A Full House

... I wasn't kidding!

This past week we had family come visit from Jackson Hole, Utah, and Massachusetts. My mom did most of the hosting and even though she has a decent sized house it was packed to the brim. Thankfully she has a nice backyard that the kids retreated to a lot of the time which gave the adults a little more space. My great Aunt and Uncle were so generous as to treat us all to dinner one evening (I don't even want to know what the tab came to) and we sat around and told lots of stories. It was so nice to see everyone - I only wish we could see them more often.

Cousin Dustin with Ben.

Cousin Dylon with Cedric.

The whole gang after dinner one evening.

Grown Up... What does that mean?

Usually when I think of someone as a husband, father, and grandfather, I think of someone whose mature, wise, and "grown-up" so to speak, but I've recently come to the realization that that is not always the case. Some people never really "grow-up".

This last weekend Brian's folks came to visit so we went out for a lovely breakfast and then went to a park to let Ben play for a bit. Well, it turns out that we all played a little but Dad Schultz ended up playing harder than anyone. That's right, this "grown" man actually climbed a tree (and he got quite a ways up I might add)! I must say that I was extremely impressed at his athletic abilities because I'm half his age and I don't think, actually I know I couldn't climb a tree without falling out of it. Way to go Dad!

Great Deal!

For those of you unaware, Brian and I have recently decided to sell our sweet little home. With two kids that continue to grow and become more adventurous (& more kids to come in the future, Lord willing) it's just becoming a little too small for us. This has been a really great home but now we have our sights set on a nice place in Churchill. Therefore, if you know of anyone looking for a good deal on a nice little place with an amazing view, please send them our way!

Here are few pics and a bit of information on the place just in case. You can contact us if you have any questions or need more information (581-6920).

$132,000

1300 square feet

upstairs unit

3 bedroom (or 2 bedroom with an office)

2 bath

large master suite

2 car detached garage with a loft and counter space for storage

washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and stove included

gas fireplace

air conditioning

good sized kitchen with lots of cupboard space

Outdoor patio with amazing view

And I can't leave out that you'd be getting the best neighbors anyone could ask for!

View out the bedroom windows.

View off the outdoor patio at sunset.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho... To Helena We Go!

This last weekend we took a little road trip over to Helena to visit Grandpa and Grandma G. Ben didn't care for the ride in the car which makes it hard on everyone, but we survived and it was well worth the trip. Helena was having it's summer fair and parade while we were there and it just so happened that Mindy was forced to be in the parade for work... so went to cheer her on! I think Ben's favorite part of the parade was all the candy he got to try for the first time. He enjoyed Tootsie Rolls, Smarties, Starbursts, and even his first Grape Ice-pop! Other high-lights from our weekend were riding on a four-wheeler, taking the boys swimming, eating tasty food, relaxing with Dad and Mindy, and seeing my cousin Andrea and her family for the first time since Thanksgiving. Also, Ben saw his first water snake up close and personal and he wasn't afraid at all! It was a great weekend that went by way too fast.

Ben and Grandpa at the parade.

Here are my cousin's two boys (Christion & Devon along with a friend Cody) watching the parade and patiently waiting for candy.

Brent, Brian, and Cedric keeping cool under a tree.

Here's the truck Mindy rode in during the parade commemorating the 75th year of the NRCS.

"Get me out of here!" she says laughing.

Going for a little ride.

Hanging out on the porch swing Sunday morning.

"Nice kitty."

"What big teeth you have!"

Examining bear claws.

Bay Watch Boys look out!

Having a little conversation.

Cedric goes swimming for the very first time!

"Mama... the sun is so bright!"

Warming up with Grandpa after the swim.

Sharing watermelon - yummy, yummy!

Ricky's Meet & Greet

Yes, Ricky is Cedric's nickname. It's simple enough that Ben can pronounce it and say it regularly when talking to or about his brother so it's just kind of stuck. Anyway, this last weekend my mom and my lovely friend, Catherine, hosted a meet and greet for friends & family to come and celebrate Cedric's arrival (and for those who had not met him yet it was an opportunity for them to do so). It was very nice and we had a good turn out of people I had not seen in a while. Ben had a lot of fun playing with his Auntie and cousins (even though they were all girls) but thankfully there was one little boy that came who is the same age as Ben. Here are some photos from the weekend.

A couple nice shots from Mom's backyard. (above)

Playing in the dirt!

The Man of the Hour

Ben's little friend Jaxon

That lovely friend of mine I mentioned earlier!

Ricky with cousin Gracie

Ricky with Auntie Livie

(can you tell that he loves the attention?!)

This one might need a little explaining! Ben loves to push just about anything around that he can find (little lawnmowers, boxes, Lester the Lion, cars, etc.), so he couldn't resist pushing this stroller around Grandma's house when he found it (even though it is pink). It's a good thing Papa wasn't around for this! ;)

Notice how comfortable Baby doll looks!

In the arms of proud Great Grand Mary

Our Chatter Box

Even though Cedric is only two months old, it has already been decided that he is the social bug of our family. He is a very happy boy who smiles much of the time and loves to talk to anyone and everyone who will give him the time of day (as long as he's not too tired). Here is a little video that Brian shot the other night of our sweet little chatter box!

The Summer Fair

This week the boys and I went to the Gallatin County Fair with my mom, Alivia, my friend Hillary, and her daughter Elizabeth. The weather was beautiful and the kids enjoyed playing, petting animals, and going on rides. Here are some pics of our day:

The boys

Cedric was a trooper!

Ben was all eyes trying to take everything in.

Here we are on Ben's first carnival ride!

There was a steering wheel at his seat so he enjoyed being the pilot.

Just getting off the ride. Ben's still not quite sure what to think of everything.

Here we are in the horse barn.

Mom was such a help with the boys... I'm so thankful she likes them so much (and me).

Beautiful Elizabeth!