Vacation out West

Well, we have just returned from nine wonderful days in Montana.  I have to tell you, it was absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!  We went from sun up until sun down and made tons of memories.  We enjoyed horseback riding, fly-fishing the famous Madison River, sight seeing, animal watching, hiking and Yellowstone National Park. 
None of us were ready to return leave.  Lily Grace left in tears as it truly was the best vacation we've had.  
Montana is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  Montana is peaceful and  really has cowboys.  There are cattle ranches all around.  It's covered with a palette of beautiful colors and flanked with the most grand mountains you have ever see.  The many lakes, streams and rivers make Montana a fishing paradise. 
None of us were ready to leave and Gracie did so with tears and a request to return next summer.
I could go on forever about how truly special Montana is and the special time we had, but I'll just let the pictures do the talking. 

A view of the Rockies as we neared the Bozeman airport

The airport in Bozeman is fashioned after a lodge.  Gracie grabbed a cute stuffed grizzly when we arrived.  

She grabbed a nap on the way to the cabin.  Sometimes, the excitement can get the best of you.

I won't lie.  We in no way roughed it.  We stayed at the most beautiful cabin located right on the banks of the Madison River.  We loved having the doors and windows open and hearing the rush of the river go by.  The highs ranged from the upper 60's to mid 70's during the day to the low 40's to low 50's during the evenings.  

The views out the windows were beautiful and there was a view from every direction.

Our view out the front windows

Our view of the the Rockies and the Madison River off the large deck out back.

Lily Grace used this loft as a playroom and thought it was the greatest thing in the world.

Bears are an issue.  Even in town, there are special trash cans along the streets to keep the bears out.

When we arrived and got settled, these two couldn't wait to get own on the river.

Canoeing

Gracie has been so excited about this canoe and taking it out, she sat in it all day last Sunday afternoon with Molly reading to her and doing an activity book.  Too funny!

Accessorized and ready to go!

They were both so excited!

Adorable!

Last week, Matt and Lily Grace bought a canoe.  Matt has been wanting one for a while and Lily Grace has taken quite a love to fly- fishing and being out around the water.  
They couldn't wait to get their new canoe on the water and try it out.  
We are very blessed that we live so close to so many great bodies of water.  For our first time out, we went over to one of the state parks on one of the calm lakes.  Good thing the lake was so calm because inside that canoe was a different story. 
I tagged along to try out my new camera lens before we go to MT and well, let's just say the pictures I'm posting don't do justice to the day. 
We managed to make it through the day without tipping over. (notice I said without tipping over, I didn't say without getting wet- note to self: don't sit in the middle) Gracie was determined to paddle right along with Matt and she did so, all while wearing a Vera Bradley purse filled with her necessities like tic-tacs, hand sanitizer, lip balm and her camera.  Have mercy!  We must have been quite the site.  
You see, Matt and I have always declared that it's necessary for us to get one good fit throwin under our belts so that we can move on and have a great day!  We've been like that for 25 years now and we do it with just about anything like an upcoming trip, a big event, a big project- you name it.  It's kind of become a joke between us but a reality too and we've just grown to anticipate and appreciate.  Well, I am happy to report that this trip was no different.  Upon arriving and getting ready to push off, Lily Grace puts in to sit in the front because this is her and her daddy's canoe and she needs to help paddle. Well, I don't want to sit in the middle, so I protest and have me a good ol' tantrum about sitting in the middle which means sitting in the floor.  Now mind you, the middle is where the yolk (long board for carrying) is and we hadn't gotten a seat for it in order to sit atop it.   We did have two preserver cushions which is what they were asking me to sit on in the BOTTOM of the boat.  Matt needed to sit in the back to paddle and guide the boat.  I ended up sending them out on their own to try it out and sat on the shore trying out my camera lens.  After a while I had mellowed out and they came back to pick me up.  Matt offered to take the middle and I sat in the back on the seat and Gracie remained in the front.  Well, once we were out in the middle of the lake that arrangement proved difficult for Matt's knees all while paddling us, so I agreed to go to the middle.  Now out on the lake in a canoe is NOT where you want to start trading seats.  Matt is now starting to get a little ruffled as I stand wabbling and he slides through my legs so that he can go to the back.  Not pretty and not fun!  He finally makes it to the back and  his feathers are ruffled about this whole fit throwing going on between me and Gracie. He's also secretly worried about us turning over with Gracie in the boat.  Remember, this is her first time.  He's trying hard to teach her about canoeing safely.  Well, she now decides to share a bit of attitude and then it happened.....the unthinkable, the thing most parents may want to do at times, but hold it in to maintain that good role model behavior.  Gracie got a little attitude over the whole " I want to paddle and I know how" situation and Matt informed her that if she didn't straighten up he was going to take her up the hill and spank her ***.  People, we have never cursed around LG. It hasn't happened in 9 years and we are very protective of what her little ears hear.  We aren't big cursing people in general, nor do we spank, but Matt had had it between the two of us and his own stressful worry about her falling in.  Well, Grace is sitting there looking stunned and I am gasping and fussing at Matt that he has just done this. Of course I then fly into lesson mode about what daddy has just said and why we don't say it. I'm telling you folks, I just know we all put on a show in that canoe.  The lake was packed by the way with canoers and kayakers.   Well, the fun didn't end there.  When we all declare a truce and apologize to one another for our behavior and get that out of our systems, Matt and I laugh and share with LG our theory on a good rant equals a good day.  We inform her that she is officially initiated and we all enjoy a laugh.  Oh but the fun doesn't end there. Now that we are all playing "nice" we travel down this beautiful tree lined area which spills into another lake.  Only problem at this location is all the vegetation and it smells awful.  So what do you think happens next?  Well, let's not forget that I am sitting in the bottom in the middle of this canoe and while taking pics and looking away, SLAM!  LG has flung a ton of that stinky water all over me.  My left side is soaked.  Matt is trying to hold in laughter and whispering, "accident, accident."  I'm ready to explode but hold it in. A show people, a real show!  We put on a show!  When we do get back to shore, Matt is nice enough to let me know that my whole backside is wet.  Hmmm he says, I wonder why?  Well, could be that each time you changed sides with the paddle, my back got soaked and my behind soaked up all the water that Gracie filled the canoe with earlier when she gave me a bath.  Memorable I'm telling you!!!
Nonetheless, we had a memorable time regardless of how some of the day went. I know it won't always be peaches and cream and even in those not so wonderful moments, the time together as a family was and will always be a blessing.  Actually, as I sit here typing this, I am laughing so hard. We have all gotten a good laugh from that day.  
Once back to shore Lily Grace and Matt were all smiles over their new ride and both are ready to head back out.  Me- well, I'm on the fence about that one. However, we did see lots of people bring their dogs so I'm thinking if we throw Molly into that canoe with us on the next trip, it should make for a really good blog post. HA! HA!
Thank you God for the blessing of family, for memories made, lessons learned and the love that we all share, no matter what!

