Christmas Tree Cutting

We got a Christmas tree from the Lolo National Forest this year. It was a much different experience than cutting a tree from Coconino National Forest/North Rim. First, there were so many places to go nearby, which was convenient. In Arizona, there was only one road up to Jacob Lake, and it was 90 minutes away. The forest in Jacob Lake also had many tall pine trees, so we had to search for the smaller trees that tried to grow in the shade. Here, there were trees everywhere - different types and all sizes. It was easy to find a tree! In Arizona, we also had the distinction of driving from a wamer climate to a considerably different winter climate and back again. A last difference was that in Montana there were loads of other people doing the same thing, instead of us being one of a few. It was different, but just as enjoyable and memorable. We ended up with a nice douglas fir and have it decorated already.

Sledding

Not the most exciting video - just Annie & Jake on a sled ride.

Thanksgiving - Family & Snow

Grandpa & Aunt Annie trekked through snow, wind and cold to spend the holiday with us. We are so glad, thanks! It was a quite traditional holiday, with lots of food, drink and family time. We also got some shopping done and lots of board games were played. Annie and Brian skied for a half-day, as the early snow opened the slopes. The kids sledded, built a snow fort and generally enjoyed the snow. We all got a real kick out of having a house full of family!

A hike behind our house

Last weekend, we went for a hike behind our house. We recognize how nice it is to be surrounded by wilderness area & open space! Though the endless amounts of deer, and sometimes bear, poop in the yard get old. I took down many of the apples from our apple tree and put them in our garden, thinking it'd make nice compost. Well, overnight the dozens of wormy apples disappeared. Even Brian didn't believe me when I told him they were ALL gone. Anyway, just walk to the end of Sunflower Drive, and this trail takes you up Mount Jumbo with views of our home and Missoula.

Halloween

We enjoyed a nice round of trick-or-treating! We went with John & Max, friends from Jake's class. Then we picked up two more friends along the way. We are in the midst of a beautiful fall - full of the color of changing leaves. The high desert gave us a only a small glimpse of true season change. The pictures are from Annie class party and neighborhood trick-or-treating. We enjoyed the carving pumpkins - Jake's cyclopse, Annie's shapes and the family favorite - Brian's Harry Potter face.

Typical American School Pictures

Kindergarten for Annie
1st grade for Jake.

Lots of Goings On

Once again, it's been far too long. A crashed computer and lax photographing are to blame. A lot of things have happenened since my last post: Jake's birthday; Jake's birthday party with 15 boys and girls at the indoor pool; friends visiting on their way to their new home in Alaska; Aunt Annie's visit from Arizona; an afternoon at the pumpkin patch, including some hilarious apple-bobbing and even a bluegrass band; playing with friends; painting the house (inside) and a new front patio. I only have a couple of pictures. One is to announce that little Annie is now riding on 2 wheels! She's quite proud of herself, as she should be. The other pic is of Aunt Annnie and the goofy kids. There is also Jake and his new scooter, and an adorable snapshot of Annie at Peas Farm for the pumpkin-fest.