Spring Break. We made it. Pulling ourselves through a dark and rainy winter, we set our sights on the brilliance of spring break. The promise of sunshine. A week to breathe.
And in our case - we pack our bags for a road trip to Missoula, MT.
Last summer while visiting family in Missoula ~ we agreed to return to Big Sky country for our spring break. Ross's mom (Myrna) is the deacon for the Episcopal church and as a special gift for her, we asked if she would like to baptize the babies. She was delighted. The baptism date was set for Easter. My own family in Wisconsin planned to join us as well. Before ya know it we had a family gathering in motion. While the idea of taking a long trip with 2 toddlers was (and still is) daunting we decided to go for it!
For those of you that don't know - western Montana is the most magical place on earth to me. It is my spiritual home. When I am there, I feel parts of my own soul come alive again. I am like a stream that begins to stir after being covered with ice throughout the winter. The idea of spending a week in her loveliness, breathing in Ponderosa pines and the sweet grasses of the Rattlesnake Wilderness was too tempting to pass up. And the chance to see all of our family again...and to let them play with babies...sounded great. We loved the ideas of our babes playing with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents on BOTH sides of the family.
So we were off. Bag and baggage. Babes and babies. Planes, trains and automobiles. Look Out
--------------------------
WALKING IN THE RATTLESNAKEHighlight of my trip: My best friend Tracy and I backpack Jonas and Jember into the Rattlesnake Wilderness (a trailhead located in Missoula. Its always been a favorite place to walk for us.) She brought her 2 boys (Ravi and Nyon), a picnic lunch, and baby carriers. We walked with our children into the woods and held our own "welcoming ceremony" with them at the creek. It was lovely.
It was a beautiful, sunny day for our walk.
Ravi, Nyon and my nephew Ben became fast friends in the Rattlesnake.
We have known each other forever. My wonderful friend!
BAPTISM NIGHT
Ross and I with babies before the service. (Thats my sister to my right). We are doing silent prayers that the babies don't melt down before the service. Babies wore their Ethiopian clothing that they received as gifts from the orphanage in Addis. I wept when I saw how beautiful they looked, like an Ethiopian prince and princess.
Ross's parents: Myrna and Robert. Myrna did SO much work prior to the baptism. The flowers looked amazing. Thanks Myrna!
Grandpa Robert loves his baby Jember!
My mother (Gramma Sharon) loving up Jonas after the service.
My parents join us for pics after the service
EASTER
Ross helps Jonas find eggs during the Easter egg hunt
Jember prefers to make omlets in the yard, rather then find eggs.
Gramma Myrna lovin up Jonas
My niece, Elizabeth. So pretty!
My dad and I talk to my neice, Ania. Ania will be a famous writer someday. You heard it here first!
Ben, Elizabeth,Jember and Jonas
My sister-in-law Magda always makes me laugh
She spent half the afternoon climbing up and down from this color little chair. She loved it!
And on April 28th we celebrate "Gotcha Day"!! Yes. We have had these amazing little souls in our life for almost 1 YEAR!! How blessed we are!!
Happy Spring, Everyone!
(Yep. He had been playing in a mud puddle...and loving every minute of it.)
He likes show tunes really. I think he is playing something from "Hair".
He sat on daddys lap the whole time. 
Jember gives her ideas on how to cut his hair. 
Who is that handsome guy?
Jember loves the new look!! Hooray!
A serious boy with a new haircut. He's still thinking about the buzzing clippers!
"Ok. Enough photos! Lets go!"
All ready for summer!
/>
