The circus was in town and cowboys days.

The circus came to town last week.  We choose not to spend the million dollars a ticket to go, but Ryann and I went with the neighbors to the parade through downtown.

Ryann and Ellie getting in the spirit with their clown noses.

They anxiously awaited the march of the elephants.

Here comes the parade...

and the elephants.  

I will stop here...the parade only lasted about 5 minutes.  Fun for the kids!

Ryann had cowboy days at school last week.  I had to post some pictures of her in her little boots!  So cute!!!!

Derek thought he was funny..."Go get 'em cowgirl!"

Her hat was a little big and kinda of annoying while she was trying to watch all of her friends sing "Shew Fly, Don't Bother Me."

Nothing sweeter than a sea of little, tiny cowboy hats and a mess of square dancing.

Ryann in is line with all her little friends.

They enjoyed flapjacks for snack!  Followed up with marshmellows.  She was all sugared up when she got home from school that day.  We missed our nap...hmmmmm.  

We have had some very busy days.  Oh, they are all busy....but, fun!

Our famous accomodations and a trip to Yellowstone.

Part of the fun for me when we go on vacation is staying in a fabulous hotel!  I admit it!  I am a hotel snob. I want my home away from home to be clean and cozy!  Well...

when you go to a really small town out in the country your choices are limited...no Sheraton or Hilton to be found.  

Most of our family booked rooms at the Lazy J and Motel 8.  Derek and I have a had some really bad experiences at the motel 8.  We choose to stay at the Lazy J...

  

The famous Lazy J Motel!!!  Their claim to fame...The Horse Whisperer was filmed here about 10 years ago.

They did have a really nice porch...good for kicking back and visiting with all the family!

But, it is no Hilton...

Old fashioned country furniture and red carpet from the 70's.  The quilts could have used a washing.

This is the art work.  We found these little kitchen floor mats screwed to the wall in every room!

And the placemat hung on the bathroom wall!  Classy!!!

It took me back to the old days with wooden paneling on the walls (which were thin. I woke up to the neighbors having a little sexy time on Saturday morning).

Maybe not the cleanest place to lay our sleepy heads, but it is famous!  We made the best of it and had fun!

We decided to drive home by way of Yellowstone.  

Uncle Steve had never been there so we caravanned through the park together.  We stopped for buffalo burgers at a greasy little burger joint just outside the park.  It was great!!!!!

And the kids loved the log swing (probably better then the geysers).

I haven't been there for a few years and have to tell you...it is so beautiful!

The earth is very active right now and there were a lot of things to see.

We made it back safely at 2 a.m.  Our Monday morning was a little rough getting ready for school but we made it and it was worth the trip.   

Fall is here!

Our computer has been down for a week...

It's back an I can blog again!  Yippee.  This was a pic from our fun drive up to the mountains last weekend.  The leaves are turning and fall is in the air.  So, now that you know I am back I will really bring you up to date on the Sims.

Montana wedding!

Last weekend we went to my cousin Devin's wedding in Big Timber, Montana.

We drove all day Friday to get there in time for the rehearsal dinner and a game of Derek's new favorite sport....corn hole.  Really, that is what they were calling it.  Derek was partnered here with Liam...

and Steve with Jared.  If you have never seen this before, it reminds me of horse shoes, but you have to throw the bean bag in the hole.  

Fun to drink beer and play corn hole!

The wedding took place at the cutest little country church...way out in the country. 

Devin was a very calm groom...

and Samantha, his beautiful bride!

The Montana wedding wouldn't be complete without the horses and wagon to deliver the wedding party.

This is my cousin Kevin, Devin's brother.  Cool shades!

Jared is another brother of the groom and daddy to the flower girl Claire.  

And the beautiful couple Devin and Samantha.

Do you know how hard it is to get my family together for a picture.  It is always a mothers dream that when everyone is clean and dressed their best it will happen....NOT!

So here is Grace and her daddy...

Ryann and I, oh ya, and her mimi (blanket).

Derek with his girls and the mimi.  I used to never let that thing out of the house.  What happened?

I am loving this picture of Claire in her shades.  She is a beautiful princess!

The Murnin's throw a good party and we danced the night away.  Grace took my wrap and put on quit a show for us on the dance floor.

Ryann had some pretty cool moves too.

Gavyn had a great time dancing.

And Ella sat with her daddy, tired and ready for bed.

In case you can't tell...mother of the groom...Aunt Anita dancing with Devin.

Devin's sister Megan and brother Chad.

The lovely couple dancing too...

But, I think Grace was the Belle of the ball and danced with everyone...

Great Uncle Barney gives here a twirl...

Great Uncle Bert spins her 'round and 'round.

But, all that twirling and dancing wore us out.  It was time to head back to the motel!

Thank you for the great weekend everyone and congratulations to the newlyweds!!!!

I can't wait to tell you about our famous accommodations at the Lazy J Motel, but I am going to bed.  Next post...