Catching up with Jack and Shirlee

One of the great things about living in Dubai is that you become friends with people from all over the world. So naturally two of our closest friends are from Idaho! They moved back to the States a year and a half ago and we were so excited to spend a few days with them during our trip.


They brought a trailer up to the mountains, so we would meet up every day for breakfast around the fire (with watermelon juice!), hikes and daytrips! I didn't realize the good folks of Ketchum, Idaho, needed such large chairs, but apparently the town is home to giants.


But besides large accomodation for their backsides, Ketchum residents also spend a fair amount of time shopping. The boys sit outside yet another boutique waiting for the girls to finish window shopping.

Road Trip!

After two years away from the States it was time to hit the road with Zander. We drove from Billings to meet our friends Jack and Shirlee in Stanley, Idaho, and marveled at all the scenery along the way.


Check it out! No sand and not a camel in sight!


This was the glorious view from Jack and Shirlee's camping spot on Red Fish Lake. I'd almost forgotten that the outdoors could be like this!


Now, you may be wondering how the little guy did while traveling so long (Google Maps said our trip should take 8 hours). Considering that it actually took 10 hours and Bas and I both had completed frazzled nerves by the time we got there, let's just say Zander would rather travel 31 hours between continents than sit for any serious length of time in the backseat of the car.

I did manage to capture him during one of his rare siestas. Here's hoping that next time he's stuck in the car he'll be a bit more pleasant to be around!

Cousins and Grandparents, oh my!

One of the coolest parts of our trip was introducing Zander to his big cousin Evey. They were pretty taken with one another, and Grampa Doug and Gramma Kathy also seem to be enjoying themselves.


Notice Zander's Missoula duds. Is this a subtle way of luring us back to the Big Sky State?

Grampa Jose

When you have as many grandparents as Zander you almost need a scorecard to keep everyone straight. But the good news is he is spoiled with folks who love him! And as you can see, Zander is a fan of his Grampa Jose.

I can't quite see the resemblance, but maybe Zander's skin will eventually start to match his mom and grandpa!

Line 'em up and shoot 'em down

Lest you think our blog is solely devoted to our big-eyed little boy, check out my sharp shooting husband:

In case you're wondering what he's aiming at, those three white specs in the distance are plastic gallon jugs filled with water. Next to them is one of mom's flower beds...

James Bond has nothing on Bas!

With yet another fire arm, Bas and Joe get ready to shoot up more unsuspecting, innocent milk jugs.

Small town American 4th of July

Ah, the 4th. Parades, super soakers, mardi gras necklaces, taco dip and ice cream...okay, maybe our Independence Day celebrations in Laurel, MT are a bit unique. Doesn't matter, though, because a certain someone finally got a taste of the red, white and blue.

Just in case you can't read the sign in red, it says "How's that hope and change working out for you?" I love America!
An entire row of tractors made up a significant portion of the parade! Fantastic!

Gramma Carol is obviously an old hand at the 4th of July -- and this isn't Bas' first time, either.

Auntie T rocks it out.

Aren't we the picture of the American dream?

Zander saddles up

It may have been his first time in Montana but based on his clearly natural horse riding ability you would never know it! Here, Zander shows off his skills to Gramma Carol.

This is the "Ooooh Face," which has expressed extreme excitement, delight and/or curiousity since the day Zander was born. The horse definitely ranks in terms of all three!

All in all, Montana had some pretty cool stuff to offer its newest son!