Montana Happenings

I have a little catching up to do.

We've been having fun exploring Montana (which really does seem to have a bigger sky...how is that??).

A couple weeks ago we went to a "deck party" for Ben's work at an Osprey's game (minor league baseball).

Free food. Free seats. Free fun.

Unfortunately, we failed to get a picture.

I think we were the youngest couple there...especially with a baby (story of our lives), but everyone adored Abram, of course.

We've also been downtown to the farmer's market...really fun! It's a lot smaller than the one in Minneapolis, of course, but still fun.

Side note: Montana does not have state tax. Awesome. My grocery bill is always a little less than I anticipate!

Last weekend we took a quick trip and drove 2 hours north up to Bigfork, MT, a little town that sits on Flathead Lake, which is one of the prettiest lakes I've ever seen (...and yes...failed to get a good picture of the lake...I blame the cold, windy weather).

Bigfork encompasses everything you could want in smalltown Montana.

We walked around downtown and visited fun shops and beautiful art galleries. There was a lot of Native American art, which was so interesting!

We also happened to hit the galleries on their once-a-month reception night when they provide delicious appetizers for all the passerby. We scored some yummy chocolate, cookies, crackers & dip, lemonade, fresh fruit...even salmon and shrimp!

We might as well have stuck Abram on the gallery wall and asked for money the way he attracted people's attention...

"Oh, he is such a flirt!"

"Well, he's the youngest visitor this gallery has ever had!"

"What a charmer!"

The flirt thing really bugged me though.

"Um, no, this is just my sweet, innocent 5-month-old, thank you...."

Don't worry, I was nice.

We had some really good sandwiches at a cute cafe called Montana BearFood.

And we found an awesome deal at the Timbers Lodge Motel.

Somehow they still let us in without meeting the two apparent requirements to lodge there:

1. Be over 60 years old

2. Own a Harley

However, it ended up being a nice motel. Ben was the only one brave enough to swim in the outdoor pool, though it was probably only in the 40's.

This was at one of the fun little shops we walked through...in the hat section. :)

Ben had Abram in our carrier most of the time and we kept him wrapped up all cozy.

This is Bigfork Bay, leading out to Flathead Lake.

(see the big sky?)

This was a few days later, back in Missoula. Every Thursday night at a nearby park, there's live music and food vendors from all over.

That night they also had a kayaking competition on the Clark Fork River. The kayakers do tricks--all kinds of spins, turns, and even flips under the water! It was fun to watch.

Even Abram liked it.

Next up: Our 4th of July weekend...