I can't believe we've already been home from our Montana trip for two weeks now. Unfortunately, it's already almost a distant memory.....and I am just now doing the write-up about it! I've been editing the photos daily--I took a LOT of pictures. I've been brushing up on my Photoshop and Lightroom techniques. It's been very time-consuming, but quite rewarding as well. I find it interesting that instead of landscape photos from Big Sky Country (there are a few), I took more 'lifestyle portraits' than anything else. Always learning, always changing, I suppose. Anyway, I normally do these posts while Emalie naps. Today, there's just too much to do. So, if my words don't flow then you'll know the little 2' reason why!
Emalie was so happy to fish with her very own pole. She'll be even more excited, one day, when we attach a hook to the line!
We heard Nikolas yelling, "I've got a fish! I've got a fish!!". We all ran from the other end of the dock to see the trophy.......
We about died laughing when he held up this little thing! They say life's all about the 'little things', right? With the smile on his face, then you'll see the truth in that.
When Grandma and Grandpa live in a home on wheels, it's all about being at the helm when you visit......and a those special giggles shared with Grandpa.
This boy spent 7 days a week, 12 hours a day fishing off the dock. Now that's determination....
.....and joy.
Emalie's first boat ride on Flathead. Do you think she's awake? It's hard to tell!
Here she is at the helm again!
I love this picture of dad. If you click on the photo and zoom in to the reflection in his glasses, you'll see the subject of his smile. (Emalie driving the boat.)
This picture cracks me up. It appears to be a nice sibling moment. In actuality, Emalie was pushing with all her might to get Nikolas off the seat. Nik's a trooper though, he kept that smile ready.
Emalie mimics everything everybody does. Here she's Grandma's little reader.
Doesn't she look cute in Grandpa's hat?
Ok, now this IS a true, sweet sibling moment. Nikolas was helping Emalie write on Grandma's birthday card. He is so patient with her.
The smiles aren't so real....they were
really wishing I'd put my camera down. Haha!
Mom and Dad showed us the Kerr Dam on the Flathead River. I have no idea how I spent so many summers at Flathead didn't even know there was a dam there. It was such a nice walk with panoramic views all around.
We kept asking Emalie if she wanted us to carry her or if she wanted a backpack ride. Her response? "No. I DO!!!!"
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| "Kerr Dam View West" |
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| "Kerr Dam View East" |
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| "Kerr Dam" |
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| "Flathead River" |
Look at Nikolas' fish! He was so happy with the time he got to spend fishing with Grandpa on the boat.
Thad and Kelly spent a few days with us at the lake. Kelly and I used this time to embrace our "inner Manhattan" and do location shoots. In layman's terms......she played dress-up and I played with my camera. We really had a good time (well, I did, anyway!!)! Isn't she a beautiful subject?!
And now to the big event of the trip: mom's birthday! It was so much fun having all of us together to celebrate mom's birthday. That definitely doesn't happen often enough! The smiles, laughter and stories were so much fun! We even got to see Kevin, Lynda, Landon and Chris that evening. It had been years since we'd all been together like that. It would have been nice to see my cousin Adam, too. Maybe next time? The only thing that would have made it even better would have been having my camera with me to get a picture of everyone. Darn!
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| Every birthday girl should celebrate like a princess! |
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| Our princess! |
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| Susan and Steve joined in the festivities. |
Doesn't this photo just ooze with pure contentment?
Someday we might even let her put it in the water. HA!
This is one of my favorite photos from the trip. Gotta love this motley crew!
Nikolas took this photo of Emalie and me. Don't let her expression fool you. She actually IS having fun.
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| Emalie is quite smitten with "Dot-die" (Kelly) and Thad. |
Mean mommy woke Emalie up from her nap. It took her quite awhile to come out of her haze. I'm pretty sure Grandma's lovin' helped!
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| Mom rocks that hat! |
Tip: Don't leave your camera unattended or somebody.....hmm, hmm....Thad....might grab it and take a picture of you!
Can you see Nikolas in the foreground fishing with his new buddy?
One last breakfast together before we all went our separate ways. Boy was it tasty!
Here we all are. I think this may just be the very first photo of all of us including Emalie!
After a week at the lake, we drove to Hamilton to visit everybody there. We only spent three days there and we were so lucky to get to see so many members of the family in such a short time-- especially considering how busy summer can be! I wish I had my camera with me when we visited with Darryl, Jackie, Kyla and Tee. It just doesn't seem right not to have a photo of them included. Look out though--- I'll make up for it next time!
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| We spent an evening over at Randy and Vickie's house. I was too busy chatting and Layne escaped to ball practice before taking this photo of the kids. I was having a terrible time getting their attention. Kyle came to the rescue and stood behind me. I think capturing all of them looking up (way up-- Kyle's really tall) adds a wonderful element to this picture. |
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| Nik, Em and her new MT "cow boots"! |
For as long as I've known Grandma, she has run away from cameras, given evil eyes and refused all attempts. I knew I'd eventually win her over! Look at all these pictures I got of her with the kids!! I love them all.....thanks, Grandma!
Saying goodbye is always hard, but having photos to cherish later makes it a little bit easier.
Bye, bye Bitterroot. Colorado may be home now, but Montana will be home always.
Everyone was BEAT after two weeks of so much activity. I swear Nikolas slept most of the 1,000 miles home. Emalie probably slept for....ummm....100 maybe?!
These videos will give you a pretty good idea of what it's like to travel with a baby who, up until last summer, had never been strapped into a carseat. I'm not so sure I'll miss
this part of her childhood!
But it sure can be amusing at times!
Enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone!
