This is us: Washington~ Part 3!!

Well---- camping was a blast! We got back to Seattle just in time to again, switch back out our duffel bags for our suitcases..... shower off all the dirt..... load the car..... catch a few "zzzzzz's" and head out on the road bright and early the following day.

Yes---- all 6 of us piled into the car. Even "BO Jangles".... their huge, adorable puppy.... to spend some time with Erik's mom. Erik's mom, Julie, is such a sweet lady. She has taken me in from day one and has been nothing but amazing to me. We love going shopping, having girls nights and watching chick flicks, playing "Just Dance" on the Wii, talking about men and life, bragging about her awesome son...... things she just not get to do often with 3 boys. Again, I'm grateful for having such a sweet, caring mom-in-law!! (And I think she enjoys having a female around, too.... just throwing that out there :)).

Anyway---- We made the 8 and 1/2 hour drive to Kalispell, Montana to visit her side of the family (the Fiksdal's).

Have I mentioned how awesome my in-laws are?? Erik came from an amazing family, and I am so lucky to call them my family as well. This picture was taken the Christmas before (Christmas 2010). During the summer months, we unfortunately do not get to see Uncle Mark (who is on the right in the yellow with the mustache---- who is hilarious!!!), and cousin Zeb (far left, holding Mr. Pate---- also, hilarious and a great time) because they are crazy busy up on the ranch (about 3 hours from Kalispell).

Grandma and Grandpa Fiksdal live in Kalispell on a golf course----- yep, Erik is in heaven when we get to go visit them!!!

I love them both!!! Grandpa Fiksdal is always on the go. He is up before every one---- always getting breakfast going (he is the BEST cook), he golfs a few mornings a week, he takes his beautiful wife out dancing a few nights a week, he is part of a bowling league, and meets up with some of the men he golfs with at the club house for guys night---- how cute!!! Right?? He is also very aware of everything going on with his family, and is always concerned for everyone. He is a true gentleman!! We love Grandpa Fiksdal.

Grandma Fiksdal is equally as amazing!! She is the true definition of the ideal grandma (or "GG" as she goes by these days). She is amazing...... the whole week we are with them, I never see her stop. She is either playing with her grand kids, or great grand kids, or cooking or baking (I swear there is always something in that oven while we are there), or watering her flowers, or cleaning, or running errands....... or anything else you can think of. She is genuinely the sweetest, most caring lady I know.... and she made me feel part of this family from the moment I met her (and I was just the girlfriend back then :)). We love GG!!!

These little sweethearts also live in Kalispell......

Cutest family ever!!! This is Erik's cousin Katy--- her awesome hubby Donny, and their two adorable little boys (they are expecting their third baby in December!!). Katy is just like a sister to me! We talk about anything and everything.... we joke and laugh nonstop when we are together. She is so active and always wanting to do something fun (obviously a hit, and the Fitzgerald boys favorite "chick" around).... basically she is amazing!! Donny is also a good time, and loves playing cards just as much as I do!!! Obviously I love him, too! He also loves playing the Xbox just as much as the Fitz bros..... clearly a hit!

Leum is a hoot (yes, that is a word my mom would use) and it was fun to see his personality come out (he was almost 2 when we were there). And Otto had just made his appearance to this world and was a whole 2 weeks old!! We could have just played and snuggled with these sweet little boys the whole time we were there and been perfectly content!

Aunt Kathy also came down from the ranch to spend the week with us (and spend more time with her kids and grandsons).

The boys love their "Omi". And what is not to love?? Aunt Kathy is the sweetest, most compassionate lady I know. She cries every time she see's the Fitzgerald clan, and every time we have to leave. Family is everything to her. She is a great grandma, mother, daughter, sister, wive, and aunt!! She truly cares about everyone.... and there is just a different vibe when aunt Kathy is around (a good vibe, of course).

The week was spent catching up on family around the house: playing cards, watching the golfers, BBQing, playing lawn games, chatting, enjoying the outdoors......