Virginia City

John's brother and family came to visit for a few days and with five boys running around the house from dawn until dusk it was quite the adventure. On Sunday afternoon we took the family to a ghost town near Ennis that attracts visitors from near and far. In it's prime Virginia City served as the territorial capital and was renowned for being a gold mining boom town bigger than Denver.  Once the gold diminished from this thriving western metropolis the people soon dispersed leaving behind the skeletal remains of a once flourishing western gold capital. 

Today, tourists are attracted to Virginia City for it's life-like snapshots of the gold boom era, as well as it's rustic appeal and grandeur. With it's distressed wooden boardwalks, old fashion candy shop, and dusty floor saloons this town still bustles with life every summer. What a refreshing afternoon we had--full of roping, buying old fashioned candy, panning for gold, old west family photos, and rustic style cafe lunches.  

Thank you family, you got me out of my pajamas for the day and I was able to work on an awful saltwater sandal tan on my feet. :)

The Gravel Bar

Since moving to Ennis I have only managed to explore downtown once. The experience was exhausting, Brecken's mood was less than pleasant and I was sleep deprived. Sadly, I was defeated that day. John sensed how overwhelming life had become for me so he suggested that we put Brecken in preschool one day a week.I cried the first day I dropped him off. I felt as though I might miss a monumental milestone in his life--that I would return back that afternoon and he would know how to ride a bike or would have learned to how to write his alphabet. I was a little dramatic.

After leaving him that morning something glorious happened when I returned home. I took a nap, showered for more than three minutes, straightened my hair, put on makeup, fed Addison, watched an episode of The Real Housewives of New York (guilty pleasure), and ate a warm breakfast. and cried tears of joy.

John and I have even decided to eat lunch out once a week while Brecken is at school.  A few days ago we visited the Gravel Bar, which was delightful. John and I both enjoyed the gyros. wickedly good. It may be the best bar food you'll ever taste. 

Later that afternoon Addison and I took full advantage of our freedom and ventured downtown where we strolled through the quaint western shops which were packed with Montana apparel, unique knickknacks, and a collection of cowboy boots that would make John Wayne jump out of his grave. So if you are still stumped on what to do for a fun family vacation, come visit us here. I'll make sure you'll have the best bar gyros ever.

One Month

Hello, Utah.

Oh, sweet Utah. You've always been so good to me. You welcomed me into this world with open arms so very long ago and since that time you've never seemed to disappoint me. Last week my little family went back to the desert of Utah for a fun-filled birthday weekend. My Momma turned 50 and in honor of here we celebrated with family dinners, makeovers and relaxing pedicures. 

Two of my favorites

Two of my favorites had a big day yesterday--Fathers Day for John and a big 26th birthday for my little sister, Kambrie.  The day was spent driving back from Utah so we weren't able to celebrate.

Kambrie, you are one of my all time favorite people. seriously. I am so happy that you are my best friend and my go-to girl. Who knew that the tiny girl with pig tails and freckles could grow into such a beautiful woman. You not only are an amazing sister and wife, but I know that someday you will be the coolest mom...ever. Happy Birthday Seester! 

Johnny B, look how far we've come. Five years ago we were newly weds basking in the Hawaiian sun, and today we spent a majority of our time feeding babies, changing diapers, and listening to Blue Clues in the car.  Thank you for being such an amazing father, and for being such a wonderful example to our children. My heart skips a beat every day when you come home and Brecken runs to the door with excitement to see you.  It's such a true example of your character and it makes me so happy to see how much our son adores you. I love you so much, Honey. 

Happy Father's day to you, my wonderful Dad, and my amazing father-in-law.