More family joined us this week. David flew in Sunday and Douglas and Malena drove up Monday; just in time for the July 4th celebration. The pre-Independence Day activities included, basketball, riding ATVs, sparklers, and fishing. On the 4th, we spent much of the day in preparation of the firework show. Some fishing and target shooting was squeezed into the busy day. A family from the Helena 4th Ward made us an amazing bbq'd dinner. The firework show was amazing. Each year it seems gets better.
The next morning, Justin hitched a ride with his Uncle Douglas back to Utah. His allergies were so bad that he hadn't slept much for 3 days. Exhaustion won. The rest of us cleaned up the debris left behind from the fireworks. Then we drove to Philipsburg, a charming little mining town full of little shops begging to be explored. We, along with Mom and Dad Zinn, took some "old fashioned" pictures. Then David, took the kids panning for gold and gems. They found quite a few nice looking sapphires; much to Daveo's delight. That boy loves gems. I was told that he was the one finding most of them. I guess he has a good eye for spotting out treasure.
The rest of the week was spent exploring, more fishing, catching bugs, hanging out with cousins, and watching more thunderstorms roll through. One afternoon, I noticed Loni hanging clothes, including underwear, on a bush the grows near the trampoline. Her mini Frozen backpack was stuffed with her clothing.
July 2-8
