Monday in Helena - pt. 3

The last stop before his appointment was to an artistic venue, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. This is a place Charles' art teachers said was a must-see here in the world of Montana-based art.  Lots of amazing ideas being worked on!

Monday in Helena - pt. 2

After walking through the garden Charles returned to Helena and visited the Exploration Works, a hands-on science museum.  This is a smaller version of what Charles saw in Portland (see the blog entry for OMSI).

This is in the same area as the carousel Charles rode yesterday and has some cool stuff including a working bee/butterfly garden!

Monday in Helena - pt. 1

The Prickly Pear Creek runs through the garden

The original settler cabin

Meditation Garden

Charles was in Helena today for an appointment and had time to take in some of the sights of Montana's capitol city.

First up this morning was a walk through the Tizer Gardens which is a delightful, small arboretum south of the city.

Our Sunday

Belinda enjoys chatting during fellowship time

Crossing MacDonald Pass south of Helena

FUN!

We have had a delightful weekend and are rested and ready for the week to come!  Yesterday was one of the rare "down days" with no functions or required tasks to tend to.  We got in lots of restful activity and Wesley enjoyed his backyard outing too!

Today was our regular church activities in the morning which was capped off with a sundae fest during the church fellowship time. Belinda was one of the co-hostess for the event and it was a big hit with one and all.

This evening, Charles set out for Helena where he'll be tomorrow for a VA appointment.  This is the second time Charles has been to Helena (the state capital) and he's glad to have had the luxury of coming up early.  There is a carousel near the hotel and of course Charles just had to have a whirl!

Belinda's Workmates Biked the Hiawatha Trail Yesterday!

For the past eleven months, Belinda has worked with an outstanding administrative team at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in the nearby town of Hamilton.  Yesterday, the "big chief" from Bethesda, Maryland, joined them in biking this trail in western Montana.

If you click on the arrow in the center of the picture just below, you will see a short video of the ride. (Belinda is wearing the red raincoat.)

 

What a fabulous team-building day it was!  They carpooled for the 3-hour trip, enjoyed a 3-hour bike trip and then returned home -- with great memories and stories to tell about their day "away!"

Thanks be to God for special days like that!

A damp Thursday

Wesley  catches up on his rest this morning

It's been an overcast day here in the Valley with bouts of rain since late last night.  After spending time with the Church Camp activity this morning, Charles joined two of the SUMC members on a golf outing in Missoula.  It was fun getting out and playing on a new course!

One year ago today (pt.3)

Easter sunrise in April

St. Mary's Mission in May

Charles' trip to Portland, OR in June

Spring in Montana was beautiful as the snow began to melt and the trees came back into leaf.  We were blessed with lots of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful place.

One year ago today (pt. 2)

Wesley's first snow in December

Charles returns to school in January '14

A LOT of snow in February

Signs of spring in March

We wanted the drama of the weather after being the heat Texas, and we certainly had that during our first winter in Montana!  In December, Belinda's mother came to visit and we welcomed her with -3F on her first day in Montana.  With a lot of snow falling, we bought a snow blower -- just before the last snowfall!  (We are all ready for next winter now.)

One year ago today (pt. 1)

June 26, 2013!!!

Making apple dumplings in July

Parsonage open house in August

Labor Day at the Cunningham's

Apple butter making in October

On June 26, 2013 we arrived in Stevensville after a four day drive from San Antonio.  In the past year we have been truly blessed with our new home town and with both of us having work that we enjoy!

Backyard time

 There is something wonderful about having a backyard that is so inviting and ever-so green!

Church camp at SUMC

Our church is hosting a week-long, all-day church camp on the west lawn of the church.  It is wonderful to hear such laughter!  A three-person team from the Twinlow UM Camp in Washington is on hand to lead this effort.

First Sunday of summer

Charles "at work"

Lunch gathering

Belinda taking part in the day-camp meeting

Our busy weekend continued today with a full-slate of activity revolving around the life of our church. 

In addition to teaching "The Wired Word" class (Belinda) and preaching (Charles), we also were involved in sorting out the final hosting details of the staff for the church day-camp (which starts tomorrow).

This afternoon we took Wesley out for his daily backyard romp which he shortened by scampering up a Yew tree and staying on the roof for a spell.  When finally coaxed down by Belinda he was promptly taken indoors.  No reward for bad behavior!

Busy Saturday in Stevensville

Saturday has been a busy day as the Stevi UMC held a rummage sale which raised funds for some of the mission projects that the congregation supports.  We had more than 45 volunteers helping out and we had a great time coming together as a church family.

Charles ducked out for a few minutes to check out the Western Heritage Days parade on Main Street.  Lots of fun being in a small town!

Getting ready

Getting ready for Western Heritage Days

Getting ready for the church rummage sale

Getting ready for a nap

It seems as though everyone is "getting ready" in Stevensville!  The city celebrates Western Heritage Days tonight and tomorrow with lots of activities being planned for young and old alike.  

On Saturday, the Stevi UMC has a church-wide rummage sale and the bargains are piling up, inside and out!  

And then on Monday the church will be hosting a five-day, all-day church camp!  We're going to be tired when it is all said and done!!!

Wesley decided to get ahead on his rest quota, smart kitty!!!