Joan and Sandy's visit

Joan and Sandy came out for a few weeks in the spring - after the cold and before the smoke starts (perfect timing). A group shot in our backyard

Another shot to get the full effect of Ma's outfit - true Montana cowgirl (she's been in Montana nearly 15 years now)

She survived the mosquitos and still kept her appetite when Joan and Sandy took her down to Jackson Wyoming for several days.

Sandy, Jolie and Eric at the top of Mt Helena

We all went to Missoula one Saturday for the farmers market and thrift store shopping (everyone found a treasure). We also tried a new German restaurant in Missoula (Edelweiss Bistro) - excellent beer and German food (great gurkensalat). We didn't get to meet the German owner - Jurgen Knoller - maybe next time.

Jolie's birthday

The night before Jolie's birthday we had a picnic in the woods near helena - a grainy shot with the nearly full moon behind us.

Jolie looking tired (from school) and happy (from cake) on her 51st birthday! 

A great quilt that Ma made for Jolie (notice Jolie's styling birthday hat)

Spring Hike near Helena

Jolie, me and Polgara found a great new hike near Helena called Big Log Gulch. A little dry at first, but eventually get into this nice gulch with a spring-fed stream and tons of wildflowers in May.

Polgara looks sad before the hike as we made her stay in the truck till we were ready to go -- then she became very HAPPY

Some of the great wildflowers on the trail - Pasque. Jolie took this shot with her iphone.

Shooting stars, blue bells, and I think glacier lillies in this shot.

At the top we found one last patch of snow (Polgara loved it) and a great view into Merriweather Canyon (not shown) which burned several years ago.