Big Sky Country

Fueling up the night before we leave.  The dinner table was full of exciting talk about our trip the next day.

Showing off his wavy chopper.  These two love to cut their own veggies.  This one is supposed to help you learn to hold a knife. 

First stop Ty, Nikki, Kara, and Brian's.  Yep, they were all living together after the Schlepp's move to Billings for a few months so we had one easy stop and one packed house!

 

Our leaves are always way to soggy so they were pretty excited about all these dry, crunchy ones to play in.

 

 

Snuggled in for a little TV

The next day, we woke up to this!  Awesome!

 

Hungry Hippo's with Grandma and Uncle Brian.  They got lots of gifts from the Montana crew who weren't here for their birthday's so they had stuff to play with while they were there.  Grandma came to Billings for the weekend because we were going to spend a few days there before heading to Wibaux. 

Dress up with Nikki's stuff.  Why does Nikki have hot pink prom gloves?  Who knows! 

 

We had some fun, met up with some friends at an indoor play area, and even went out on the town.

Back on the road.  We told the kids they could buy a treat at the gas station in Miles City.  Ryker spent 10 minutes trying to find the biggest bag I would let him have even though I pointed him to the racks he could choose from 12 times then finally said "We're leaving so you better decide" and headed for the checkout.  Kya on the other hand, spotted the papaya on her own and immediately had her mind made up.  Ryker thought it was unfair that she got such a big bag but we told him he was welcome to share and I'd take his Twix back.  I hope she never discovers the tastier things in life and is always the fruit and vegetable loving Kya Papaya that she is today!

"This one looks like a bird Ma!"

Who knew it would double as a toy!

 

Wibaux snowman

Grandma's basement was soon transformed into a fort, clubhouse, pirate ship, villain hideout.....whatever worked for that day's imagination.

Mush Dad!

Hitting the slopes

Actually it's just the bike jumps.  I feel like I never left.  They are just covered in snow now.  Seriously, when are they putting in the bench and making this a park?

 

Yes, those are Kya's little blue boots sticking out from under Ryker like the wicked witch's from under Dorothy's house.  Face meet snow Kya.

Kya still won't wear a ponytail or a headband so she always has food in her hair.  We took her to the store to pick out her own stuff hoping to get some buy in from her so she'd actually wear the stuff.  She picked a few things including this headband.  Looks pretty slick, huh?  To bad it only lasted for the pictures and months later she still won't wear it.

 

Wedding reception set up included a little private bounce house action!

A little snacking on the front porch....

A little movie watching inside.

Cooking up a storm while Kya watches a movie.

Helping set up chairs????

Wow, that bounce house is loud going up!

 

Almost ready....

 

Good work Kya!

 

Hey Cowboy!  Is that the super fast horse that won the Stick Horse Rodeo a few months ago?

 

Looking a little slower now....

 

Yeah, that's a famous Patti Parker All Around Cowgirl belt buckle.  There's a ton of them. 

Who's this camo with a cape super hero?

Whoever he is, he's either mean or grumpy!

He's been transformed into a Magician!

 

Ty and Nikki finally made it from Billings.  Ryker and Kya had been dying for Ty to open his present they made him, a giant container of Puppy Chow.  It didn't last long with all the people in the house.  I think Ty only got about a handful. 

Kaci Jo was doing "princess poses."  Ryker had no idea what was going on, but was trying to pose too.

Then Kya joined in and eventually they all just slid off the bottom.

Going....

Going.....

Gone.

 

Cousins:  Macy, Ryker, MaKenna, and Kya

Kaci Jo and Ryker tearing up the dance floor.

 

Ty, Kya, Ryker, and Nikki

Macy, Kya, Ryker, and Daxon

Kya, Hallie, Macy

That darn Kara. You can't put her in charge of anything!  Haha, Cat's beat the Griz the day of their reception.

 

Cruising Lester's

"Yeah, I already know all about porcupines Mom!  I saw them on Wild Kratts."

Gilbert's Peak

 

Only packing one apple is a good lesson in sharing.  Oops.  I should have known these two couldn't go a half hour without a snack!

Guess what?  Yep, back at the bike jumps. 

We stayed in Billings on the way back for a couple days then headed home.  It was another great trip.  We got to see Kara and Brian's new house on the was back too as they moved in while we were in Wibaux.