They're all in now...

It finally happened. The last one is in school. It's said so often, but it really is hard to believe how quickly time seems to go by. We've been in Texas now for more than 5 years. Nolan was born right before we got here, so if you add that up you get to kindergarten age. It doesn't really hit us until we start looking back at the photos posted on this blog and remember how little they all were when we got here. But that's the way it goes. Thankfully, we've still got a long way left to go. The journey is a long one from here for all of them still. Nolan kicks it all off this year, Adam is in third grade, and Paul has started middle school - which is a whole new journey of its own. We're just trying to keep them young for as long as we can, so wish us luck!

Back to school haircuts...

Paul's feelings exactly...

Gone Fishin'

A friend of mine brought his family down from Houston and asked if we wanted to take a fishing cruise out on the Gulf. It sounded like a good idea at the time, and it actually turned out to be. Overall it wasn't too expensive, considering the experience, and thankfully none of use got sick on the boat - which was a legitimate concern, since it was a bit rocky out on the waves, to put it lightly. The boat went full throttle for about an hour, throwing bucket-loads of water on us, out until we lost sight of the land.  Then they anchored us to an old oil structure of some sort and we got about an hour and a half to fish. The oil rigs create their own habitats under the water, so there were definitely a lot of fish of various sizes and types. Out of the 20 or so of us on the boat, we caught some Redfish, Sand Trout, Kingfish, and mostly Bonnethead Shark. Just about everything turned out fantastic on the grill afterward, and the kids had a great time. Surprisingly, Paul turned out to be the fisherman... and since I had to spend $47 on a fishing license, we'll be fishing again some time this year.

Last Days in Bozeman

Before Becky and the boys headed home, they spent a little time in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. They hung out with the Clayburns a little while longer, checked out the rodeo, and watched this parade apparently. I wasn't there, but I heard it was fabulous. A huge thanks to everyone for giving them a fantastic vacation! 

 

Take a Hike...

We did a lot of hiking in Montana. But, that's kind of Montana's thing. The mountains, the rivers, the forests, the epic landscapes and overlooks, the sunsets over the mountain canyons... it's all there to be seen with just a short (and often steep) walk. We took the kids in their matching shirts along the river through Greenough Park one day and later up the M Trail. Then on my last night in Montana, the kids tagged along for a hike up the L Trail. Both letters offer impressive views of Missoula, the valley, and Lolo Peak off in the distance. Becky and I used to take the dogs up to the L back in the day and it's always been one of my favorite views. For most of the kids, it was their first trip up Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo, and hopefully it was a memorable one.

The crew. 

Sometimes you need a lift...

Started up the M Trail... it was hot, real hot. But it was July, so that should be expected I guess.

 

Ready for more, the kids braved the L Trail.

Strike a pose, champions...

Watched these paragliders risk death to watch the sunset.

Off into the sunset... another beautiful hike, another beautiful trip. Thanks for the memories, Montana, they won't be forgotten. No worries, we'll be right back.