Photos from Helena, part I

Getting off that last airplane and climbing into what Katie described as "our sweet, sweet minivan" was a wonderful feeling. Yes, there was the relief that we wouldn't have to drag those suitcases through another airport for a long time, that we wouldn't have to wait in a security line or stuff our carryons into any overhead compartments... but also the feelings I had about heading home were growing stronger and stronger each day. And at last, we had reached the final stop in our six month journey -- and what a fun stop it was.

There were more birthday celebrations (was this number three? Such lucky kids!) and presents to open from Jay and Judy as well as John's Uncle John, a bachelor who lives in Milwaukie and dotes on the kids with an incredible affection and love (he is the giver of the scooters for the girls and the Swiss army knife for Jack). There were dinners out to celebrate father's day, and playing in Jay and Judy's big backyard, swimming in the pool and setting up a tent. We took a day to go to a wonderful "Fairy Festival" at Tizer Garders, just outside of Helena, where the kids made wands and head wreath's and wrote wishes and despaired that we hadn't brought appropriate costumes (something we had, in fact, left at home).

We walked to Helena's awesome downtown and stopped at the Farmer's Market, listening to music and munching on cookies. I read books in Jay's hammock swing... rocking and relaxing by the front door. John and I got to do a little shopping (Target! Costco! Oh how I had missed you both!) and John and his dad got to golf a few times, too.

Then we packed up our bags one last time. Jay thought there'd be no way it would all fit in the car (we had left some things at their house on the way down, and John had a LOT of books shipped there thoughtout the spring)... but it did. And then with one last round of hugs, we said goodbye, driving north... toward home.

Here are the photos from the first half of our trip.... more to follow!