Montana love.

Last night I returned from my week long trip to Montana. It couldn't have been any lovelier. Each day was filled to the brim with activities, laughter and relaxation. There is nothing like sister-time to rejuvenate the soul, and there is nobody like a sister who understands your whereabouts and how and why you got there!

My sis is seriously so lucky to be livin it up in the great state of Montana.

God didn't skimp when it came to creating that beautiful state.

It is breath-taking and inspiring.

For Christmas, I am asking for one of these.

See how happy we are?

We need it.

And the kiddos--Well they just love each other,

and need cousin time just as much as I need sister time.

This little girl sobbed the first half-hour upon our return home. 

She told me between breaths that she missed her cousins. 

It melted my heart.

Family + the lake + the tree lined sky of Montana = love.

Greetings from Big Sky Country!

The kids and I arrived in Missoula, Montana early saturday evening for a week full of fun family time! My sister, husband and four boys reside here in this beautiful place. Even more spontaneous was my other sister's decision to join us with her little girl and bring my parents along, too! They came all the way from Utah!

Since we arrived, we've been hitting the shops, indulging in warm sweet treats such as banana chocolate crepes from Posh Chocolat and chocolate pudding cake--a recipe of my Grandma's that dates back forty or so years. Yum! I decided this week I could indulge a few times without the guilt, especially since I was able to sneak in a nine mile run on Sunday and a four mile run yesterday, thanks to the willing adult-babysitters. I would normally take the week off, since I am on vacation, but all the training I've been doing will come to a head in a week in a half when I run the Race for the Roses Half-Marathon in Portland. So letting up now, is not an option! We've also been catching up on tivo'd episodes of Dancing With the Stars and American Idol, and enjoyed watching the flicks The Blind Side and Twilight. Can you believe that I just saw Twilight for the first time a couple nights ago? Last night we enjoyed a Rock Band performance by Nana and some of the wee ones, and had a good laugh over six year old Lexon's way with the mic!

Today we are going to visit Real Deals, a home decor shop where my oldest sister, Tammy, scores all sorts of great home finds. I'll let you know if I find anything good! Tonight we are going to enjoy an adults-only dinner at Mambo's, an Italian restaurant in town, and then it will be back on the road tomorrow morning, to get back to Husband who is waiting for us ever so longingly!

credits 1 & 2