Weekend in Montana

This last weekend was the first time we have gone on a trip since Grace was born, 4 months ago.  Last Wednesday afternoon, we packed up everything in the CRV and headed east to Helena Montana.  We arrived in Helena on Thursday morning, after making it to Missoula and spending a night in a Motel 6 (you don’t expect much for $50/night, but at least it was clean). We spent three days with the Gallagher grandparents, as well as Uncle David and Aunt Lauren (Catrina’s brother and sister-in-law) and Cousin Tristan (their son).  We had a great time with the family.  Some of the highlights for me:

1. In the 23 hours of driving it took us to get there and back, Gracie only cried (the I’m starving and need my diaper changed’ scream) for 15 minutes.  That is amazing!  Praise Jesus that she didn’t cry longer, because that 15 minutes seemed like forever.  Ritzville couldn’t come fast enough.             
2. It was nice to get away from work/church stuff for a couple of days.  It’s been a stressful month and to have a couple days away from everything was a welcome relief.
3. The Montana City grill makes a mean prime rib.  It was fantastic.
4. I enjoyed spending time with family that we don’t get to see enough based upon the distance between us.  It was a pleasure to watch the cousins (Grace and Tristan) interact…and by interact I mean stare at each other and occasionally smile.
5. Catrina is a great driver.  I feel totally comfortable when she’s driving over mountain passes at night.  So comfortable in fact that I can put my chair back, wrap my coat around my head and try and take a nap.

Catrina has also commented on the trip as well.  You can see what she had to say and view some pictures at her blog:  Somathose Majacks