TravelingMel

I've been taking a lot of pictures, as always, but haven't gotten around to posting any. So here you go.

Big H found some tunnels and tents at a garage sale and we have been loving them ever since. We use them inside and out, but you know that. They are a great distraction when things start getting a little out of control. Not that that ever happens.

Baby duck, Jesse and Anders in the tunnel.

Giving Finn a lesson in tunnelology.

The boys got bubbles in their daycare Valentine's Day bags. Since the weather had been pretty warm, we figured it was time to get out and blow bubbles. Since I am the only one who can reliably blow bubbles I didn't get pictures of the actual bubbles. I figure most of you are here to see the kids, dogs or scenery anyway. Or maybe to steal a glance at my super hot husband. (You're out of luck on that account. This is a Henry-free post. Sorry.)

Looking cute while waiting for mom to open the bubbles.

"So that's how you do it."

After chasing bubbles for a bit, we went looking for trains. We walked near the tracks, but didn't see any locomotives. Luckily there were rocks and sticks. Anders liked looking down the ground squirrel holes and imagining them sleeping down there.

Looking for trains, finding sticks.

Dousing for ground squirrels.

Finding tracks in the mud.

Then it was time for home and lunch. After some indoor play the boys were more than ready for their naps. Or was it me that was more than ready for their naps? Hard to recall.

Tuckered out after a morning of tunnels, bubbles, and trainspotting.

Fast forward a few days.

We like a good game of hide and go seek around here. Anders LOVES it. He is so excited about being found that he usually announces his location while we are looking for him. Good thing because he and Finn come up with some challenging hiding spots.

Look closely. You'll never guess where Finn is hiding.

There he is!

Anders has found an equally challenging spot to hide.

There he is!

Fast forward again...

I used to use scavenger hunts when I worked in environmental education. They are appealing to kids because they feel like a treasure hunt. And they are a treasure hunt. They are appealing to outdoor educators because they get kids to tune in to their surroundings. They can also be a good way to introduce a topic.

Debi at Go Explore Nature recently posted about a scavenger hunt they did. The list she linked to was perfect for us, so we printed it out and went on our own scavenger hunt.

We found a smooth rock. Cross it off the list!

Yeah! There are ducks here, too.

Finding a rock naturally leads to throwing rocks into the creek.

Finn takes a moment to enjoy his surroundings. I love how he crosses his legs when he sits.

Berries. Also on the scavenger hunt list.

Throwing rocks in the creek naturally leads to playing in the playground.

Throwing rocks from the bridge, of course.

Tuckered out after a morning outside.

So now you are pretty much caught up.

More pictures on my Flickr page.

Today the boys and I decided to experience the west. That's what was promised to us by the Wild West Winterfest organizers.

And experience the west, we did. As we do everyday since we live in the west. We did have fun though. There were kids' activities, a horse sale (good thing Big H wasn't with us or they'd have another horse ), dog agility, wagon rides and a whole lot of animals to check out and even some to pet.

Anders ropes a (wooden) steer with the help of a Bridger Rodeo Club member.

Anders is ready to ride. Finn watches on. In this flag event, Anders must ride his steed to a couple barrels, and plant his flag.

And, he's off!

The flag is safely in the barrel.

The boys check out a horse trailer.

Checking out a horse trailer.

Taking a ride on a horse-pulled wagon.

Holding hands and goat watching.

Cute, cute piglets.

The rare chicken-pony.

To beat the winter blahs we've signed up for gymnastics. (I'm just kidding about the winter blahs, more like the winter yee haws!) We're just doing it because it is so darn fun.

Last year, Anders and I did the parent/kid class while Finn rode on my back. I knew there was no way Finn would hang out in a backpack and watch his brother have tons of fun, so we waited until Anders turned 3 (that's how old you need to be to be in a class without a parent) and signed them both up.

