Ice Breaker 2014

We love this tradition! I started the day running the 5 miler with Jill.

 Then, Brock and Clint did the 3 mile run.

 Grandma is the greatest cheering section ever! I couldn't get the kids to cooperate for a picture with her, but next time I will bribe them, if necessary! :) Here is the whole group of runners! 

 The whole crew waiting to start the 1 mile run.

 Both kids did amazing; Dane took off and ran the whole thing (without stopping) with Brock, and we stuck with Kimber.

 Kimber was quite the little trooper. She picked a nice steady pace and ran most of the mile.  She did stop at one point to run to the edge, pick a dandelion, and smell it. Clint commented that we learn some of the best lessons from our little ones... today we were reminded that there is always time to stop and smell the flowers!

 Here are the little runners, sporting their medals and enjoying some hard earned water.

Spring Fishing at the Gates!

Monday was a beautiful day to be on the water!  Fun was had by all!

 We got to see some beavers!

 How would you like to hatch from the eggs in that goose's nest?  That's one heck of a drop to the water!

Driving the boat with Dad! Good times!

 and then...  Clint and the kids went and picked up our rabbits! 

 Bones is pretty excited about the rabbits as well!

Princess Dresses one day... Mud the next!

St. Thomas has a week long celebration (week of the young child) that involves dress up days!  Perfect opportunity to break out the beautiful princess dress that Grammy made, and wear it again!

 Spring in Montana... snow one day, sun the next.  Makes for some fun mud in our back yard! I think Kimber is actually going to be a plumber when she grows up! :)

 Clint has totally been jonesing for rabbits!  So, he built this beautiful rabbit cage. It conveniently holds one small child in each compartment...  AWESOME! 

 For his birthday, Clint got a fire pit, so here he is teaching the kids his wisdom regarding lighting a fire with only one match!

 Success!

Spring is sure coming in like a lion!!!!

Last Sunday we tried to make it out before the snow hit...  no such luck!  But, there were still 2 geese and a bunch of 'gulls that appreciated the bread!

Dane is a typical boy, he loves to chase the birds and he doesn't actually toss the bread gently, he wads it up into a tight little ball and throws it at the birds with all the strength that he can muster!

When the birds swoop down to grab the bread, they leave these cool designs in the snow.

Today we made homemade sauerkraut!  YUM!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

I'm a little behind, but our sweet boy had a birthday on March 9th!  He turned 6 years old!  It was a really great day!  Dane and Kimber went to church with Grandma, and then Dane and Grandma went to lunch/picked out his b-day gift!
After Clint got up, we opened presents and then enjoyed pizza!

Dane and Grandma picked Kimber out a tierra and "earrings" so she wouldn't be sad!

 Then the present opening commenced!  Dane let Kimber help him out!

 Then as the last gift, he got to open the "big one".  What could it be?????

 Oh my goodness...  it's a real BB Gun!  Wow!

 Well, you know what they say...  hopefully, he doesn't shoot his eye out!  :)  Look at that big boy!  

Dane's fishbowl treats, and Kimber's haircut!

We got the treats done, and even decorated one special treat for Gramps!

 The blue ones are red velvet cake inside, and the green ones are lemon!

 Then, this morning I got brave, found a good youtube video and decided to cut Kimber's hair!  I didn't do a very good job getting a "before" photo...  but here she is ready to go!

 I did panic about halfway through when I realized how much I was cutting off, and I couldn't get her to sit still.  But, despite the wiggles and worries, I think we got a pretty cute subtle wedge out of the deal!  

Misc. Winter Fun!

The temperatures have been cold, but we have still been getting some things done! Like rabbit hunting! In style, I might add.  (except for the mismatched mittens...)

 Dane is such a good big brother; holding Kimber's hand and helping her navigate the cactus and such.

 Our mighty guide checking things out for us! Although I did not get any pictures, he was able to harvest a couple rabbits for us!  

 Back at home, Bones totally rests in comfort...  compliments of Kimber!

 So, next weekend is Dane's birthday. That means we get to whip out the cake ball book and get some creative ideas.  Dane made his pick.  Here is a picture from our book of the end goal.

Then we started the process. First, you make the cakes...

 Gotta lick the spoons!

 Next, you break up the cake, and mix in the frosting!

 Then you curl up on the couch and take a little break while mama rolls out the balls...  (to be continued)