More Glacier

When Cole was first put in the tent, he started to cry. He just wasn't sure about the strange little hut, but he quickly adapted and was as happy as ever. 

I was really paranoid about the little guy getting cold during the night since we didn't have a sleeping bag his size. I bundled him up in layers and swaddled him. Cole has hated being swaddled since the day he was born. I think he's probably a little claustrophobic after his bout in the birth canal for three and a half hours. Anyways, he woke up in the night screaming since he couldn't move. So both nights he ended up in my sleeping bag. Miserable. I finally figured out that I should unzip my bag and throw blankets over me and that was a little better, but still cramped. 

This wasn't even a redwood, but humongous nonetheless. 

Little midget all bundled cozy at camp. 

This is on the drive up to the top. Countless waterfall,s too many to even name.  I liked how the water was just pouring from the rock onto the road. The cool thing about the bridges and the "Road to the Sun" at Glacier is they were designed to blend into the surroundings. 

I love the craggly peak. 

We couldn't hike up at the top because the trails were still covered, even thought it was the last week of July. It was beautiful to see the wildflowers peeking through the snow. 

Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park

After we finished our time in Eureka, we headed to Glacier National Park for a couple of days. Glacier was absolutely breathtaking. Since visiting, it has become a fierce rival of Yosemite to take place as my favorite National Park.

Our first hike was a six-miler to Avalanche Lake. Sarah fell into the river at the very beginning of the hike and made it all the way in soggy shoes. 

Almost there. The lush greenery was absolutely beautiful!

Five different waterfalls running into one basin. Incredible. 

Cole is such a great hiker baby. I couldn't have asked for a better-natured kiddo. He just doesn't know he's supposed to be looking at the camera. 

This was at the very start of the hike, but I got some great shots on the way back. It's probably one of my all-time favorite sights I beheld with my own eyes (not counting looking on my child for the first time or gazing deep into my husband's eyes when we were married.)

I just loved the deep cavern that the water carved away, and the moss clinging to the sides of the rock was a beautiful contrast to the icy blue water. I have never seen water naturally that blue and clear. 

Awww... that is all. 

Cherries and Raspberries

Some Native American tribes believed strongly in the connection between mother and child that comes through the placenta. To honor this connection, Native Americans would bury the placenta and then plant a tree or perennial over-top so that the child would always be able to find his/her way home. 

My aunt and uncle embraced this tradition when Sarah, their first child was born, and planted a cherry tree in the yard. We reaped the fruit of the harvest while we were up there. 

Everyone enjoyed picking cherries. Joe was especially good at finding all the ripe ones and eating them.

 With our bountiful harvest, Uncle Gary made Grandma Ruby's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream, by far the best I have ever tasted! The secret ingredient, sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar. 

 Matt and his brother were standing on a limb of the tree and it broke away, leaving basically half of the tree naked. Here, Mindy is examining the fallen branch.

 Will says I always steal kisses from Cole, but I maintain that I pay in full by changing many poopie diapers.

 We were fortunate enough to be able to pick raspberries at Brian and Dixie's too. 

 Cole helped with some supervision. 

 Just enjoying the wind. 

Pioneer Day and Rodeo

While we were in Montana, we took a nice little stroll by a stream near the golf course. 

Here Cole is awkwardly sandwiched against my bosom.

I like this close-up of grass Sarah took.

The big sky of Montana is captured in a pond. 

We also visited the historic Eureka village at the entrance to town. Eureka was a huge logging town for quite some time. In recent years, however, many logging companies have gone out of business due to restrictions on the industry. 

We celebrated Pioneer Day at the local LDS branch with some of the Henderson clan. We are authentically sullen. Top row: Matt Sieler, Brad Linnell, Gary Henderson, Tifilia Henderson, Sarah Boren, Me, Will (holding Cole); Bottom row: Faith Sieler, Sarah Quilling, Dixie Linnell, Moshe Henderson. Kids in front: Tessa Sieler, Emil Quilling, and Joe Sieler

Joe Sieler (Faith and Matt's little boy) is just enjoying his ice cream. 

He was very excited for the rodeo and dressed up to show his support. 

Everyone is excited to see some cowboys get bucked off. 

Sarah is such an adorable Mommy. 

Cowboy Cole. 

We traveled all the way up to Montana so Will could experience his first rodeo. He may be a farmer, but he is not a cowboy. The general consensus was the rodeo was neat, but they needed more bucking broncos and less barrel racers to make it shorter and more enjoyable. 

Road Trip to Montana and Baby Baths

 This summer, we took a nice road trip to Eureka, MT to visit the Henderson cousins. My sister, Sarah, came along for the ride and the good company. She was great at entertaining Cole in the backseat. But, if memory serves me right, Will was actually in the back at this time and Cole is laughing at him headbanging to music.

 Some beautiful pictures on the way up to Eureka.

 Sarah was the photographer in this one. Great use of the "rule of thirds" principle.

 We stopped in Kalispell to visit Aunt Lee Anne and Jenny.

 Cole in the Henderson bathtub. I remember cousin baths with Emily in that same tub growing up. (Pre-pubescent, of course!)

Cousin Sarah with baby Emil and Cole with Daddy post-bath.

Both babies sucking on Sarah's fingers.

Independence Day in Alton

Cole ventured down to the little town of Alton, Utah to celebrate Independence Day with the Andersen Family. He made his debut in the annual fun run. Cole looks really excited after his victory. Will and I pushed him two miles into town. The first mile was all uphill and I felt like an old grandma pushing the stroller. Thankfully, the stroller propelled us forward in the second mile since it was all downhill. The Lehmitz family ended up in first place and we were awarded a Camelback!

Here is the happy family sitting on Grandpa Andersen's train. We took a nice little private tour around the town.

Cole with Great-Grandpa Andersrn.

We love going down to Alton for the fourth of July! It's great to participate in all the small town festivities.