Adventures in Camping...

So we finally pulled out the old tent, packed up the Suburban and took off for a couple of days of adventure in 'the wild'. None of us can even remember the last time we went camping, it's been that long, so we were due.

We drove to Hauser Lake, just outside of Helena. Set up camp and within minutes saw lighting and heard thunder. The first crack of lightning and thunder were split seconds apart and I instantly said to Jeff, "That was close!" So we hopped in the Suburban and went for a quick drive to check out the area. As is usual form for afternoon Montana storms the skies were clear in less than 20 minutes, so we headed back to camp. (Had some good views of a double rainbow - that the photos just don't do justice too.)

The last time we camped (years upon years ago) we went to Holter Lake, between Great Falls and Helena. On that venture we discovered that Holter's bathroom did not have running water so after using the restroom one had to head to the nearest outdoor spigot and wash ones hands, soap-free (unless you had thought ahead and packed some camp soap that is). So the decision was made to give Hauser a try this time around, as Hauser actually has/had running water & soap in the bathroom (the little things turn out to be quite important when one is tent-camping).

So we arrived back in camp, after the little storm passed through. Got moving on the campfire, made our dinner and enjoyed the meal. After dinner we ventured to the water pump to get some water for washing dishes and discovered there was no water! Turns out that little lightning strike hit a transformer immediately outside of the campground and the water pumps were electric - so no water for us! We managed, it was like tent camping in the back country (haven't done that in almost 30 years)!

Our campsite - definitely one of the best tent sites

After s'mores by the campfire we headed to bed for the night...Jeff and I quickly realized a few hours in that our bodies just aren't made for tent camping anymore, but we lived to tell!

Ventured out on the lake over the next two days and enjoyed our little adventure immensely!

The view of the Hauser dam from the boat

Hauser Dam

Jeff - ready to tube!

Jared - always loves being on the boat!

Jeff & Jared in the 'rocket' as Jared called it!

Jared & Teddy - just waking up on Day 2

Like a Kid again...

The Blue Angels are in Great Falls!

No one seems to understand or appreciate my enthusiasm...but it truly brings out the kid in me!

I grew up a Navy brat, and an officer's brat too boot! The only time I can ever remember my dad pulling rank was when an air show came to town. We had the privilege of sitting in the VIP bleacher seating with every air show - and in my opinion, there really is no other way to see an air show.

Today we had the privilege of being invited to the airport to watch their dress rehearsal. This invitation was made possible by the fact that we have a Special Olympian in our household - so you could say we pulled rank today. All I can say is that it was amazing and I remain in awe of the Blue Angels and their incredible abilities. It was wonderful to be able to be in an audience of about 200, we all were in the front row, as opposed to the 20,000 they are expecting over the weekend! There really is no other way to view the Blue Angels!

Over the years, Jeff has also attended many air shows, but apparently he's never been that 'up close and personal' as he had never witnessed what I call the 'pomp & circumstance' that make up the Blue Angels. The mechanics do everything in sync, the pilots parade out and their entry into the cockpit of their planes is timed perfectly with the announcer introducing them, etc. These are some of the little things that make an air show and the Blue Angels so special - precision.

Funny Story...

Wow, it's been a long time - more proof about the theory of time, flight and speed! Who knew it seems like just yesterday!

Funny story to share...Jared got into the shower recently and in a big loud voice yells "It's damn too hot!" So I went into the bathroom and said, "Excuse me, what did you just say?" He peeked out from behind the curtain and gave me this sheepish grin and replied, "Nothing!" I again asked what he had said, same reply but this time with hesitation as he thought he might be in trouble. I then said, "Don't you mean, 'It's too damn hot?'" And he laughed and said "It's too damn hot!"

Well that's tonight's quick post...hopefully I won't forget about my blog for so long next time - til then...stay cool!

