It’s been awhile! Life has been good and busy, full of travel, adventure, and rest. Last time I wrote we were in an Airbnb in Billings, MT to celebrate my birthday, our daughter’s birthday, and our 12th anniversary. We had a wonderful week and got to do some things we either hadn’t ever done or hadn’t done in a long, long time!
We enjoyed the city for a bit. We took the kids to see the animal displays, fish, and arcade games at the huge Scheels there. I don't think the kids had ever played arcade games! We also enjoyed a couple evening drives along the rim rock outside of Billings which has fantastic views of the city. It was breathtaking at night. We aren't city people but it was so fun to get to enjoy it for a week!
We enjoyed some simple celebrations. I turned 30, our oldest daughter turned double digits, and we celebrated 12 wonderful, adventurous years of marriage. My husband treated me to a haircut (I hadn't had one in over a year!) and a pedicure for my birthday. I felt so pampered! I think I've had 2 pedicures my entire life so it was a real treat. We bought a simple $1 banner at the dollar tree to tape up in my daughter's airbnb bedroom on her birthday morning and a simple gift of gel pens and drawing notebook. We took her to get her ears pierced and we all went out to the movie theatre for a movie that was released on her birthday that she had been wanting to see. When possible, we try to gift experiences over gifts and this birthday that worked out perfectly.
After our week in Billings we headed south to see some things we have always wanted to but never had. We went to Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon National Park, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Arches National Park was breathtaking. We definitely want to go back when we can camp and spend more time exploring. We are so happy we went.
The Grand Canyon was just what you would expect - grand. It was breathtaking and indescribably beautiful. The vastness was mind boggling. Pictures don't even do it justice.
The Petrified National Forest (top left) was really cool, although a bit anti-climatic after seeing the Grand Canyon. It was really interesting though and the children really enjoyed learning all about it. We stopped at the famous Big Texan restaurant (top middle & right) in Amarillo, TX. It was such a fun experience and the food was amazing. We enjoyed seeing the stockyards, cattle drives, stores, and museums in Fort Worth, TX. We saw armadillo races, the kids got free face paintings (I think that was the first time for the boys and my daughter has only done it once before) they saw longhorns, and took a pony ride.
We had a relaxed drive back north stopping to see people along the way. It was such a rejuvenating trip and we are so thankful that we took the opportunity when we had the time. It gave us time to really process everything that happened and we came back encouraged, rested, and ready to start our new season of life in our new town, house, and job.
We are at our new house now and enjoying unpacking and getting everything set up again. I can't wait to share pictures! Thanks for following along : )