A Great-grandma Drop In

Lincoln is introduced to Lincoln Logs. Brilliant.

Zeke carefully assembles a puzzle.

We took the opportunity to jaunt over to Montana for a quick visit with Grandma Edna. The boys always enjoy seeing her as well as Suzie and Don. Jeremy and Tara stopped by with their kiddos while we were there, so it was quite the party. I think we were trying to wear out Grandma with all the energetic little ones.

Riding Along

It is no secret that one of the best parts about visiting Montana is riding around on the quads. Zeke has been trying to figure out how to start them on his own. Watch out, world!

Uncle Larry rides in style as well. Robb and I were seriously coveting this John Deere.

Cousin Time

This kid is all smiles!

We were so happy that we got to spend some time with Tara and the kiddos. Zeke was ecstatic to be in the middle of so much energy and fun. And Calder is the sweetest little dude. All smiles.

Robb had been anxious to try out this fire idea. It was pretty cool.

Sheila tries to beg some water.

Loves

We spent some lovely time over at the Kacks this afternoon. Lincoln bonded with Aunt Suzie over cuddles and kisses and some bird watching on the back porch. They are pretty cute together.

Great-grandma Edna and Zeke share some chocolate treats.

Montana Workday

Robb and Uncle Larry fix the roof on the apartment.

Straightening out the woodpile.

As the weather turns summery, we just can't resist the call of Montana. We thought we would head up for a quick weekend getaway and accomplish a few things. We got in SO late last night, but still managed to get a few things done today. The boys have so much fun. Lincoln mostly sat in one spot and tried to eat pine cones. Zeke got a few driving pointers from Uncle Larry.

Family Time

We don't need much of an excuse to get the family together, so this weekend we had a pretty good turnout. Everett and Jelinda made it, so we got to cuddle on Evan. Then Pat and John drove over from Walla Walla and Liz and Peter made the trek as well. We all met up at church and enjoyed an afternoon and evening of good food, great conversation and a few trips down memory lane.

Evan practices her dental skills on anyone who will let her.

Lincoln gets to know Great Grandma Edna.

Cabin Site

He can't wait to get outside.

We took some time today to hang out at the new cabin site. There is a good fire going and we all had fun imagining how the different views would be.

Dad paces off the dimensions. Classic.

Lincoln Love

Lincoln has us all wrapped around his chubby little finger. He had Great Uncle Larry giving him bottles every time he whimpered.

And Grandpa Jim would put him in the backpack and tote him around when he seemed bored or whiny. They actually made it all the way over to Larry's this morning and spent several hours playing two men and a little baby.

So happy, he's clapping his hands.

Frontier Mama

When in a pinch, this lady knows how to do things old school. The linens needed freshening up, so she took care of it. Thanks, mom!

Work Ready

Zeke and Robb, outfitted in vintage Craik Lumber hats.

Zeke was excited to get all geared up and go outside today. He wore his sturdy, insulated overalls and got to ride around on the quad "helping" daddy. He even got to pose with one of the new stumps.

A Cabin on the Move

Buster's Cabin. It has been in this location for as long as I can remember. I think it was built before I was born? My family lived in it while working on the "big house" and one summer my cousins and I cleaned it up and slept there for awhile.

It holds a special place in my memories. So, when we chose this as the site for the new cabin, it was a bit weird to know that Buster's Cabin would be moved. Leave it to dad and Larry, those guys can do anything.

They always seem to have the right tools for the job.

Mobile home?

The cabin safely traveled down the hill.

Sleepy Sweeties

After a long day of hard work, nothing is better than a good cuddle.

Timber!

The pro shows us how it's done.

Fire tending is an important part of the day.

Dad shows me how high the new balcony will be.

So, here's the deal; we are putting in a new cabin! Dad told us to find a spot we liked (and suggested a few, of course). We hiked around quite a bit over the weekend, and finally decided that Buster's cabin was already in the perfect spot. Dad and Larry have determined that moving it will be no problem. So, the next step is to clear a view. The guys have been busy at this all morning.

Zeke is pretty excited, because he has watched Dr. Seuss' The Lorax and has been wanted to cut down a tree ever since (I swear I did not plant that idea in his head!). When grandpa felled the first one, Zeke's eyes got super big and he said, "Another one!" We've been teaching him to yell, "Timber!" when the trees fall. Oh, my little logger that will never be...

A Good Morning

This was the face of a very pleased Ezekiel this morning.

And this is why. Snow in April. Gotta love Montana.

Zeke enjoyed hanging out with Great-grandma Edna this morning. The two of them spent some time reading the bible on grandma's iPad. I think he was hoping for Angry Birds or something. :)