Johnson Doodles: Montanarama

From mid November through December, I was on the go. We started off with a great trip to Butte, Montana to catch up with the Kachmariks and their three pack. Then we went up to McCall for Thanksgiving weekend. Next, I took a trip for work to Salt Lake. I'd never been to Salt Lake and was impressed with the city although I failed to snap even one picture. Up next was a short trip to one of my favorite cities to visit one of my favorite people and get in some time with some of my favorite girls in San Francisco. Then we were off to Spokane to celebrate Christmas. Phewwww, a busy month of travel for me and so much fun!

Now it is time to catch up on the blog. (New years resolution: get back on top of it Alison!)

First up. Montana:

Our last travel experience with Grady to the Bay Area was ummm, well, less than pleasant. After that trip we decided for our own sanity that Grady needed to be grounded in Boise for a bit. Grady's first opportunity to prove himself came on our almost 8 hour road trip to Butte. I am SO HAPPY to say that he did great. I was a flight attendant the whole trip offering milk, snacks, toys, songs and the most annoying children's show that Chris uploaded to his iPad, but by golly we made it to Montana in one piece.

We sat in awe of the Kachmariks while in Montana. How they can keep three kids under control in a restaurant while we struggle with one is mindboggling to me. Connor and Drew are amazingly well behaved and Kaitlyn is the most pleasant easy going baby ever. Dan and Lish haven't slept a solid night in about 4 years and they make parenting three look like a cakewalk. They are seasoned pros and we certainly have a lot to learn from them!

We hit up the Patagonia outlet because what better place to stock up on winter gear than in Montana and to get more than half off! I was thrilled. We were treated to amazing meals from breakfast until dinner. We even got to spend a meal with the Wheelers, who, like all my 801 girls' parents, treated all of my college roommates like their children when they came to visit. The boys hit up the chilly river one day while Lish and I stayed cozy inside and watched the little boys destroy their toy room. Lish and I did some Christmas shopping and we enjoyed every single minute together. It was a short weekend, but a wonderful weekend. Thanks Kachmariks for opening up your gorgeous house to us and showing us some Montana love. We love you guys!

Love these boys together!