Trip to Missoula

We just got back from a wonderful long-weekend, visiting Dan's brother and family in Missoula, MT.  They moved there three months ago and it was about time for a cousin fix!  So on Thursday we loaded up the van and made the eleven-hour trek (yes, I said eleven hours) to Missoula.  Matthew is a great traveler.  Claire...not so much.  But we made it!
Here is Claire, during one of her better moments in the car:


We stretched our legs in Ritzville, which is about halfway to Missoula.  Yes, the fire hydrant is just about the most exciting thing in Ritzville!


We got there past 10pm, and their kids were already sleep.  They were unaware (except for one) that we were coming.  So it was fun to surprise them when they woke up Friday morning!

The boys, together again!
 

 Here is Tim and Jamie with their six beautiful children:


Dan and his bro, hanging out with the girls (except for Kelsey and Claire):


You can't quite tell in this shot, but playing Slapjack with Uncle Dan is quite the rowdy activity:


Matthew and Kelsey especially hit it off this visit:


Just because it is 30 degrees outside, doesn't mean we can't get out some energy! (Music courtesy of one of our favorite kids' albums: "Slugs, Bugs & Lullabies.")


Tim and Jamie's girls, Madison and Jordan (#4 and #5):


Some baby-bonding time.  Quick, everybody grab the nearest form of paper to chew on!


Claire, getting the love from her 'big' cousin, Jordan:


Dan, his brother and the two boys went out shooting on Saturday morning.  Gotta live up to the whole Montana image thing. =)




Daniel is quite the shot!
 

They warmed up with a late lunch at the Cracker Barrel:

Meanwhile, the girls were at home...here are Kelsey and Hannah, doting on their little cousin:

 

Eating an "octopus" dinner that Aunt Jamie made for the kids, before heading out to see an illusion show by Brock Gill on Saturday night:


Goofing off at Sunday lunch:


Me, helping my oldest niece Hannah review her AWANA verses.  I sure loooove being an auntie!


After three special days together, it was time to say goodbye.  But not before some photo opps!
All eight children together:



This time, make a silly face!


The four adults...we are so blessed to have a brother and sister-in-law whom we love and enjoy so much!


We stayed overnight with friends in Spokane on our way home Sunday evening.  They were so hospitable and it was great to see them again.  Matthew and their youngest daughter are about the exact same age and hit it off really well.

Then it was back on the road for another eight hour drive on Monday.  Again, Claire was not a happy camper for most of the trip!  But the drive was SOOOOO worth it.  It was so special to spend some extended time with our precious family in Montana.  The love of a family is one of life's greatest blessings!