Summer Trip to Montana

We got back recently from our summer trip to Montana.  It is by far my favorite trip of the year for a couple reasons.  One the weather is fine for driving and I don't have to stress that and two the kids literally play in my parent's backyard with friends and/or cousins the entire time and I get a little break from entertaining them ALL THE TIME.

The great thing about the weather being nice is it's easier to get the kids in and out of the car by myself on the drive.  We don't have to worry about socks, coats, snow, or blistery Wyoming wind.  On the way up I grabbed Subway and we ate at the park.  It was a longer stop than usual but nice to let the kids run free outside for awhile.  It's still really tricky for them to eat in the car especially the younger two, but as soon as they are more capable I will be feeding them meals in the car so they can just run when we stop.  While we were eating our lunch Ryder did tell me, "Mom this is the best day ever, a picnic, play at the park, and driving to Montana!" Ha, he didn't realize we weren't even half way at that point.

Watching our car get an oil change before we left

We got to go swimming with the cousins which was a real treat especially for Rilyn.  She thinks everything they do is amazing so Isaiah helped Rilyn perfect the cannonball.

We also had a busy day fishing.  Definitely everyone's favorite part of visiting Montana  The kids have so much fun and this time they got to splash around in the river.

Fourth of July was a lot of fun too.  We had my grandparents and sister over for lunch and then we went to watch the firework show.  It ended up being a really late night and I'm not sure if I will attempt that again with little kids but then I look at Ryder's face in the pictures and not sure I could deny him that chance again.  He was amazed.  Sawyer stayed up the entire time and during the fireworks he kept throwing up his arms as if he was the one putting the fireworks up in the sky.

It was a great trip and a lot of work.  The kids had so much fun and it's always nice spending time with my family.  The kids are already asking to go back.

June Moments

We had a busy start to the summer.  The kids did two full weeks of swim lessons with lessons being 4 days/week.  That took up our whole morning most days as I would try to work out beforehand.  In addition, the morning sickness/exhaustion was real and I struggled through May and June to just have enough energy to be a good mom.

The kids love swim lessons and are becoming good little swimmers.  Sawyer just swims with me while the other two take lessons.

As if swim wasn't enough the older two also started baseball.  I've definitely learned my lesson and will try to schedule less in the summer.  I guess with school some things will have to happen in the summer but I'd like to keep them more open if I can.

The kids enjoyed a summer festival at our park which included hay rides, tug o'war, and giant pickles no one ate and mom just carried around for a couple hours.

We've spent as much time as possible exploring our backyard and all the fun it has to offer.

We had a Decker family camping trip.  I don't know if there is anything better than tents, campfires, and cousins.  Well according to the kids lots of dirt might be the best.

Tyler and the older two are trying to make some money hosting a lemonade/popsicle/water stand during some heavy traffic times this summer while we have a festival happening.  Tyler has spent hours preparing the kids and stuff and really is the best dad ever.  It's so much work for him, but has committed to teach the kids financial responsibility early.

They worked up a business plan and purchased supplies.

The first day they made enough money to cover all their expenses with lots of inventory left, but the second day only profited $3.00.  We have a few weekends left of this festival so fingers crossed they makes some money.  Rilyn is hoping for a mermaid barbie and Ryder a puzzle.  They've realized how much work it is to make money and I think it's been an eye opener in the sense that making money is not easy.

Our amazing fire fighters stopped by to buy some cold drinks and show off their truck.

It's really hard not to drink or eat the yummy inventory...especially for Ryder

Just some random June fun...

 Spending June with these 3 cuties...YES PLEASE!