On the Road

Last week, we traveled to Montana for the Erickson reunion. This event takes place every 4-5 years, so we love to plan for it and try to encourage many of our family members to attend, if possible. The last reunion, only Jim and our youngest son Jared were able to go; this year, Jim and I were accompanied by M and his family. Since we had to be at the airport quite early, we just took the little girls out of their beds and popped them into the car seats and headed down the road. (Wouldn't it be great if we could all travel in our PJ's?)

K is easily entertained by her DVD player...

E just likes to entertain us! Both girls are such good travelers, and of course, we get plenty of comments and questions from people regarding E's cute little glasses.

We never cease to marvel at the beauty of the landscape below us as we cross this great land of ours.

While the guys went to get the rental cars, we ladies had to look for things to do. While exploring the luggage area, we came across these statues. (The colors in this horse were created by thousands of beans!)

Next, we found this beautifully painted Mountain ram (little E called all the animals puppies ;-) And don't you just love all those brightly colored flags?

Eventually the guys came with the rental cars and we were once again on our way, this time going in two different directions. M&B headed west to stay with a cousin, and we stayed in town.

What a joy it was to stay with Matt and Kristin. We have known this young lady since she was just a little girl--attending school in France--and later in Africa. Such a blessing to see how God is using her and her family in the ministries He has given them. Thanks friends for a lovely time together and such delicious food!

On Thursday morning, we hit the road again...is there any wonder why they call this "Big Sky Country?!"
We could literally feel the tension leaving our bodies as we breathed the clean country air, and drank in the wide-open spaces, and enjoyed having the roadway basically to ourselves. Finally--so far away from the "concrete jungle"-- we felt like we were on vacation!

In Great Falls, we met a bunch of Jim's Sunwall cousins at a local restaurant. 

The time went by way too fast, but we were thankful that we got to spend at least a little bit of time together!

A few hours later, we arrived at Bean Lake...and we knew that we were close to our destination!

 We always marvel at the flat land that so suddenly changes to the mountains, and then suddenly, we arrive at the lovely setting where the camp is located.

The welcome sign at the entrance...

...and John and his wife Terri, who willingly host our large family reunion. 

Fun Anticipation

 Last weekend we were able to see our oldest grandson play soccer. We arrived early so that we could see him during the "warm-up" exercises.

 It was a very hot day, so the kiddos had frequent water breaks!

 Little brother was also present...checking out the field and anticipating the day he will also be out there kicking the ball around!

 He enjoyed giving this little girlfriend a few gentle tips on soccer.

 And then the games began! (That's our little star, right there in the center.)

 After the game was over, J insisted that he wanted to ride in our car. So here we are, one very excited and happy little guy! (And of course the grandparents were very happy to hear the chatter and comments that never ended!) 

 This picture reminds me so much of a little collectable that my mother has sitting on her windowsill. It shows two little farm boys with a wagon between them and the caption underneath states, "Are you pushing or pulling?"

 Pure joy!

 And pure delight!

 Then it was time for some pizza.

 And a bit of fun imagination...

 and more imagination!

And then Uncle Jamie led the whole gang in a backyard game of soccer! It was such an enjoyable time together as a family.

And now we are off to Montana for more family fun!

Summer has Arrived (part 2)

J&K and their boys came to visit later in the afternoon. After several hours in the swimming pool earlier in the day, this little guy was thrilled to walk into his uncle's house and find that the visitors had sons and lots of cars and trucks!

He occupied himself for a long time, just playing and imagining all kinds of wonderful scenarios.

But soon, that novelty wore off and he ventured outside where the rest of the boys were playing. So what happens when you have one car, and four little boys who want to be the driver? You take turns, right?

Well, maybe...

And you try to be patient until it is your turn behind the wheel again...

Or, you just chill and patiently enjoy the view around you--like little brother! (Now who knew he was merely lurking in the grass, waiting for his big moment in the car!)

When extra manpower arrives, you take advantage of it! Oh yes, you try to be kind to the woman and bring her along on the ride, too!

Then you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

But if you take your hands off the wheel and get distracted by other things, the youngest fellow will certainly move in on your territory!

He'll check things out and see if he likes the vehicle...

Then, he will take control!!! And he'll love every moment of it!

Finally, it was time for an ice cream cone snack. With seven little kids, and 108 degree heat, the kitchen floor seemed to be the best place for the kids to have their "ice cream cone party." These two cousins enjoyed each and every bite!
Thanks kids, for such an enjoyable time together, and special thanks to M&B for hosting this get-together.

On July 4th, we enjoyed a nice quiet day together with Chuck and Penny. Since it was Penny's birthday only two days prior, we celebrated again on Monday. Have a wonderful birthday year, dear Penny!

This was our very patriotic birthday dessert.

Chuck and Penny

Jim & Marilyn

We ended the night by watching the music show and fireworks in DC (and listening to all the firecrackers "popping" all around our neighborhood). 

Happy Birthday to our nation. We thank God for this great land that we live in!

Summer has Arrived! (part 1)

After many months of cooler weather, we finally have the hot days of summer. So that means a trip to the beach of course! (We like to go later in the day when we can actually find a spot to park and also a place to relax on the beach.) 

We love the relaxing sound of the seagulls...

...and the sound of the waves.

We loved watching the surfers, waiting for the perfect wave...

...and the fishermen, waiting for the perfect catch!

While we were sitting on the beach, a couple of guys flew overhead in their ultra-lite planes. 

What an awesome feeling that must be, hanging there in mid-air! And what a view!

On Saturday, we went to visit our son and his family. The day was very hot (it felt just like our hot season in Africa!) but we still enjoyed being outside. B's brother and family were visiting, so we were able to enjoy somebody else's grandkids! This delightful young man latched on to Jim and called him "Mr Grandpa" for  the rest of the afternoon.

E was her sweet little self...

K was in her glamour mood...

Strawberries for snack...YUM!

It was fun to just visit and hang out with family and friends.

Or just enjoy being with grandpa...

Or play in the water sprinkler...

This little girl found some sunglasses laying on the table...

...and soon they got passed on to big sister!

Such a happy little girl she is!