said the file was too big...may have to try again later

the candy shop is always a hit!  The kids each got to pick out a big lollipop and a few candies

                  

we all enjoyed some home-made ice cream at the ice cream parlor.  The fresh, warm waffle cones were amazing!

(yes, i have a thing with door knobs! or any hardware and detailing for that matter!)

when the kids were starting to get fidgety we sat down and made letters for their names out of small stones.

time to board the Hogwarts Express!

the train ride went for about 3 miles through the little canyon from Virginia City to Nevada City. 

                   

on the way home as we came down from the mountains there were beautiful, dark storm clouds all over the valley.  I have come to love the wide expanses in the west and how remarkable to views can be!