End of summer

We spent the month of August back in Bozeman. We were hoping the June rains would hold back some of the wildfires but no such luck. The air was often thick with smoke and the mountains frequently obscured. But it was still beautiful and we enjoyed more time with friends and family. Sienna is starting high school so I happily joined Jenny on a girls’ back-to-school shopping road trip to Salt Lake City — so fun! Before we knew it, Frank celebrated another birthday in Bozeman and it was time to head back to Milwaukee.

The mountains – first you see them, then you don’t!

Hyalite

Had lots of fun with Susan who visited from Milwaukee.

She even did a bridge jump!

Susan’s cousin was in town and we ran into her at Music on Main.

Road trip to Salt Lake City for school shopping.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City road stop

We spent a day at Salt Lake’s Lagoon amusement park.

Before and after views of the Colossus roller coaster.

A highlight for the girls was visiting the school where they filmed “High School Musical.”

We randomly ran into a guy who was happy to give us a tour of East High.

Jenny was in her happy place visiting Salt Lake City’s Whole Foods.

Bozeman Car Show

Happy Birthday Frank!

Birthday dinner with the chicks.

On our last night, Sienna made us dinner.

The day we left she had her first day of high school. Where does the time go?

Want more of Bozeman?

Read about another Bozeman summer (including wild fires, a visit to a rodeo and even an earthquake!) in this 2017 post.

Little victories

I’ve previously mentioned how traveling can nudge you out of your comfort zone. When you’re home, it’s easy to become complacent, “Why would I want to do that?”  Traveling gives you the opportunity to stretch and say, “Why NOT?!”

Although the things I’ve done in Bozeman don’t quite rise to previous “levels of wild” (i.e. skydiving, diving with sharks, walking with lions), I did push myself a couple times.

Climbing the “M”

The “M” has always intimidated me by its steepness and height.

This year, I decided to try it.

At the top of the “M”!!!

Bridge Jumping

Evidently, bridge jumping is “a thing” in Montana. Why would I want to do that? I hate cold water (yes, I’m one of those who has to walk in an inch at a time before going under). I don’t like heights. And who wants to jump into a dark hole when you don’t even know what’s in it or how deep it really is.

Even the girls debated whether or not to jump . . .

But then they did!

First Holly

then Sienna

and then Cee Cee

After a while, I went and sat on the bridge. Sienna came up next to me. “What are you afraid of? What’s the worse that could happen?” she asked. “It’s deep enough. It will be cold but I will have a warm towel waiting for you.”  Who could argue with that?!!

#littlevictories #nevertooold

Back to Bozeman – our second home

Frank and I have come to see Bozeman as a second home. It’s relaxing. We have family here. We arrive and easily get into our routines. Frank has his pool. I have my hikes. We have our favorite bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores. It’s easy.

That said, every time we come we discover something new and fun in this beautiful area of the country. And sometimes we have visitors : )

It’s been a rainy June in Bozeman.

Rainy weather, however, makes it beautifully green!

I have my favorite hikes like Pete’s Hill (above) and Drinking Horse.

Drinking Horse hike

As kids do, Jenny’s are growing up. Sienna and Cee Cee just finished 8th grade.

Tyler turned 18! (that’s his girlfriend Meghan)

We visited Jordan in Missoula. He showed us his kilns where he does all his pottery.

Frank made some great meals, as . . .

did Jenny. She made a plate-licking huckleberry pie.

Our favorite food truck changed to tacos and crepes – no more bbq ribs – but still a good stop.

First trip to the Bozeman “beach”

Jenny and I got very excited when we heard who was visiting . . .

Aaaaaannnnn-dy!

He always makes us laugh!

4th of July in Big Sky – nothing like family!