What a Great September Day!

It's Sept 20th and I floated the Yellowstone River today in an inflatable kayak!

It was 80+ degrees today, so we decided to try out the river. Dad and I only had to drive 10 minutes to the spot on the river where we started, and floated for 2 hours. There were a few good sized rapids left and we enjoyed the peaceful, quiet floating.

When we got home and unloaded, I decided to make grilled cheese sandwiches and some homemade tomato soup. My dad has tomatos coming out of his ears these days, so soup seemed like a good way to take care of a whole bunch at once. Mmmmm mmmmmm good, if I do say so myself. ;-)

What a day!

Spokaloo

Labor day weekend I enjoyed a fantastic trip to Spokane. Todd D. was speaking at Faith Bible Church's family camp, so I decided it was a great time to head west. Family camp was awesome. What a perfect way to see lots of good friends, hear some great messages from the book of Titus, and get lots of time with my friend Julie D. Yeah!!!

I went a day early and had a few lunch dates and coffee dates with previous coworkers, friends and family. For the most part, I had one-on-one time with each, which is always fun. (Chris, Steve, Jason, Des, Steve D., Ben from work; Walt & Pam, Jeff & Sarah, Sara R., Joe & Makeesha, Liz & Dave) Frankly, I went from one meeting to the next for 4 days. I loved every minute of it, and by the time I pointed my car towards MT again, I was exhausted.

I really didn't get many photos, but here are a few from Duncan Gardens in Manito park. Beautiful!

Say Cheese!

My entire family was in town 2 weekends ago for Katie & Andrew's engagement party (they're on the far right). We took the opportunity to get a family photo or two.

Italy - Ready or Not

It's a dream of mine to go to Italy and has been since I was in junior high. I keep waiting for the perfect time to go...well, no more waiting. I'm going! Even if I have to go myself, I'm going!

So, it looks like this Sept or (more likely) next May are the best times. I've met with a travel agent, gotten a pile of brochures to browse, and I'm getting very excited. Now I just need to renew my passport.

Anyone want to come with me?

Congrats to Kate-Kadate

Katie's getting married, Katie's getting married!

She got engaged on the 4th of July, to Andrew, while sitting on a boat in Flathead Lake, watching fireworks. It's all very new and exciting, but she did send me a photo she took with her phone of "the ring."

Well, here's to my sister...the future Katie Machain!

God's Handiwork in the Sky

We had the most amazing clouds this evening.
These pictures are taken right from my back yard.
Praise God for this beauty in creation tonight!

Spring in Montana - Breathtaking

This past weekend, I was blessed to go to the mountains for the first time of the season. It's been raining and raining (and raining) here, so the hills are an incredible shade of green. The temperatures were in the 50s during the day, and the nights definitely required the electric blanket I brought along. Here are a few photos help you picture my weekend.

As is tradition this time of year, Dad and I went hunting for morel mushrooms. Normally, we find 2-3, this year we found over 20!

Wildflowers galore...

One of my very favorite experiences involves stumbling upon a field of blue forget-me-not wildflowers. I love finding enough flowers to pick a bouquet. I call it "holding the sky in my hands." I love it! Let me say it again...I love holding the sky in my hands!

Can you see them? Look closely...

Come and visit...I'd love to share the mountains with you.