A Quick Update

It's been quite a while since I posted, so I thought I'd give you a quick update. John and I are out in the Seattle area visiting with family. We all gathered to help my parents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this week. Now we all head to Eastern Washington to attend my niece's wedding tomorrow.

It's been really nice seeing my brother Dave and his family. I haven't seen them since last year.

Once we return to Bozeman, I will post some photos from the past few weeks. My first 3-month check-up is coming up Sept. 9th and I hope it goes well.

Lou Ann

Riding

Horseback riding has always been one of my favorite activities since I was just a little tyke. I remember going on the pony rides at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle when I was 5 or 6 years old. It's one of my most vivid childhood memories.

Now, as an adult, I still get the chance to ride, although not as often as I'd like. There's nothing quite like riding a trail in the mountains surrounding Bozeman. Beautiful views, abundant wildflowers, birds singing everywhere, the smell of the horse underneath you. It's a powerful tonic.

Quite often we see wildlife. On a ride a few weeks ago, we came upon a herd of close to 150 elk. It was amazing to sit quietly and listen to the mothers call to their young calves. We also heard bulls bugling down below us. On the same ride, we surprised a black bear on the way back down the trail. Those kind of moments you remember forever. I'm so glad I live where I do.

A Bull of a Moose

I was birding with a friend a few days ago, when we came upon the biggest bull moose I have ever seen. He was eating tender willows alongside the road. It's amazing to see any moose, but a bull in his prime, wow!

Maxx of Wichita

John and I just had a great visit with our good friend Maxx. He came from the heat and humidity of Wichita to the dry heat of Montana. What a relief! We were hiking one day over in the Paradise Valley, and it was at least 95 degrees. Maxx didn't even break a sweat. He's one cool cucumber! We shared a lot of laughs, which were sorely needed. We also watched Maxx's brother and niece as they competed in a team roping event in Livingston (see photo). Hopefully the next time we see him, he'll have his wife Ann with him, and a Montana address.

We miss you both!