7-18, Hamilton

Every time I hear the Tim McGraw song "Where the Green Grass Grows" I think of my hometown.  It's ironic (or is it?) that when I hear that song I also envision a future home and life where that song is also applicable.  Currently, my corn is not 'popping up in rows' nor do I have my 'rocking chairs pointed to the west', but there is comfort in hoping that I will one day have these things that remind me so much of my wonderful childhood home.  When I tell people I am from Montana, the response is always this:  "Oh, it's beautiful there."  I couldn't agree more.  I haven't yet found a place that compares to Big Sky Country-- even John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" can't compare to the Bitterroot.  Whether for a day or a week, I'm always happy to return home and join the pace of life where it's ok to spend an afternoon on the porch reminiscing with family.  

Bitterroot Valley, Montana

Corn in rows and laundry hanging from the line.  Nothing more could feel like home.

We were missing a cousin, but these four enjoyed catching up with each other.

Family is family, no matter how many legs they have!

My aunt Vickie and me.  Boy, do I love this lady.  She keeps 'home' a tangible place for me.  Thank you, Vickie!

How fun it was to spend a few days staying with my grandma.  She'll kill me if she ever sees I posted this photo of her, but I'll take my chances.  What is more precious than a great-grandma comforting a tired great-grandgirl?!

The kiddos all tucked in and ready for bed.

I have a great series of photos from the afternoon we spent with my cousin and her family at our grandma's house.  Unfortunately, I can't post most of them because Miss Keyera insisted on being naked for most of them.  LOL......

Kyla, Tee and I got a kick out of thinking about how many generations of grandkids and great-grandkids have played in the ditch in front of grandma's house.  It's even funnier to think about how big that ditch used to be when you were little and playing in it.  How is it that age changes one's perspective so much?!

A different night and a different wiped out great-grandkid.  They'll squeeze into that chair with her no matter how big they are!

A bedtime story for Emalie.

And, alas, no vacation photos from grandma's house are complete without one of everyone playing a game of cards-- grandma's favorite past time.