Butte, MT May 2011

Two weeks ago (or so) we set off in Mom C's van for Butte, MT. The first day we made it as far as Elko, NV where we enjoyed dinner and stayed in a hotel. On day two we set off for Butte. Whew...it's a long drive but well worth it. Since I had to return to work we were only able to spend two full days there (Mom C returns home 6/2), we enjoyed each one. It took another two days to get home but this time we stayed in Winnemucca, NV in a hotel that (to our surprise) was cheaper and much more comfortable than the one in Elko. On our second day driving home we hit snow a few miles outside of Reno, NV where we went an agonizing 5-10 miles per hour. The fact that it was snowing so much was unexpected but the fact that the snow continued onto Hwy 20 and nearly to Grass Valley was amazing. Overall our trip was fantastic and we send our gratitude and love to our family in Butte who housed, fed, and entertained us.

Uncle Gub and Cal

Evangeline & Tom-Tom

During our stay the kids and Tom-Tom wore each other out every day. All three were excited to have playmates.

While in Butte we decided to go to the World's Mining Museum. During our tour we were fortunate to have Mom C with us who had many stories and was a wealth of information about Buttes' history. We enjoyed learning about our family and the town's history. Thanks Mom C.

This museum displayed items by recreating them as they would have looked during there time, i.e. it is like walking through a huge doll house. It was interesting to learn the in the nurses exhibit there are family members pictures hung on the walls (they have photos of each graduating class of nurses starting with the early 1900s). Mom C was also able to show us the uniform she first wore as a nurse as well as some of the implements used at the start of her career.

Can you believe they used to put 6 grown men in the "elevator" then send the miles below the earth's surface?

Evvy raking up twigs at Uncle Gub's

We went to many parks while we were there (trying to burn off energy) and each time, when there were swings, that's where you would find my daughter.

A new stunt for The Amazing Cal

While riding in the radio flyer wagon during our walk somehow Ev fell out and Clint appears to have run her over a bit--yup that's a tread mark on her face. In case you're worried--by looking at her you would never know. And...she hopped back in within 5 minutes of the incident.

Ev is holding a huge calculator. For whatever reason this was her favorite "toy", next to TomTom of course.

From left to right: Mom C, Terry, Mickey, Gub, Tracy, Dan, Evvy, Clint, & Cal in front.

For our last night there we were fortunate to be able to have dinner with this bunch and we were able to visit Dan & Tracy's home. We also managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Aunt Betty's and cousin Mary's. Although the trip to Aunt Betty's was short it was wonderful for the kids and me to meet her, her daughter, and son-in-law.

This was taken as we departed from Butte. Both the kids wore their BK crown (breakfast of champions) for quite sometime. (unfortunately the picture of Cal in his came out blurry)