Happy Father's Day!

Daddy and his girl: so sweet and so blessed

Pslams 103:13 As a father has compassion on his

children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

*Lily Grace has spent the afternoon cooking Matt an afternoon Father's Day treat.  She tackled Chocolate Souffles.  This is the first time she's made soufflés.  This recipe involved separating eggs, whipping egg whites into peaks, creating a sauce on the stove and watching for "the rise."  She did all of it completely by herself.  Her daddy woke from a quick nap to the wonderful smell of chocolate and cinnamon.  Lily Grace did an amazing job!!!!!!!  The soufflés rose beautifully and tasted delicious.  She was quite proud of herself.  Her daddy was very proud of her too, but more touched than anything that she worked so hard just for him.  

Happy Father's Day!

They enjoyed their soufflés topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberries.  

Cooking up Some Summer Yum!

Lily Grace loves to help out in the kitchen.  Lately, I've tried to let her take on more responsibility in there when she cooks along side of me.  Now that school is out, she loves being in the kitchen even more.  

For her first time out on her own, she made cheese toast.  That may not sound like a big deal but it is. She used a knife and conquered her fear of being burned while taking things out of the oven. 
Feeling more confident, she tackled her first recipe completely solo.  She made brownies from scratch, not a box mix.  She did everything as Matt and I sat back and left her to it.  She gathered ingredients,  measured, cracked eggs, mixed, followed the recipe, timed her brownies, took them out of the hot oven and served them up.  She was too cute as we could hear her in there talking herself.  She was so excited and very PROUD of herself.  She certainly should be.  She did a great job and they were quite good.  
She's decided to try new recipes and skills regularly this summer.  What a great skill to practice and build upon.  Who knows- maybe by the end of the summer, she can cook dinner. ha! ha!
Great job my little cook.  I love sharing the kitchen with you!
As I type, she is back in the kitchen for the not so fun part of cooking- the clean up! I will end with what I just heard, "Whew!  Done for the day!"  Funny! Those are often my sentiments exactly!

