This summer’s grandkid trip features Logan at fifteen, and–by his choice–Montana.
He and his posse–BW, Jason, Kat, Griffin and me–head off to Paws Up for five packed days. When a boy’s never been west, you can’t have a much better intro than Montana.
The flight out’s smooth–thank all the gods–and the weather when we land a LOT cooler than Maryland. First stop, a bite to eat which includes Griffin’s favorite treat, french fries.
Then it’s time to fulfill Logan’s first request. The boy needs a hat and boots. This offers a nice walk–stretch those plane legs–and a chance to see some of the horses in the paddock before BW checks Logan in for his first activity.
A guy can’t go west without testing his skills on the rifle range.
I plop Griffin on the grass. He is very entertained grabbing it, yanking it, talking to it.
He’s also thrilled to gut laughs by the tether ball play.
Grandda takes Logan to the range, and the rest of us head to our cabin to unpack, settle in. It turns out Logan has a keen eye and steady hand with a .22. Those endless hours of video games likely help there. Montana Logan shoots the crap out of the targets for a solid 90 minutes.
Logan has the loft room in the cabin, so I join Kat and Griffin to show him his space. As he’s well pleased we leave him to unpack then clean up before his first western barbecue.
Kat, Griffin and I decide to walk over to the Village, and while the road–pitted, horse poop, rough–is a challenge for the stroller, we manage just fine. You can smell the burgers and dogs and brats before you get there, and hear the music from the live band on the outdoor stage.
Griffin likes the music, and shows his own keen eye every time a pretty girl walks by. The men join us for the feast, the view, the music. You don’t go hungry at Paw’s Up. And, oh, that sky.
But our body clocks are still on East Coast time, and we unanimously agree to call it an early night.
We (except Griffin and me) have a hot air balloon ride booked for the morning. But the weather up there looks iffy, so that’s called off.
I head up to the living area of the loft for my workout while Logan catches more zzzs in his bedroom. I hear Jason and Griffin down below, go to the rail to say good morning. It’s rewarding to hear Griffin’s happy babble when he sees me. Jason brings him up, puts him in the pack and play. He’s well entertained watching his Nana jump around for her cardio section before the rest of the crew stir and all but Nana head out for breakfast.
Since they won’t be gliding up in the clouds, we vote to hike down to the obstacle course. The Grizzly Man isn’t for wimps. I have to give Kat major kudos for hiking it with an extra twenty pounds of Griffin strapped to her in the pack.
The trail’s steep. I’m talking feel those quads sing steep. Logan handles the obstacles like an American Ninja champ. Nothing stops him. And he instantly becomes Griffin’s favorite cousin, bringing on gut laughs as he climbs, swings on ropes, jumps and balances.
I’m in pretty good shape considering, but I’m winded more than once on the climb. That’s okay because I can take time to admire the wildflowers. We’ve never been here this early in the season, so I haven’t seen the bitter cress or wild lupine in bloom. Makes me happy when I catch my breath.
And I only had to wince and close my eyes a couple of times while Logan performed.
Lunch!
Well earned and much appreciated.
The gang–which does not, again, include Griffin and me–have a river float booked. After Daddy entertains his boy with tosses and rubbing his belly on Daddy’s head, Griffin and I are happy to wave them off. We have some play time, then a nice rock on the porch when he gives Nana those I’m Tired tells. I’ll take rocking a cuddly baby on the porch with a fabulous view any day over riding the rapids.
Team Logan returns, wet, cold, triumphant.
Logan’s favorite cousin status is only more solidly cemented.
The whole river gang hits the hot tub.
Time for dinner.
We thought to play a game or two after, but the energetic day’s taken its toll all around. So goodnight!
Workout for me in the morning, then breakfast for the gang. And we’re off for a guided tour of Garnet Ghost Town.
Our guides point out the beargrass along the way. Fascinating starry white puffs on stalks. Each plant only blooms every three to five years. The woods and hills around Garnet are loaded with them.
We do our tour on a gorgeous morning walking around and through the old log buildings of the once thriving mining community. Daddy hauls the baby, Mama hauls the baby, everybody eventually hauls the baby who loves looking at everything and every one.
And before you know it, lunch!
My two boys really pack it in. No fussy eaters here.
Logan, Jason and Kat are off to ride ATVs. Time for another porch rock, and some down time while the baby naps.
Our adventurers come back coated with dust and success.
Clean up time before our Chuck Wagon Dinner experience.