Metal Mouth

Jared began the adventure of getting his braces on a couple of weeks ago…he has four braces on his top front teeth. Next month they’ll finish putting the braces on his top teeth and will probably start on the bottom in two months. I have to digress and say just how very much I appreciate and like our orthodontist – for taking the time to work with Jared and helping him adjust to this huge change in his life. Jared is adjusting quite well, all things considered…from having been adamant that he was not going to get braces six months ago to now we’ve come pretty far. But it’s going to be a long road ahead! I’m feeling mother’s guilt though…I’m feeling bad for his pain (and I’m personally very familiar with the type of pain he is experiencing) and I’m also feeling bad that I should have been able to anticipate at least some of his questions, especially since Justin (and Jeff for that matter) went through this whole process about five years ago. One thing I definitely tried to avoid was the subject of pain – I didn’t want to give him any preconceived ideas. If he’d asked I would have been honest, but thankfully before this adventure began he did not ask. But I still should have anticipated some of his questions…the first question he asked after getting them on was if he’d ever be able to eat. Shortly thereafter he asked the question of whether or not he could take them out to go to sleep. Followed by the question of how long he’d have braces. Of course he’s already asking how they take them off too. Some of these questions I could have and should have anticipated, but others I couldn’t have begun to foresee. Overall, he is adjusting extremely well. He’s learning what he can and can’t eat and figuring out how to eat the things he really wants to (break up the cookie rather than just biting into it). Thankfully, the pain issue has diminished as well – as it does…of course it always goes away just in time to go back to the orthodontist!

Ahhhh-wooooooo

That’s me howling at the moon…last Saturday we had a full moon, happens every month as you know. Well for me it usually means a week of less sleep. I can be completely unaware of when a full moon is, on the calendar, but my body always knows. The rest of the month I’ll sleep like a rock, but for a few days each month when the moon is full I sleep less.

This month the full moon was known as a Super Moon, as it was closer to the Earth than it has been in almost 20 years. Great Falls decided to be cloud covered so we were unable to see any of the moon's glory. We were kind of bummed, as we wanted to catch a glimpse and perhaps a photo or two, but no such luck this time around. Apparently the next chance to see a Super Moon will be in 2016 – so I’ll have to be sure I’m awake (no problem there) and ready to watch it! In the meantime I'm getting ready for a good night's rest...keep your fingers crossed that tonight is the night!

The purple dinosaur

I'm a bit embarrassed to share this story but it'd make a great Reader's Digest story...it's so comical and typical Jared I have to share...

For many years Jared has been a humongous Barney fan.  Many parents get irritated about Barney after just a couple of years, we had the joy of having Barney videos played in our house for close to two decades.  When Jared was somewhere between 15 and 16 years old we finally managed to convince him to donate his Barney videos.  There have been times over the years that Jared has asked to purchase new Barney DVD's to which we've reminded him that Barney is a baby show and he is not a baby anymore.  So we've managed to live Barney free, for a few years...

Jared recently discovered Google, or as he refers to it "Doogle".  With that discovery he found that he can look up many of his favorite shows, from Arthur to Winnie the Pooh.  Of course it wasn't long before he found Barney!  He has proceeded to watch many episodes, old and new, and has been enjoying himself.  As we sit at the dinner table Jared likes to tell us about the shows that he's been watching.  Not long after he discovered Barney he mentioned specific Barney episodes that he'd been watching.  I reminded him that Barney is a baby show and that he is not a baby and I have no interest or desire to hear anything about Barney - as I have watched every single episode almost as many times as he has.  What is so funny and typical Jared is that when I reminded him of the fact that I did not wish to hear anything about Barney he sat quietly for a moment and after giving it a bit of thought and with a sly smile on his face he casually stated "So, that purple dinosaur..." 

Winds of change...

One of the first things that Jeff & I learned about Great Falls, before we moved here, is that this city is famous for its wind.  It is actually windier here than the 'Windy City'! Who knew? Of course, there are those who curse the wind, but not I!  We've had a few beautiful days here over the past week, as a result of the wind ALL of the snow is gone, or I should say was gone.  It started again, a little more than an hour ago.  I have to say that when the snow comes down the trees are just beautiful!  I'm in awe...