We spent our spring break in Montana this year. We got out of our house in record time for this trip. We were on the road by 6:30! Since we got started so early, our plan was to drive the 17 hours straight though, putting us there between midnight and 1 O'clock. Many times this is easier than hauling into a hotel and dragging it out. We drove through a blizzard and ended up adding two hours onto our drive. Sigh.
On the bright side, the kids got to play in snow the morning after we got there. It stuck around long enough for the kids to build a snow bunny and have a snow ball fight with Grandma and Grandpa!
Addie, Simon and Summer
Simon was a hot commodity with all of the girl cousins and sisters!
Fun at Grandma's house on Easter Sunday.
We went on a mini hike around the ranch.
The boys working together to plant some new trees.
Matthew and Lexi headed to find Daddy.
Rich (Jess' brother) took family pictures for us, so Matthew is looking handsome for the occasion.
Here's our new van. The kids love getting to "drive" around with Daddy while at the Ranch. Big news for T Jay: Grandpa let him drive the ranch truck all by himself!
A little Simon cuteness.
We had a cousin/sibling sleep over on Friday night. We had a BBQ, made S'mores and everybody stayed up way too late chatting. It was a perfect sleep over!
Cousin Danny and T Jay
Me and my girl roasting marshmallows
Three brothers and a little princess: Mike, Jess, Rich and Lexi
While in Montana, We decided that we needed a drift boat for the ranch. We went for a ride on Saturday and it was mostly fun. I have a small fear of being in the middle of water. There are many memories waiting to be made in that boat. The children will love fishing and floating the river in it.
The Third grade did a program about the history of our town. It was adorable, and the songs were quite catchy. Two weeks later I still find myself busting out a mean rendition of "50 Nifty United States!" 
He's all smiles for me!
Simon liked the show, too! Besides, every post needs a little baby cuteness!
Matthew's preschool class performed an Easter song for the parents. 
Matthew with his teacher, Miss Corie. He loves her!
Candy hunt after Chapel. Matthew's speed and agility paid off in dividends for this activity!
Someone gave Lexi a bag. She was bewildered by the fact that all she had to do was bend over and pick up candy and it was hers! A thrilling concept for a 3 year old to discover!
We had a lunch in the classroom after. Lexi got right in there with the other kids. Matthew was so proud to have her right there with him. He loves to take care of her and show her how things work.
The 2nd grade did a program on Life cycles! It was really cute, also. 
The group. Summer is on the bottom right corner. I like their bright colored sashes!
It makes me so happy that T Jay and Summer get so excited to see me when they are at school. I hope it lasts.
All Lexi wanted for her Birthday was a pink party and a pink present. So, this is what she woke up to on her Birthday! Can I just say how much I love pink tulle.
I made her pink pancakes for breakfast. It was really funny to watch her take in all of the birthday happenings. This is the first year that she began to understand what Birthdays are all about. She had a smile creeping onto her face as she experienced each aspect of the celebration.
We had a park picnic with two of her little friends. It was really cold and windy, so we retreated to our house.
They had a great time jumping in the bounce house. Cute, cute girls! Oh, and Matthew, he's cute, too. Of course!
Speaking of cute! Simon really wanted to get in there and jump, too.
Three!
Lexi with her pink castle cake. Summer helped by frosting the spires! She is an awesome cake decorating helper! This is the third castle cake I have made. Summer and T.Jay have also requested castles.
Please can it be my birthday, too, Mom?!!
Summer loves to read to the little kids! I love it, too. Lexi had several new books to read for bedtime! 
