Lots to catch up on!

Tons has happened since our last post. We'll take it one week at a time.

First is the Fourth of July. We went to Fort Missoula where the Stake put on a pancake breakfast for the community. It was great. Aaron helped out with the food, and Julie took Joseph for a tour of the sights. The sights included a train, tractors, fire trucks, and lots of dogs. Aaron's parents came down from Kalispell to spend the day with us. Later on, we had a BBQ at our place (courtesy of Aaron's parents. They supplied the BBQ.) Aaron's brother Josh was able to come and hang out too. Then that night, Aaron still had to go to work (and worked a grueling shift until after 1 a.m.) so Julie, Joseph and Aaron's parents went to the local mall to see fireworks. Joseph had been such a trooper the whole time, but still didn't make it for all the fireworks. He fell asleep right in the middle. But it was a great time!

Five days after such fun, the hillside (which is right outside our apartment) was on fire. To make a long story short (and due to the fact that the entire story was written out, but then accidentally deleted when our internet buckled) this is what happened. The hillside was set on fire by two kids playing around. Aaron went to work. Julie and Joseph went out to look around. There were tons of people out watching the fire and fire fighters. A helicopter came around. No one knew it was going to land. Julie and Joseph ended up running for their lives, so as not to be landed on. A family friend came by (Thanks Justin!) and helped Julie get Joseph out of there. (She was dragging the stroller and carrying Joseph while running down a hill) Joseph is deathly afraid of helicopters now if he's outside and not next to someone. But we're all safe and the fire didn't go on too long. The whole experience was unsettling, but helped us get our emergency preparedness gear all ready, and beef up our 72 hour kit, just in case!

Last but not least is by far the more boring stuff, but still our stuff nonetheless. Julie headed an Enrichment Activity with the Relief Society. Borrowing from Claremont 2nd Ward, we did "Edible Arrangements". Julie picked a bouquet and then taught everyone how to make it. It turned out to be a great activity. Julie also finished up all her classwork for her Humanities 201 class and is now waiting to take her final exam (it has to be mailed up here from BYU). She already ordered Humanities 202 and is ready to start once she gets her textbook in the mail.

Lots of news. Hope you enjoy our little updates. Look for more soon. Joseph is turning 2 tomorrow!