Missoula, Montana

As we are driving through lovely, Montana, we are just baffled by the beauty.  This state surrounds you with mountains.  Everywhere you look, you are hugged by mountains!

Needless to say, that we really enjoyed our drive to Missoula.  :)
We decided to visit this part of the state for a couple of days, and just stayed in a Walmart parking lot.  It has been in the high 70's during the day, and low 40's at night, so dry camping is actually enjoyable. 

In the heart of town, we found a nice playground and an affordable carousel; rides for 50cents!  :)
After visiting the Carousel Museum in Leaventworth, KS., I wanted to see if I could find one of C.W. Parker's horses or carousel animals....I did!  Emily was actually riding it.  ;)
You know it is one of his, if it has a corncob on the saddle, or if it has horseshoes.  Too cool.

(my little monkey :)

As the carousel is moving, there is this neat contraption that holds little, plastic rings.  As you ride by, you try to grab a ring.  If you get the last ring, which is gold, you win a free yogart or another ride on the carousel. 

Yep.....Todd won.  :)
However, having 5 children, how could we get just one free yogart or ride?  Kind of a small dilema.  So, he gave it away to another little girl who was SO surprised.  :)  I love my sweet man.  :)

After all that playing around, we decided to stop by a VERY popular icecream shop; The Big Dipper.  All I can say is, "YUM!"
They make from scratch, everyday, fresh icecream.  :)
(Huckleberry, bubble gum, strawberry, chocolate, coconut, and even black licorice!)

We waited in line for about 30 minutes, which TOTALLY builds up the anticipation, but it really was well worth it!

Blessings,
Steph