Montana

So, we are back from Montana. We had a very good trip. The ride up was kinda long, but the kids did really great. We stopped in Missoula on the way to Bigfork to see my husband's brother and his wife. After we got there a crazy thunderstorm hit and there was water everywhere. We braved the weather and went to dinner at a nice Italian place. We then headed on to Bigfork and got to the Motel. We stayed over night there and then we moved onto a house, so we could all be together. That turned out to be VERY crazy. I love my family, but spending all that time with 25 people under one roof was VERY crazy! That day the hubby went with his brother fishing and I went with the rest of the families up to Glacier National Park. It was SO GORGEOUS!! So many trees and wildlife and the mountains are really picture perfect. We went on a road up to the top, sort of, and got out and went for a hike around the area. I was not really prepared for that adventure. We got up to the top and it was lower 50's and here we all are in our shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. We survived and the kids liked touching the snow in the middle of winter. My boys even got close enough to a squirrel to pet it. Anyway, we got back to the house and the big boys went off to the bachelor party. I ended up running errands for everybody and was able to get to know the area a little. I got to go to my brother's in-laws house and it is AMAZING! Very rustic, but comfortable. I was totally coveting. The next day the big boys went and set up tents and tables for the wedding. We watched the kids explore and then went swimming. That night was the rehearsal dinner and it went really well, very casual. Sat morning the girls went and helped decorate for the wedding. That was fun. The colors of the wedding were black and white and red. She used cherries for fun accents all over. Eventually we all got ready and went for pictures and then the ceremony started. It was really pretty right near the lake. I of course got choked up seeing my brother actually tying the knot! They are a cute couple. She is an Angel to put up with my brother. The rest of the night we laughed and danced and enjoyed the party. It turned out really nice. Sunday we got up early packed and left. We stopped again in Missoula and had breakfast with the brother and sister in-law. They were very gracious and patient with the kids. We said our good-byes and headed home.

Another Update

I got to go to the American Idol concert with some of my favorite people. My wonderful Aunt got the tickets for her two daughters and my mom and I. It was so much fun. I still love Michael Johns, Carley and Brooke, they all sang some of my favorite songs. When David Archuleta came out everyone went crazy. I know we cheered more for him than for Cook. He was great and so humble, he even cried. What a cute boy, I hope he stays that way.
I also got to go to the Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick concert last Friday. Heart totally rocked! Those women are still so awesome and their band is great too. We missed Cheap Trick because of traffic and Journey was pretty good. I have to admit that I am a Steve Perry fan. The new guy is good, but not the same for me. The band is really awesome though! Those guys are serious musicians! The only bad thing about this concert was the stupid people all over each other being obnoxious in front of us. That was really annoying. I think I'm getting old, 'cause I don't tolerate that stuff well anymore. Oh, well.

By the way, we got the furnace fixed and we are all better and have noticed a huge difference.
For the next three weeks we will be in and out of town. My brothers wedding is next Saturday. Then we have a family reunion for the next weekend and then we are going to go to the beach the weekend after that. I'm determined to take lots of pictures so you can see what we are up to.

So Hot!

We are "baking like a toasted cheezer" over here. (That is one of our favorite lines from one of our favorite movies, Sandlot!) Our furnace decided to die Saturday morning. I thought maybe the hubby could mess with it and get it to work. So, I just left it alone and worked outside for a few hours, 'cause if I'm going to be hot, I may as well get something done. When hubby got home he messed around with it for awhile and finally called a serviceman. Luckily the guy showed up quickly and said that it was the motor and that can be repaired without replacing the whole furnace. Well the furnace is 26 years old, so we decided it would be best to just replace the whole thing. Why are these type of repairs so expensive? The good thing is I'm sure that the air conditioning will work much better with a more efficient furnace. But, it won't be until tomorrow that we can get it installed. It would be the busiest time of the year. So, we have tried to get of the house so we don't cook ourselves. The kids don't seem to be bothered as much as I am, and it is really hard to do house work. So, we've visited the library and McDonald's and swimming in the neighboors pools. We took refuge at my sister-in-laws and watched her kids while cooling off. Today we are going to meet up with one of my good friends that we hardly ever see. It will be fun to visit....I'm sure we will talk forever!

Just so you know

We are still here. We are just doing what we can to stay busy and not get too hot. We have done a lot of swimming. Most of our neighbors have small type pools that all the kids bounce in and out of. My kids are trying to talk me into getting one too. I am all for it, I just can't make a decision on size and style, etc. We'll see. We have also discussed the trampoline thing. I am surprised at myself for even considering this. I have always been from the side of they are too dangerous and not only do I worry for the safety of my own children, but others as well. My kids have been given strict rules on jumping on other peoples tramps. (not that they follow them so well) So I'm not sure about that one either. Any ideas?
Anyway, last Saturday we had a family reunion with the hubby's family. We were there all day. The kids had a great time and the big boys played non-stop. We girls got to sit around and visit and supervise kids. It was fun. I enjoy my in-laws and I hope I don't drive them too crazy. This week is looking busy with Independence day to finish off the week. It will be fun. I am going to be sure and take pictures so that you can see what we are up to.