2025, September 22-28

Mike spent time in California making funeral preparations with family, and Hallie held things together in Springville. 

Mom Owens was always a larger than life figure in Mike's life because she was a world traveler as part of her job. Here she is in a DC-10 jet engine in Fiji some 45 years ago. C'mon! Did your mom do anything like that? 

Chosen by Fergus. 

E had the chance to get some ice cream as we transition out of summer and into the fall. Eliza has always been fond of non dairy varieties. Peach at Rockwell was very yummy!

Lorraine (Alie's riding coach) made time to get Alie in for an extra ride this week when she had the day off from school. 

Mike had to sneak in a pic of Papa giving Bentley a nuzzle. Grandma would have enjoyed the visit with Lorraine. 

Mike's family has had a wonderful outpouring of support from extended family and friends, for which they are extremely grateful. Several people have brought or sent food items and meals. 

Even so, on the way back from picking Alie up from school on Wednesday, they splurged on pastrami dips and French fries from The Hat. 

Another day, another Duolingo milestone for Mike. 

Landon had the chance to visit with members of his birth family, some of whom are visiting, and some who live here. These ladies he had never met before are from his birth fathers side. Landon did not mind how much they loved him. Our feelings have always been "the more, the merrier."

Kai came back to our house. He loves to be reunited with his favorite toys.

Landon has a certain ambivalence about Fergus making biscuits on or near Landon's tenders. 

Eliza appreciates having a warm cat belly when she's outside. Eliza's bike has a flat tire, so she has been sticking closer to home. 

As part of his walk down Amnesia Lane, Mike is uncovering ancient artifacts of his childhood, such as this reindeer trivet he made in fourth grade with melted crayons on tile. Some kids from his class discovered too late that hot pots on said trivets would melt their deer. 

Here's a couple of pics of young Mike. What a funny little kid. Hallie has never seen these pictures, and she loves seeing them.

The city was replacing sidewalks across from Mike's parents' house. He did what had to be done. Of course, the city later came back not too long later and undid the memorial. 

Mike's dad had a couple of dentist appointments this week. While Mike waited, he saw some residents of the apartment complex next to the dentist office exhibiting some real People of Walmart energy while on a much-needed call with Hallie. We're not getting a lot of us time this week, even less than we have been getting since the move to Missoula. 

He saw these giant lawn sculptures at Lowe's and thought they were amusing. 

On Friday, BUH had its rodeo. Eliza performed well and had a good time. She received two blue ribbons (1st place).

Eliza even showed off some roping skills she has been learning.

On Saturday, Alie had her regular lesson with Lorraine, this time riding her usual mount, Noah. 

Meanwhile, Eliza and Hallie attended a horse auction. They did not buy a pony. Eliza has seen auctions before on YouTube, and it was great to be able to attend one in person. Eliza really took a liking to #58, and you can see she was checking her out.

 

She got some quality time with Ferg on Sunday. 

Hallie reported that a few sat outside Sunday night for The Gathering, but it was too windy to have s'mores. It was nice to have a chat before it got too cold and it was time to go in.