Memories in Montana

My posts are going to be slightly out of order but I want to back track a little to share about our family trip to Montana. My parents generously invite any of us that are free to join them for a week in Big Sky Montana. This year I decided to join them and my sister, brother and their families were able to come as well. We also stole my niece away for the week so I had almost all my niece and nephews with me. It was a special week filled with swimming, hiking, games, lake activities and great fireworks on the 4th. While the resort is beautiful and provides lots to do, part of the purpose is also to get into Yellowstone National Park and look for wildlife. My parents are expert nature/wildlife hunters and we caravan around the lower and upper loops of this gorgeous untouched environment.

During the week, we all choose to do stuff together or apart sometimes opting for alone time or the parents often sending their children with Aunt Shell haha. But I love it, there's nothing more fun than playing with kids. I hope it helps create lasting memories for them like the many wonderful childhood ones I have. We usually have each "condo" cook one dinner and other times go out to eat. It's only the second time I've been able to come on this annual trip and it was extra special for me. My favorite day was the 4th of July. After a fun morning of cheering on my dad, brother in law and brother in a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, we hit the pool to cool down. We all decided to go to a BBQ place for dinner which was delicious, then we headed to lower big Sky for a concert outside before the fireworks display.

The weather was perfect, managed to get a hot coffee and surrounded by those I love, I thanked God for this incredible country and for the blessing of such a summer. The fireworks were really incredible and my sweet nephew turned to me during the finale and said, "those just made my heart explode". I smiled back and asked, "Are you so happy?" He nodded and I said, "me too."

Some of the other highlights were giving my niece countless back scratches, bonding with a new nephew that recently joined our family, citing a mama and baby bear, hiking with my Dad, and game nights with my siblings. It was an incredible week and I think we all felt a little sad when we parted and went our separate ways. I am so grateful for my family and especially my parents for making this trip possible. 💖