At the Ranch

Our cousins, the Roaune family, has a cattle ranch a few miles north of town. We went for a visit and Ethan helped feed the cows.

Mary Kate wasn't particulary impressed with the cows. They are heavy breathers and can be kind of pushy.

We enjoyed some iced tea at Hannah's and Mary Kate decided to sample the lemon slices.

Ethan enjoyed his first root beer. "Wow!" he exclaimed, "That's tasty!" He thought it was really cool to drink it out the of can. Mom cut him off after about half the can. Major sugar rush!

Then we went out and checked the herd out in the fields.

Mom and and Mary Kate rode in the cab with Uncle Steve and Aunt Rayetta. Dad, Ethan, Steph and Pat rode in the back of the truck. Ethan absolutely loved bouncing around back there.

Day 3...We Made It!

Hooray!!! We made it to Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Here's Mary Kate and Grandpa doing what turned out to be one of MK's favorite vacation activities...climbing the stairs.

Our cousins, Stephanie and Patrick came over to visit and play.

And Ethan and Grandpa (and Moki the dog) took a ride on the four wheeler. After that first ride, Ethan pretty much wanted to spend every waking moment on the four wheeler.

Takin' a walk with Grandpa...

More pictures from Day 2 on the road

Ethan helping dad fill 'er up in Medina, North Dakota.

Remember what gas pumps used to look like before the digital credit card pay at the pump age began?

Stretching our legs at a park.

And getting some much needed swing time in before answering the call of nature (a potty break) and the open road (convincing the kids to get back into the van).

Winding down with a good book at our hotel in Miles City...or trying to, at least. The kids were climbing all over like wild monkeys, overjoyed not to be strapped in their car seats anymore!

4th of July Waterslide Fun

Our hotel had a small indoor waterslide park with a ship theme. So this morning, we all had a lot of fun splashing around for a couple hours before hopping in the van to drive thru not-so-scenic North Dakota.

We made it to Miles City, Montana today...about 500 miles. We were all too tired to stay up to watch fireworks tonight, but we're looking forward to the big parade, festival and fireworks on Saturday in Columbus.

On The Road...Day 1

We made it to Fargo at about 7:30 pm. We had a pizza for supper and relaxed in our hotel room before Ethan and Daddy went and checked out the indoor waterpark at the hotel. But first, Ethan needed to do some major stretching after all that time in the van.

Mary Kate loves to carry her sandals around with her when they're not on her feet. Don't eat them, though, baby! Yuck!

Our Montana Adventure Begins

This afternoon, after Dad's dentist appointment, we hit the road for Big Sky Country. The kids settled into their carseats for the 4 hour drive to Fargo. We're planning for 2.5 days on the road to cover the 920 miles to Grandpa and Grandma Wheeler's house.

Ethan's top choice for in-van entertainment...The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales book and CD.

Mary Kate looking super cute.

Dino Face

Ethan is getting excited for his upcoming Dinosaur day camp experience in August. Here he is practicing his Dino Face.