Anders is in Gym Kids and Finn and I are doing Movement Mania at Lone Mountain Gymnastics in Bozeman. Anders is rocking the big kid class (after a little separation anxiety that lasted all of ten minutes) and Finn is climbing over everything he can find (unless one of the teachers comes up to him, then he begs to be picked up by me and kept away from those who clearly intend him harm).

A little disclaimer on these photos: it's inside, I'm trying to keep Finn from diving off things, and Anders is at the other end of the building, which requires a lot of zooming. All those things = blurry photos.

Super Finn tackles the slide. No fear.

Jumping off that half ball thingy whose name I forget and tapping the balloon.

The tunnel is a favorite.

Nothing but a blur as Anders hops down the tumble track.

A careful crossing.

Anders' class. This photo is actually pretty cool.

I tried to take a group shot before we sang the goodbye song, but the camera only focused on me. It knows who owns it.

I've mentioned in a couple posts that I am taking a horseback riding class. Beginning western equitation, to be precise. I found out about the class while working on a story about MSU's equine science program. Turns out, MSU has a herd of more than 30 horses and offers beginning and intermediate western and English equitation as well as colt breaking and how to be an instructor (I forget what that one is called).

Since I get a tuition waiver as an MSU employee I thought I'd take a class. It's nice to do something brand new and totally out of my comfort zone once in awhile. I am the only person in the class who has never been on a horse and am at least 15 years older than everyone else.

(H took all the photos including the ones on Flickr (see below))

Riding around the arena.

Putting on the halter.

My buddy, Kid.

I get to ride Kid for the first half of the semester and then we switch it up.

You can see more pictures of me and Kid on my new Flickr photostream.

Friends of ours recently purchased an outfitting company called Willow Ranch Outfitters. They will take you and your friends or family hunting, fishing or horse packing. Peter and Brooke are awesome folks and their horses are oh so pretty.

(I stole some tiny photos from their site...that's how it goes on the internet sometimes...)

Norwegian Fjord horse in Montana wilderness.

Hunting isn't really my thing, but if it is yours, you should go on one of their trips. Even if you don't want to hunt, you should go on one of their trips. Why? Because the places they go are drop-dead gorgeous (you won't actually drop dead on one of their trips). You get to ride a horse, stay in a super comfy wall tent and have someone cook you delicious meals. Sounds great, doesn't it?

Just slightly nicer than my backpacking tent. If there was a cute Malamute in there it would be the perfect place.

Now that I am taking horseback riding classes, this sounds like an amazing adventure.

Here is what they say about the business:

Operating for over 30 years, Willow Ranch Outfitters has created hundreds of hunters, fishermen and families a true Montana wilderness experience. Outfitted by the legendary Storrs Bishop, Willow Ranch is one of the last outfitted hunting camps in the area. Willow Ranch offers quality Montana elk hunts and full service fly fishing trips throughout South Central Montana.

Our big game hunting and fly fishing services are done with the highest skill, passion and respect for the unique resources of the landscape. We pride ourselves on the friendliest, highest quality guides and camp staff in Montana. We believe in a well-rounded experience for all our guests. Not only will you see big game, big fish and big skies; you will also enjoy our camps, boats, and guides. Your guides and staff will help you experience a big game, fair chase hunt or fly fishing experience of the highest caliber!

Willow Ranch’s hunting terrain is one of a kind, located in the heart of the Taylor-Hilgard Basin of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. In our outfitted area you will find resident and migratory elk from Yellowstone National Park and you have a good chance of seeing LARGE bulls!

In the summer, our clients experience full service fly fishing trips on the famed freestone rivers, spring creeks, and lakes of Montana. You will be hard pressed to find a more majestic, wild or magical hunting or fly fishing experience anywhere.

With Willow Ranch Outfitters, you will get the best hunting and fly fishing trip of your life - a trip of a lifetime and a true Montana wilderness experience.

Montana is pretty.

Now get out of here and go book your trip. Go shoot something. Tell your friends! These people have a baby and need the income...plus it would be an amazing trip. Tell them Melynda sent you. Now git!