Break out the camera...

Since we had the whole Unbehend side of the family together for the first time in years, we figured it was a good time to take some family shots. Say cheese everyone...

 

 

 

Fireworks & Flag Waving

There are few holidays that feel as good as Independence Day. Everyone dressed in red, white, and blue, beautiful sunshine throughout the day, fireworks rocking the night, and burgers smoking on the grill. What could be better? One of the first days Becky and I ever spent together was the Fourth of July way back in the year 2000, so it was even more special to spend this holiday together back where it all started in Montana. Plus, the kids had a blast getting to shoot off dangerous fireworks - something we haven't really ever been able to do in Texas. Other than one mishap where Brooke got shot by a mortar and Chris had to run into heavy fire to save the children, it was a fantastic time! Here are the highlights:

Evelyn getting in the holiday spirit!

Connor catching the parachute men

We did get a momentary downpour up at Joe's Smoke Ring, but thankfully the big tent saved us.

In the afternoon we checked out the festivities at Fort Missoula

Waiting in line to climb the fire watchtower

Not your ordinary children 

Connor looking for forest fires

Apparently there are over a hundred of these towers you can reserve out in the mountains to camp. Becky is thrilled for my next summer plans!

Found this familiar gazebo...

Then it was back to the house to blow more stuff up!

 

Definitely a beautiful July night in the Treasure State!

 

The Cousins

Our trip to Montana primarily consisted of trying to wrangle these 11 children. With the oldest being only 11, that makes for a large group of over-energized little people. The hardest part was just making sure we didn't lose one or let one slip out the gate. Thankfully, there were plenty of adults around and the yard was fenced. Either way, they all seemed to have a blast together. Here they are:

Paul

Brooke

Adam

Sophia

Lexi

Nolan

Nicholas

Connor

Evelyn

Will

Lilly

Never easy to get all 11 looking and smiling in the same direction...