James has been wonderful for the trip so far! He will sleep wherever we are, usually about 12 hours at night, and naps well whether we are in the car or not (though we usually get a longer nap if we are not in the car). He mostly enjoys the time in the car when he can look at choo choos or trucks (and tries to give them fist bumps!) or read books, play with his trains, or play a game or watch a show on our phones. He is talking more and more every day and makes us laugh with the new things he can say. The other day, he pointed out Target and said "Target!" (We really don't go often so I'm not sure how he did that one!!) We are also working on learning colors and counting in the car. He can count to three and we are working on four and five! It's hard to believe how fast he is growing and how much joy he brings us.
I am now 33 weeks pregnant and can't believe we will have another BOY in about two months. The time has gone by so quickly because we have been on the road and I'm so occupied with James. Since it's another boy, there hasn't been much preparation so it is sneaking up on us. I am feeling okay these days. The time in the car is mostly fine though James and I both get restless after a few hours. I'm dealing with a sciatic nerve issue that causes constant pain in my lower back and right leg, especially if I walk a lot or try to do too much in general, even lifting James has become difficult. I am so thankful to have help from Brandon, and our family the past few weeks!
Here's what we have been up to the past few weeks. Thanks for following us on this journey!
July 7-10
Still in Stevensville, Montana... We spent some relaxing days enjoying time in the sun (and James driving around on the four wheeler), I got a massage, Brandon and I had a nice lunch date in Missoula and we got a babysitter to go out to dinner one night!
James also got to pet some brand new puppies and a horse!
We drove Brandon's Jeep Willys around that Charles fixed while he was in town!!
July 10-13
Drove to Stanley, Idaho to start the Hiskey time together
We stayed in a little cabin with a beautiful view! James enjoyed throwing rocks in the river and playing in the little pool with Landon. Brandon went on a hike one day with some family members while some of the girls and Landon went to Redfish Lake.
Our view from the cabin!
Right outside our cabin
Dinner out one night!
Redfish Lake
The boys got very chilly!
Brandon on his hike to Sawtooth Lake
July 13-17
Drove to Swan Valley, Idaho
Celebrated Landon's FOURTH birthday and Uncle Paul's 50th
We took James to a hot springs and pool one day and he loved jumping in, he is so fearless!!
Lots of play time outside - Landon and James really love playing together!!
The guys went out on a fishing boat one day near the Tetons
We went to Jackson, Wyoming one day to explore
Moose sighting!
Famous square ice cream in Swan Valley
Vincent is here!
Sunset from our house
A windy day... James' hair is getting crazy!
Jackson, WY
Throwing rocks in the river with dad
All the girls and guys celebrating Uncle Paul's 50th bday
Anxiously waiting for birthday cake
Mountain goat sighting!
July 17-20
Drove to Twin Falls, Idaho
Brandon played golf three times - in Idaho Falls and two tournaments in memory of my great uncle Sonny Hiskey who died in a plane crash many years ago
A photo of my grandpa and great uncles Babe and Sonny in their golfing glory days in Idaho!
Attempted matching cousin photo shoot
Rebekah and I with our cousin, Jonathan Carlson
So happy at Target!
Golf at Blue Lakes Country Club
James and I came to visit at Twin Falls Golf course
A memorial fountain for Sonny Hiskey
July 20
Drove to Park City, Utah
We stayed at a friends' mom's house who was not home so we enjoyed exploring the town and had a relaxing night alone after three weeks of family time
July 21
Drove to Fort Collins, CO (A little over 7 hours, one of our longest driving days!)
Stayed with the Seales - Bobby was my Young Life leader in High school!
James zoning out watching "Elmo" in the car
Happy guy at a rest stop!
July 22
Drove to Littleton, CO
Stopped by Red and Jerry's, a Cloud family business
Stayed with the Lewis family- Ben Lewis was our midshipman 16 years ago! James loved playing with their three kids!!
July 23
Toured Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Eliza watched James so Brandon and I could enjoy a Rockies vs. Nationals baseball game!
Drove to Colorado Springs
Today so far!
We are in Colorado Springs staying with Brandon's grandparents! So far we have visited with Brandon's aunts and uncles and Brandon played golf with some of the guys while James and I played at the pool with his great-grandma and aunt Diane and cousin Amy!! Not surprisingly, he ran into another kid and got ANOTHER bloody nose and cut his lip, but he is still very happy and loved the pool!!
