Johanna's mountain

Johanna said she wanted to climb a mountain, so mom and dad were only too happy to oblige, we had a great break in the weather, and a great day. thought we would share our montana mountains with you!

i don't know where she got that pose...like mother, like daughter.

 lake koocanusa into canada, right above bob's sunglasses is the border.

downhill is always faster when you can sled down!

Helena, Montana

we were lucky enough to be hosted by uncle mike, our house representative, in helena, our state's capital.  bob gave a testimonial before a sub-committee about future fisheries funding.  he did a great job! 

we were lucky enough to be introduced before the entire house of representatives by uncle mike.  they gave us a standing ovation!  (a tradition to welcome family members)  logan made an impression by sticking his fingers in his ears as everyone was clapping. 

 we spent most of the day touring the capital and watching the proceedings and talking to folks. 
it was a truly fascinating experience.  i will never take for granted the commitment that it takes to make our government work.  impressive people.

 will finish the captions when the kids go to sleep!!!

uncle mike is on the left, too far away to see well.  no flash pictures allowed in the capital building.

Montana Historical Meuseum, VERY kid friendly!  right across the street from the capital.

Johanna in a blackfoot tipi, she wants one at camp cuffe now.

growling like a grizzly!!!

Can't go to Helena without visiting the merry go round.

it's a true montana merry go round... grizzlies....

and wolves, and river otters....

and mountain goats!

these are two very cool, road trip lovin' kids!

merry christmas!

merry christmas everyone!  if you are reading this, you are very special to us.  we are so thankful for the support from our family, and our family of friends.  life is so good to us and we are thankful for the inspiration we get from all of you.   hope you are snug and cozy with those you love this christmas.  happy birthday Jesus!

 the view from home.

 the kiddos

 the newest member of our family...danni girl!  max's new sidekick.  who will hopefully assist him in kicking out the bears and lions and wolves! oh my!

 johanna and logan hanging out in the lodge at turner mountain. ski season is in full swing with LOTS  of great powder!  its a winter wonderland here and we are enjoying all the playing it has to offer.

logan saying bye to mommy, "go fast mommy."
"oh, okay honey, if you insist."

its snowing!!!!!!!!!!!

warning!

the warning, is that these pictures are just for aunties and uncles and grandparents who love and cherish my kiddos from afar.  i fully realize these are blatant adoration shots..... and i confess.  i do adore my little dancing girl.  i don't know what i was more thrilled with, dancing johanna or cowgirl johanna.   life is good... so good.

yahoooo!!!! cowgirl johanna!

on the road again, i just can't wait to get on the road again...

we've been road warriors this summer, following bob around the state supporting him while he's working.  the kids are loving it and enjoy their "hotel homes" and the bunk houses.

 tinkerbell bubbles for the hotel bathtubs

 johanna enjoys being photographer.

the highlight of their day?  watching daddy work.  this is bigfoot creek, by turner mountain ski area/

family bed, in our hotel home.

we have hit every playground in 100 miles. 

 johanna's perspective of the car floor, cowgirl boots, butterfly identification book, etc.