It hasn't been long since my last post, but it feels like forever. While Braydan was climbing Mt Rainer (their last scout trip --wahoo!), we flew to Billings. And what a trip we had! It was so fun and relaxing (for me at least . . . maybe not for Alisha and Mom) I was a little worried . . . okay a LOT worried about the plane ride, but we survived. I think next time I will check a bag instead of carting a stroller, two bags, my camera bag, 2 kids, and half pushing, half dragging Kaleb's carry-on bag. We held up the line through security! People were so nice though. A lady helped us in line, then a guy carried Eliza and the stroller down the stairs. An elderly lady offered to hold sleeping Eliza so I could take Kaleb potty on the plane. I could go on . . . It really restored my faith in humanity!
The rest of the trip is a blur so I'll just comment with the pictures.
The kids having fun with the "black grandma." Kaleb called Mom that and Grandma the "white grandma."
One day Dad flood irrigated the yard and garden. The kids had a blast playing in the water.
It brought back many memories
Mom working in her beautiful humongous garden. She only made us pick beans once. No weeding!
Alisha says, "See Eliza. Horses aren't that scary."
Eliza says, "Oh yes they are!"
" . . . I'm much happier attached to Mom's hip."
And Jessica says, "I agree. I'm much happier on solid ground instead of on a big scary horse. But I'll go for one ride with Mom."
I went to a YSA activity one night with Alisha (I thought about taking off my wedding ring. . . jk Braydan). I think she had the most fun out of anyone, as you can tell by her hands up in the air. I stayed safely out of the water, behind my camera. We played tennis that night too for old time sakes and I whooped her (ha, ha lish).
I loved the storms. It would be so hot in the day and then the clouds would roll in across the big sky.
Kaleb and Eliza never saw so much wind and lightening before!
Alisha was so nice to the kids. She held, played, read, sang, ran, fed, bathed, laughed, photographed, dressed, swam, and a million more things with the kids. See why I had a break?
Cutting the hay with Grandpa
Notice Dad's arm around Kaleb. So cute.
Visiting the goats at the Mayes house
. . . and pigs.
Kaleb didn't want to get on the horses, but then he didn't want to get off.
Irrigating with Dad. I make it a priority to go every time I go home or I don't get to talk to him much--he's so busy! It was hot and I mostly soaked my feet in the water and watched, but we still had a good talk.
Two more reasons why it was a vacation for me: I got to sleep in every morning and go running without kids. It was so fun running up in the field, passing cows and horses, getting Alisha's shoes wet and muddy. I loved that (not the ruining her shoes part, just the running).
I also got to cook every night without kids hanging on me. Mom let me buy whatever ingredients I needed and I had lots of fun, especially watching Grandma eat Tika Masala. She never drinks water, but boy did she drink water that night! It was a little spicy.
This is really long so . . . to be continued.
Irrigating with Dad. I make it a priority to go every time I go home or I don't get to talk to him much--he's so busy! It was hot and I mostly soaked my feet in the water and watched, but we still had a good talk.
Later we rode bikes to the lake with Amber and played until our stomachs were revolting with hunger. We took 6 kids to Chinese, never spilled any drinks, and came home to clean kitchens! 
Our street proved itself once again as being CRAZY with the fireworks! I think it started at 9 in the morning this year! Kaleb was scared at first, but his curiosity won over. I love this holiday. I always get this childish excitement deep down and feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have. Hopefully next year I will get to enjoy it more . . .
We met up with the Bates, Adams and Gansneders for some good food and relaxing times by the fire. Since we have a few more camp-outs planned this summer, here's a list of things I need to remember for next time:
