Our Trip Home

It’s always hard to say goodbye to Montana but we left on a beautiful morning and were able to catch the sunrise on our way out.The girls were all cozy and snug in their car seats.

We were in the car for almost 12 hours the first day and drove straight to Mt. Rushmore. We arrived at sunset – it felt so good to get out and walk around.

We went back to the hotel to have dinner and then got our swimming suits on to play at the water park.

The girls loved it – they had huge slides, a lazy river, huge hot tub and big play area for the kids.

We left early the next morning for Omaha.

We stopped at Winter Quarters to see the Visitors Center and temple. This was one of my favorite stops. We had just heard some bad news about a family member and I felt heartbroken, but felt a special spirit while we were there that calmed my heart. These people made incredible sacrifices for the Gospel and went through trials I can’t even imagine, but continued to stay firm in their faith in God.

The temple was beautiful. Mckenna wanted her very own picture in front of the temple. After we saw Winter Quarters we went to Kaynesville and saw where Brigham Young was bestowed the mantle of prophet. Also very cool. Then to the hotel for pizza and swimming!

We left the next morning and drove to Independence/Kansas City and then on to Carbondale. Mads had the ipod in one hand and the tablet in the other. Everyone was so glad to be home!

Montana Highlights

This year for Christmas we made the long 1700 mile drive to Missoula. We left at 2:30 in the morning on Wednesday, drove 16 hours the first day to Rapid City, SD and then finished the next day with a 10 hour drive. It was soo good to get there. The girls went straight downstairs to play with Grandma’s toys. Kaitlyn and Breanna were there and the girls started playing like they were best friends again. We love our cousins.

Playing with Grandpa’s train set.We had lots of late night card games – such lovely faces.

Mckenna and Grandma making sugar cookies for Santa.Celebrating my birthday.

We love Grandma!

The girls loved going to the pet store in the mall. So tempted to get one of these little guys – they were so cute!

Making a present “fort” with Dad.Mads wearing Grandpa’s hat. We went out to Christopher and Natalie’s house one night for pizza and games.

Totally consumed by some game on the Joanne’s new Ipod.Eating at Red Robin. YUMM.

On New Year’s Eve we got a babysitter and went to Jaker’s for their all you can eat seafood buffet.I went shooting with Dad and Jason! Ha! I don’t know how they convinced me to do this, but I had a great time. My shoulders were a little sore afterwards and I think I hit maybe 2 targets, but it was a beautiful day and I got to spend it with my two favorite men.

Mckenna came shopping with us – she just plopped herself down in this chair and put her feet up.

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas with everyone. We opened presents in the morning and then got ready to go to church. It was a perfect day and so fun to see the girls light up when they saw that Santa came. These pictures say it all.

Merry Christmas!