Tourist Traps I Say NOT

On a recent visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield, we concluded our visit to the park by stopping at a "Trading Post" just outside the exit. I can remember when moving to Montana years ago it was always fun to stop by St. Ignatius, MT Trading Post when I happened to be headed to Missoula, MT for more adventures. These memories caused me to say to the kids, "let's stop here" for you to have a look see at what treasures might be inside.

My husband immediately piped in "tourist trap". I did somewhat agree with him as I remember family trips to the Smokey Mountains as a kid and my parents saying the same thing.

I found the scenery inside and out inviting at this "tourist trap" and my daughter did get to purchase a little tote bag with a zipper on it that she is using on a daily basis to hold her hand held game system. So my camera came out and I played tourist at this stop. Hope you like the views we saw that day. And me personally, I would recommend everyone stop in and take a look see if you are ever in the area.

I Blinked . . . Where Did October Go?

Can't believe I haven't blogged since late September and now we are into November. This year is just flying by so fast.

We did a major move from the big town of Great Falls out into the country just past Fort Benton, MT late in September and then I set out to find a job, put my new home together, and catch a plane for a week in Nashville, TN. No wonder I have been having back spasms on a regular basis here lately -- thanks to my kids for rubbing them out and then stretching is helping also.

I had a quiet no thrills visit to Nashville which is just as I wanted. Got to spend some sweet time with friends and see the changing of the leaves. I love FALL!!!

One thing I did miss was snapping a photo of the leaves on the trees by the Missouri River here in Fort Benton. I literally did blink and they had all blown away. I will just have to be on top of them next year and do lots of picture taking then.





I couldn't help but take tons of photos of my friend, Kathleen's place in Nashville. Her back yard would be a photographer's dream for taking photos of kids and couples. Her style in decorating her house truly fits her personality as well -- Primitive Americana.


This type of decorating is defined as: Americana country decor consists of shades of reds, whites and blues. These country decor accents can have stars and strips, or simple symbols and words like “Love, Faith, Hope…” to name a few. Americana quilts make excellent wall hangings, throws, table cloths, chair covers, the sky is the limit of what you can do with a beautiful Americana quilt.


(These are called Jewel Tea Autumn Leave Pattern . . . My Aunt Ruby in California used to be crazy in collecting dishes like these as they reminded her of her childhood years when a vendor would come by horse drawn wagon once a month out in the country and sell her mother a piece. My friend Kathleen collects them as well because she loves the pattern.)

It was a pleasure going for a visit to the South. My heart has two homes -- the South and Montana.

Spectacular Views

Glacier National Park was the ultimate highlight of our family vacation. I have never seen so much amazement and excitement in our children as when we were making our way along the "Going to the Sun" road.





I don't think they have even been on as high an elevation before and then to see the gorgeous mountains capped with snow just thrilled them.



My 13 year old said that he would have to stay more awake on the next trip to Yellowstone in case he missed seeing some things as lovely in scenery as Glacier was. That comment made me laugh. Here is a unique picture he took of a moving tour bus. I personally think it is cool!


Both of the oldest were swapping the camera back and forth to take pictures of Glacier National Park. We are already talking about going back again in a month or so. My husband worked one summer in Glacier National Park at the Two Medicine Camp Store and said he would like to visit that part of the park.

Visiting Yellowstone

Natural wonders and experiencing nature was our goal in choosing Yellowstone National Park as part of our family vacation plans. It had been many years since I had driven through Yellowstone. I remembered yet things seemed new. The only let down the kids could speak of was NOT seeing very much wildlife. They had conjured up visions of bears, bison and wolves. We did see one bison sitting on the ground right by the road, but there was a car parked in front of it. We did see many tame looking elk around Mammoth in the park and my daughter took a good picture of this one shown.




The geysers and the melting pots were almost unbelievable sights to tourists from everywhere walking around the trails. So many different languages were being spoken and this amazed my kids almost as much scenery. On lady was even seen chanting and raising her hands. Everyone let her express herself freely.




We sat and waited for Old Faithful to perform on schedule and did a picnic lunch on the tailgate in the parking lot. Everyone had a pleasant time and we are planning on going again in the fall. Yellowstone is definitely a place to put on your list to see.