Cookie Jacx Cookie Shack

 

This last weekend, Brennan had a real ‘bee in his bonnet’ to have a cookie stand in the alley.  I honestly don’t know where he got the idea, but he woke up on Sunday and it was the first thing he wanted to talk with me about. 

So, I of course had to help him bring his idea to life.  I found a cookie mix we had been given for christmas and baked them up.  They were a key life cookie with vanilla frosting.  We added sprinkles for added flair. 

So, Brennan pretty much stalked anyone who set a foot in our alley, ran after them full speed asking them if they wanted a cookie.  He did get a few ‘customers’ who were out walking their dog.  But, for the most part I think he and the rest of the neighborhood kids ate them.   

 

Montana Adventure 2013 Part II

 

After some time in Helena, we hopped in the car and drove to Billings to be with Grandma Carol & Grandpa Roger. 

I’m so bummed the picture below didn’t turn out – G. Carol has lots of toys and dress up things, and Caelan was as pleased as she could possibly be with a purple feather boa, high heels, a purse, and this baby (and just a diaper). 

I didn’t really get a whole lot of pictures this trip.  Here is a picture of Caelan at the splash park that is by my parents house.  We also spent two afternoons at the Oasis water park – also by there house. 

One night we went to an outdoor concert – and the picture below is Caelan really getting her groove on.  She was really shakin’ it!

Cutting up the dance floor with her brother!

Check out those crazy clouds!  I never did rain on us, but that is a pretty dramatic sky. 

A little huckleberry ice cream is good for the soul!

A must see was to go to the Billings Farmers Market.  The kids went to a balloon artist.  Not sure why she is looking so grumpy in this picture? 

The last night in Billings we headed over to Molly and Roland’s house for a party.  What was fun is that our neighbors the Hoffman’s were on their way driving from WA to SD and ended up staying with Molly and Roland that night.  So, we got to meet up with our great friends in MT.

Brennan could not wait for the other kids to arrive and so decided to organize a dance party.  This says ‘Welcome to Brennan’s Dance Club for 10 and below” (he added the ‘above’ sign in an effort to be inclusive).  he also provided name tags.  Love that kid!

Chillin’ with the besties on the couch at Molly and Roland.  This is Ewan Hoffman, Caelan’s best friend – he is 6mo. younger than her. 

Montana Summer Adventure 2013

 

This summer, we broke up our summer trip to MT a little bit differently.  Sean and Caelan took off a week earlier so that Sean could work on rebuilding the deck up at the cabin.  Brennan and I stayed behind because he was in a dance camp that week from 9-4 daily.  Then, Brennan and I flew into Helena to meet up with the everyone. 

Right after we got off the plane we headed to the house in the valley to feed the horses.  Little sister happily adopted the boots and cowboy hat that seem to no longer fit brother. 

She was not the least bit intimidated to get up on that big horse.  She absolutely loved it!

Below, Brennan is getting back up on the horse after it got spooked by a butterfly and jumped a little and he fell off.  Here is making friends with it again.  He did a remarkable job of holding on, sliding off, and then getting out of the way when he needed to. 

This is her face after being told it was time to get off the horse.  But, everyone was getting sooo hot – it was 90+ plus that day. 

That night we went to a Symphony Concert on the lawn at Carroll College. 

Jack really wanted to try this wine from his nephew’s winery…..technically it is not ‘ready’ yet, but we both thought it was pretty good.  It will be even better in a few months. 

This is the project that Brennan worked on while Sean was working on the deck.  Quite a masterpiece…..

One night after dinner we decided to venture out and go fishing.  This was taken from the back of grandpa’s truck.  A pretty decent ‘selfie’ of the two of us. 

Summer Alley Pool Party

 

We were successful in pulling together a pretty awesome alley pool party with our neighbors in July. 

We pretty much just set up chairs, had dinner potluck style and let the kids have fun.  This time we filled up the pool – which was a big hit of course. 

And, a dance party is always a good idea! 

Dinner…..

Clearly all normal rules go out the window during an alley party.  It is perfectly OK to have an ice cream bar BEFORE you’ve eaten your dinner!