Helena, 8/16/2017

We planned to go up to Helena the week before the eclipse and drive down to Rexburg to avoid the heavy traffic from Salt Lake City to Rexburg.  (Ok, I look for any excuse to go to Helena!)

Our goal was to get ready for sod, and lay the sod while we were there.

Amanda called and said they wanted it to be a "play" weekend instead of another work weekend.

So play we did!

We loaded up the cars, and headed to Park Lake.  We had three paddle boards, and a kayak.  Two adults on paddle boards each had a twin on with them, and Dex has become so good at the kayak he does that by himself.  It was so fun!

The next day, we decided to take the kids for a hike.  Dex had friends over, so we all headed up to "Francis Hill".

 Ok Dean and Mike did work a little bit.

 Awesome fort, and crash pad at the bottom of the stairs.  

I think every pillow and stuffed animal in the house is accounted for!

Saturday we headed out to the lake again.  This time we let Mike come with us. (He had to work last time.)

Dex jumped into the freezing water.  Here he is trying to let the sun warm him back up.

 Nora caught a frog.  Oh how she loves it!  We needed to find him a home.  (Notice the lovely bracelet Nora is wearing...she made it out of the water bottle label.  Oh how pretty)

The frog jumped out of the hostess wrapper, so Nora had a couple other ideas...

 No Francis outing is complete without a dance party!

 Caitlyn, can you tell us if this is Fireweed?  It grew along the shore of this little lake in patches that looked similar to those up in Alaska. 

 Ej

 Manda, you have such a fun family!!!  Thanks for letting us hang out with you guys!

Photo credit:  Dexter Francis

 

That's Dex and Miles clear up there on that boulder.

While we were in Montana, Dean and Mike did get the yard almost ready for sod.

Here are the pictures Amanda sent me after we got home.

Yay for the sister missionaries!