The Montana Family Vacation

Mom, Ron and Christian spent eight days with Chet and I, in Montana. Prior to them coming we had so many guests for a few weeks. All the guests checked out two days before they arrived and then guests didn't come until the day Christian left. What a God thing! God knew we needed a little vacation and we had no guests stay at the B&B while the three of them were here! God is good.

Chet and I had an absolute, wonderful time with them. We made delicious dinner, desserts, and breakfasts. Mom and Ron even tried a new B&B breakfast recipe that was so good. We also had amazing weather. We spent a lot of time at the lake. The boys fished at least five days, and we went water skiing several times. One of the days was spent hiking to Lupine Lake and enjoying a picnic. Wednesday was Chet's 24th Birthday so we spent it at the lake, fishing, skiing and had a Birthday dinner at the lake house. Chet marinated the ribs overnight and they were yummy! Dinner was perfect and to top it off I made homemade huckleberry/apple pie with homemade ice cream! :-)

The day after Chet's birthday Dylan, Chris, Chet, Mom and I went white water rafting and man was the fun. Mom got to check white water rafting off her bucket list! Dylan made the trip pretty funny, because he almost fell out of the boat but Chris, our EMT certified guy, pulled Dylan back into the raft. What an adventure! And while we were out in Glacier we had to get huckleberry ice cream and snacks.

The last big event we had during our vacation was the B&B's grand opening party. We pretty much planned it around Chet, Mom and Ron. And we're so glad we did because they all helped tremendously. Mom and Ron are great entertainers and they made it much easier for Mary, Rick, Chet and I. I know that I can say, without them there it would have been a lot more difficult. The party was a huge success and over 100 people showed up!!!! We had a roasted pig and it was GOOD!

Chet took Mom and Ron flying for the first time and they both liked it!!!

Of course the trip went by way too fast and I wish I could rewind a bit, but I'm so unbelievable blessed the three of them could come (if only the rest of the family was with us) and enjoy a vacation with Chet and I at our home! The hardest part about living in Montana is being away from family. That's why I'm so thankful and will never take for granted the time I do have with my family. Nobody and nothing can replace a family. I love all of my family and I thank Jesus everyday for them.

Homesteader's for a Day

Chet and I spent a full day and night living as homesteaders. The Wagar's cabin is an original homestead cabin in a very remote part of Northwest Montana. It's a true log cabin built in 1909, and let me give you an idea of what a true cabin is like: it's one that has no electricity, no running water, an out-house, wood burning stove, wood burning fireplace and the entire cabin is one big room. It was only supposed to take us fifty minutes to get there, but we took the scenic route and it ended up taking two hours to find the place. Murphy's directions weren't the best. For example, he said that when you go over three bumps you're getting close. :-) We drove on a dirt road for over an hour to get to the cabin. There was nobody around and it was great.

Once we got there I just knew we would have a great time. The scenery of the area is magnificent. The cabin is perfectly located on Thompson river. The view is spectacular! Chet brought his fishing gear and his very first cast he caught a fish. He ended up catching 6 fish in one day! We had lunch overlooking the river, fished, swam, relaxed and enjoyed God's creation. There was not tell of time, which made it even better. No phone service, no TV, just the two of us in the middle of nowhere. Not having a phone beep and go off constantly with emails, texts, and phone calls was the BEST!

Chet and I cooked our dinner in a dutch oven atop the wood burning fireplace. Dinner was delicious and afterwards we cleaned our dishes in the river, and also took a shower in the river. Now this is unheard of but after dinner we took a nap! And I never take naps, but I needed it after a busy 2 weeks with guests. At 9:30pm we were still swimming in the river, because it was so warm outside. During the summer months in Montana it stays light outside until past 10pm. But I packed tons of candles and once it got dark we lit them all over the place and took some outside to play cards. Chet and I ended up playing cards, talking and relaxing until midnight.

Of course we slept in, enjoyed breakfast out on the deck and then had to end our trip by packing up to head home, because we had guests coming that afternoon.

Even though we were only gone for one day and night, it was the best mini-vaca ever!!!! It was so therapeutic, relaxing and fun. The Wagar's have a very special place and we're so blessed they shared it with us!

New Hikes in the Area

During Chet and I's free time we've been going on new hikes in the area: bald mountain hike, waterfall hike, Kootenai Falls and of course boating and skiing on Bitterroot Lake.

Guests Just Keep Coming

On Friday, June 24th, we had a house full of guests for five days. Chet and I served breakfast for up to 15 people just the two of us!!!! We were extremely busy. In one day I did 14 loads of laundry. Yes, 14 loads, crazy huh? The following day I did another 8. :-) We do quite a bit of laundry when we have a full house. Anyways, Chet and I had a great time with the guests and they all loved the breakfasts, appetizers and freshly baked goods in their room. One of our new breakfast dish is danish abelskibers and the guests love them! My papa would be proud.

As that group of guests were at the B&B we kept getting reservations for either the next day or a few days later. Reservations kept coming and we were booked last weekend. One couple loved staying with us so much that they cancelled a hotel reservations and came back to stay with us three days later.

Chet and I have had guests from Czech Republic, Britain, Korea, Canada and all over the US. We've had a good time getting to know and chat with people from all over the world.

The B&B is keeping Chet and I busy with cooking, cleaning, laundry advertising and such. We are doing well here and loving this beautiful sunny weather.