The end of summer

I am becoming quite obsessed with this US map painted on the ground at the school behind our house. And the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song Maps, because I can't look at these pictures without singing it.

Oh, say, say, say

Oh, say, say, say

 Oh, say, say, say

 Oh, say, say, say

 Wait, they don't love you like I love you

 Wait, they don't love you like I love you

 Ma-a-a-aps

Wait, they don't love you like I love you

***

We are trying to soak up whatever warmth and sunlight this season has left. Before long, it will be dark by dinnertime and these sprinkler and park days will be replaced by earlier bedtimes (one can dream) and hibernation. 

There is plenty to love about fall and winter, but for now I am wanting these sumer nights to never end. 

Road Trip!

Shortly after (as in a couple days after) we closed on our house, we packed up the car and drove out to western Montana for a family reunion. It was more driving than actual vacation time, but we had fun and memories were made. 

I made scavenger hunts for the kids. 

Nothing quite like a pit stop with a view.

After two days of driving, we made it to Missoula. We met up with my parents and brother and I fell in love with that little town. It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect.

Watching some guys surf in the river. Yes, I said surf.

In Missoula, we took a lunch and park break and then got back in the car for another 90 minutes. The kids were not thrilled about that. We did make it to our cabins in time to unload, visit with family and eat dinner.

Uncle David up to his normal behavior of torturing young children. 

Millie and Louie- there was a very heated debate about whether they are second cousins or first cousins once removed. Nobody knows, yet everybody claims to know. 

We spent a day without kids on the river. It was my favorite part of the trip (no offense to my children, Mommy still loves you) 

Clark Fork as seen from the highway

Kendra and I before we jumped

Winston.

I didn't dare take my phone out on the rapids, as a couple days before my family flipped their raft. If you want to see photos of us on a big rapid, click here.

After a hard day of rafting we came back to dinner and a camp fire. 

The next day was hot and super sunny and we went on a hike. 

Finley picked his sister some flowers

She thinks Uncle Winston and his berries are the best

spitting contest.

A sweet tunnel with everyone yelling, "Echo! Echo!"

After a long day hiking, we hit the road. 

The drive back was definitely harder than the drive there, but we kept each other in good spirits (and more importantly, awake). 

We hit 5 states in less than a week (we actually made it to Idaho at one point) and were exhausted when we got back home. It was so great to see family that we don't see all that often and to watch the next generation of cousin play and become friends. 

First Grade

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go. -Dr Seuss

First day of first grade:

We are lucky enough to have neighbors who took us in so quickly. All the neighbor kids that will walk to school together.

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. -Dr Seuss