Chicago Concert

Lily Grace has been playing the violin for almost three years now.  She is quite good and has even started working on her vibrato.  
Her music teacher, Mr. Caleb introduced her to Lindsey Stirling several months ago.  Some may remember Lindsey from America's Got Talent years ago.  Apparently, she was on the show and that along with her You Tube videos became quite popular.  She now tours the world playing sold out concerts. Lindsey is unique in that she not only plays the violin, but she also dances while doing so.  Now I am not a violinist but from what I know after watching Gracie, it's not easy.  She is quite entertaining and along with her fun and colorful style, she is "amazing" according to Lily Grace. 
When we found out that Lindsey would be coming to Chicago for a concert, we knew it was the perfect way to end the school year. Not to mention, we love going to Chicago and any reason sounds good to us.  (Even though our trip started with a cloudy high of 60, which made it quite chilly and a low of 49 in June, Chicago was and is tons of fun!) Oh this midwest living!
Lily Grace was beside herself with excitement. She'd been counting down the days and constantly humming/playing every Lindsey Stirling tune.  She finished school on Thursday and we left on Friday morning for the concert Friday evening. 
Lily Grace had one big goal in mind.  She wanted desperately to get close to Lindsey Stirling and get her autograph.  
Matt and I agreed that hanging out in the back of the Chicago Theater after the concert wasn't a good idea with a nine year old just to try and get an autograph.  So, we splurged in an effort to make her first concert a special one and upgraded two of the tickets to Vip status.  Lily Grace and I arrived three hours early for a special Q&A with Lindsey and soundcheck.  Gracie with that little hand diligently in the air, was called on and what do you think she asked, "May I have your autograph please?"  I am happy relieved to report, she got it!!!  She was so excited and wore the biggest smile.  The keyboard player even commented on how much he liked her fashion glasses and well.....night made!
I must admit, it was a really good concert and lived up completely to Gracie's expectations.  Matt and I loved watching her get so excited and trying to predict which song Lindsey would do next.  
We didn't get out of the concert until almost 11:00 p.m.  We walked back to the hotel and enjoyed a very late dinner at Michael Jordan's.  Lily Grace was so tired (I think the pure excitement wore her out.) she could barely keep her eyes open at dinner.  Needless to say, partying like a rock star may not be her cup of tea. ha! ha!  We all collapsed back in our room around 1:00 a.m. when we finally said goodnight.  
We woke this morning (definitely not early or by alarm) and enjoyed breakfast at one of our favorite spots in Chicago.  We couldn't leave without the homemade donut holes and caramel sauce or stopping by American Girl.  
Gracie Cakes, we hope that your first concert was as memorable for you as it was for us.    Daddy and I had an amazing time with you.  

LG had this outfit planned out for months.  She requested a curled side ponytail.

Too cute!  Right down to the glitter wristlet

Loved our special VIP time together Gracie!

Lindsey gave a special acoustic performance at the VIP event.

The Chicago Theater is beautiful.  Lily Grace's favorite was the large chandeliers with the changing ceiling color. 

A freezing cold selfie before the show

Lindsey's opening

She is famous for doing a to the floor back bend while playing and Lily Grace thinks it's the coolest.

So excited to have her autograph

Yummy goodness!!!!

Trying out Julie's egg chair at American Girl

Last Day of 3rd Grade

Awards Day

We are down to the last two days of school.  Today is field day, dress down day and it all started off with the school awards ceremony. 
Lily Grace was recognized for Choir and  Excellent Attendance as well as Excellence in Music and Excellence in Language Arts.  She was also the overall 3rd grade winner in points for Accelerated Reader.  
Lily Grace absolutely loves school and learning.  
We are so proud of you Gracie!  Daddy and I hope that your love for learning grows with you all throughout your life. 

Hooked!

Matt and I have always enjoyed fly fishing.  Matt also enjoys tying flies.  This summer, we will even tick an item off our bucket list- fly fishing the Madison River in MT.  
I have a feeling this trip will be even more special with the addition of our little fly fisherman.  In preparation for the trip, Matt got Lily Grace her own fly rod and waders, both pink of course.  
He has also introduced her to fly tying and I have to say, forgive the pun but the girl is completely hooked.  She loves it.
She can sometimes be found reading Matt's fly tying books before bed and asking all sorts of questions about technique and materials.  It is too cute.  One night she even yelled downstairs to Matt, "goodnight fly tying buddy!"  Melt his heart!!!!!!
Her casting is really coming along.  If you have never fly fished, it's not like simply casting out and reeling in.  It involves a lot more line and a little more grace and technique.  
Lily Grace still strives to be fashionable while fly fishing.  Oh the outfits! 
I can't wait to see these two in MT.  They've been busy tying flies and getting in some casting practice at one of the ponds in our neighborhood.  And all the while, Matt has been getting in a lifetime of memories.  Who knows how long her interest will hold, hopefully it will last, but her daddy is enjoying it here and now all that he can.  

One very proud daddy

Her first catch all by herself

This was their second day down at the pond when Gracie landed this bass by herself.  And yes, she is wearing a leotard, fashion glasses, leotard and scarf around her neck and hat.  She learned that bugs love it near the water and this was her fashionable way of combatting them.  HA!  I love it!  This fish was also caught on a fly (woolly-bugger) that she tied herself.

All ready to tie flies as soon as they both got home

She can now tie these completely by herself.  Keep in mind, her color patterns may be a little nontraditional, but according to her some fancy fish will appreciate it.