Fishing the Firehole in Yellowstone

This year, we were very excited to fish the Firehole right inside Yellowstone National Park.  It was an amazing day!!!  We waded out and  fished right next to the Grand Prismatic.  It was pretty exciting and productive.  We landed a lot of fish.  

On our way to Yellowstone, we caught sight of this eagle on Quake Lake.

This was our intended first stop on the Firehole.  We didn't get to fish here because the bison had other ideas.  They were everywhere.  

We fished down below with the Grand Prismatic right beside us.

Casting her line

She landed the first trout of the day.

I wasn't far behind.

Matt got in on the fun too.

At our second spot, the river had a dew more deep pockets and Gracie needed a little lift across the river.  Thanks daddy!

Friday on the Madison

Friday we spent our first full day down on the Madison River.  

Matt and Gracie took a hike Friday morning to look for wildlife on the ranch before we went fishing.  

Apparently they had a good time.

Ready to get on the water

While there aren't any poisonous snakes, there are a lot of snakes. Well, I don't do snakes.  Matt happen to cross this fence and saw a snake.  I came along later and found his little buddy and nearly lost it.  Yes, a lot of yelling and running was involved.  Matt and LG thought it was hilarious.  I nearly killed Matt for not telling me.  He couldn't' wait to show Gracie.  

The sheep were being moved on the ranch.

I happen to hook the first trout of the trip. You can see him (or the splash rather) to the right.  He jumped from my hands just as Matt was taking the picture. 

Third Time is a Charm!

We returned just before midnight last night from another week and a half out west in MT.  This was our third summer to visit and each time we visit, we manage to see and do so many new things.  This year was certainly no exception.  After two previous visits, we even got our first bear sighting in Yellowstone!  Twice!!!! 
As always, the pictures tell of our adventures.    

Lily Grace has already put in her vote to return again next year even though we have tossed around Hawaii and Rome. (Matt I must say, is right there with her.) She absolutely adores it there and I have to say, it holds a special place in our hearts and brings us together as a family in such a special way. 

Settled in and on our way to MT. 

This being our third time to visit MT, we have the routine pretty much down.  We know exactly the stops we will make when we get there to load up on groceries and supplies.  We also know that it will involve a lot of Matt strategically trying to get it all in whatever rental we have.  As you can see, he uses every inch of the back and we even carry into the backseat.  He always manages to make it work.

These are two of the treats we look most forward to when we arrived.  Local caramels and Huckleberry Lemonade produced right next door in Jackson Hole.  

We once again stayed on the ranch, but this year we choose Towering Pines.  Lily Grace and I called it the Bison House.  You can see why over the fireplace.  

The Bison House was located way up the mountainside among the trees. See it hiding where the arrow is?

Yep, that's a big bison hanging over the fireplace.

On our way to the cabin, we made a stop by the fly shop and of course, Gracie was all about the dogs that hang out there.  This is little fella is a new addition.  

The ranch is always beautiful and peaceful.

Once we had unpacked, these two, like always wasted no time getting down the river to wet a line.

When we returned from the river, we were welcomed 
home by a new friend.

Father's Day

This past weekend we celebrated Matt.  I could go on and on about the kind of amazing father that he is, but the truth is, there are no words.  
Lily Grace worked all week on a special surprise for him.  He had no more walked in the door after his flight landed at 8:30 when Gracie jumped in his arms with excitement.  She had set up a 7 hole putt putt throughout the house.  At each hole, he received a special coupon.  At hole 6 he received money in an envelope for the driving range, Gracie's treat from her own money.  At hole 7 he was surprised with a few gifts from us both.  
We cooked him a couple of special meals over the weekend and tried to make Matt feel as special as he makes us feel each and every day.  
We are blessed!  
Saint Joseph, please pray for Matt as a father and the head of our house.  
Thank you God, for the loving, faith filled man who I have the honor of parenting with and Gracie gets to call, daddy!

Matt tried to introduce Gracie to the original Star Wars movie a couple of weeks ago.  She didn't really care for it and he gave her a hard time about it.  She thought it would be funny to poke at him a bit with a Star Wars gift bag.  

Putting away throughout the house

He was so touched that Gracie gave him money from her own savings to go to the driving range.  She even gave him a breakdown of how many balls he could get for his money.  Too cute!

I tagged along to the range with them. Gracie marched right in the pro-shop to proudly pay for them.  I didn't hit with them this time.  I simply sat in the cart and enjoyed the show.  My. heart could have burst.  I am so blessed. They are too cute and I happen to get them at the same moment.  

Happy Father's Day!

Teeing up on the Driving Range

Gracie is midway through golf camp and is loving every minute of it.  She thinks Coach Gary is the best.  She can't wait to get out there each morning.  I must admit, he is pretty funny and really good with the kids. Today was swing practice out on the driving range.  
Tomorrow is chipping followed by short game practice on Friday.  And yes, she has looked absolutely adorable every day!

Hitting the Greens

A beautiful start to a week of golf camp.  

First Day of Summer Break

The first day of summer break ended up falling on National Donut Day.  Gracie Cakes was up and feeling better so of course, we celebrated at our favorite donut shop.  
Molly on the other hand definitely wasn't celebrating.  She had surgery to repair her torn ACL.  She is in a lot of pain, confused and stuck wearing the cone of shame.  She has a long recovery ahead, but with tons of love and attention, we know she'll be back to her antics in no time.  

A yummy start to summer break

On her way home after ACL surgery 

The effects of anestethia lasted for quite a while after she got home.

Last Day of 5th Grade

Today was the last day of school!  Gracie walked out of 5th grade with several academic awards of excellence and was once again the overall AR point winner for her grade.  
She finishes 5th grade with her all A's record in tact and with high honors.  
Gracie, daddy and I are so proud of all that you have accomplished this school year.  You have worked so very hard and we can't wait to see all that you do in Middle School!  We love you!

All smiles before heading out to her last day of 5th grade.  It was also a dress down day, even better!

Molly completely tore her ACL.  She has to have surgery tomorrow.  However, that didn't keep her from hobbling out to get her last day pic with Gracie Cakes.

Unfortunately the end of the day brought a 102 temp and chills to Gracie and continued leg pain for Molly.  So both our girls are down but toughing it out together.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I woke to a little scavenger hunt created by Lily Grace.  At the end of the hunt I found a gift box she had made along with a handmade card and the most precious of gifts.  Lily Grace made me a new Rosary.  It's beautiful and oh so special! The fact that a Rosary was on her heart to make and her little hands did the work of beading it for me, means the world to me.  
As she gets older, I find myself talking to the greatest mother in the world more and more, Blessed Virgin Mary. I ask her to pray for me to be a good mom, to be what Gracie needs and to ask her son, Jesus, to guide my family in all that we are and do.  
Gracious and loving Lord, thank you so much for the example of Mary.  You chose her among all women and she said "yes" to your call.  She loved you and cared for you as in infant, believed in you and nurtured you as you grew, and watched you ultimately give your life for us all.  Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us!

Happy Mommy's Day!

Gracie Cakes, this was such a wonderful surprise and a beautiful way to start the day.  I will cherish it always.  

Thank you Lord for the blessing of motherhood.  Thank you for blessing me beyond what I deserve, loving me past my faults and letting me enjoy the blessing of this wonderful angel on earth each and every day.