We now have two cowboys as Kat and Jason scored a bandanna and boots for Griffin! He is seriously dressed for Chuck Wagon time.
They shuttle us over to yet another gorgeous area of the resort by the Blackfoot. Food’s more than plentiful, but first Montana Logan heads to the river. I watch him and Kat skipping stones.
Kat wins this one, hands down.
Pretty, pretty evening, lots of kids running around, some cowboy poetry. And more grass for Griffin. I swear he’d sit for hours in the grass.
But there’s horseshoes, and I spot Logan taking on Grandda. We have to go watch this. Kat, Jason and I play pass-the-baby. The score stays close, but it looks like experience will triumph over youth.
But then, Logan, steely-eyed, lofts his shoe. It’s a Ringer!
I wish I’d had my camera out to capture that look of surprised delight on his face. I did get the aftermath. And he takes BW by a point.
Back home. And some Reverse Charades.
This again has the baby in squealing with joy. Look at all those crazy people!
Logan thrashes us.
Night!
BW to read, me to sleep, and apparently the rest to hang out awhile. During that time, Logan’s favorite cousin status reaches new heights–as they demonstrated for me in the morning.
Logan meows. Griffin: Hysterical!
Logan shakes his hair. Griffin: Gut-busting!
Logan makes a face. Griffin: I think I cracked a rib!
Kat, being one smart mama, now enlists Logan every time she needs to change Griffin if he’s fussy. All Logan has to do with shake his hair or make noises, and Griffin’s squealing with joy.
I love, seriously, how engaged and patient Logan is with him. He’ll get down on the floor with him, or take his hands for Griffin’s favorite walking practice. And the little guy will walk endlessly if you can keep up. They’ve bonded hard over these days to the point Griffin just has to see him to break out in grins and excitement.
Morning time. Breakfast for them, workout for me. Then BW and I have massages booked.
Ahhh. A trip to Spa Town’s just what the doctor ordered. Blissed out we return for Logan’s Aerial Adventure Course. I’ve seen him take on those types of courses before–he’s like a monkey. But this one is bigger and more complex.
He handles it like freaking Spider-Man. And again has Griffin lost in hero worship. He swings, he climbs, he balances, he walks the tightrope, he belays down from–I don’t know how high a platform–then climbs up to the second part of the course.
We find grass for Griffin. Logan finishes the 90 minute course with 20 to spare, and is invited to do any part of it he likes again. But he’s satisfied. And hungry.
Lunch is welcome, followed by a little down time. We have a jigsaw puzzle we’re working on. Progress made.
It’s Griffin and me and the rocking chair. And the rest off for a trail ride.
When the gang returns I learn they had the kind of excitement you’d rather not. Jason says he noticed his mount seemed a little testy, kept putting his ears back. Then about ten minutes away from home, he spooked. Turned straight into Kat’s horse, spooking that one. Had Logan’s horse shying.
Logan got his under control, Kat managed to pull hers up from the gallop he’d launched into. But as Jason pulled back, his horse turned again, and tossed him.
Fortunately–as best as you can be fortunate–he took the brunt of the fall on his hip and shoulder. The wrangler was quick, and they called out the EMTs just to be sure. The group’s a little shaken, and Jason plenty sore on top of it.
He’s got ice, has a long hot shower, some Advil. He’s moving slow, but okay. Still we opt out of that night’s BBQ. The rest head off–and they’ll bring us food back. I’ve pretty much hit a wall activity-wise and take a solid nap. That with a minor break, turns into 10 solid hours of sleep.
Human enough in the am for my workout. Jason’s better, but his main deal now seems like a pulled inner thigh muscle. Some stretching, some ice, a spin in the hot tub. Improvement.
Better yet, he and Kat and Logan have massages later in the day. Perfect timing for Jason. Kat and Griffin go rappelling. Jason’s in no shape for that! But Kat rediscovers her love for it, and Logan has a great time.
They head down after lunch for a good rub while Griffin and I have that floor and porch time.
Logan, Grandda and Kat head to the go-cart course. Though he’s doing better, Jason opts out. The report is, once again, Logan wins the day.
We’d planned to have dinner and a movie in the cabin for our last night. Our timing is perfect. As we wait for our food delivery, a storm–a whopper–rolls in. It’s dramatic and fabulous–especially since we’re all cozy indoors. (Logan’s become our official fire starter.)
The wind blows, the rain slashes, and the hail shoots like bbs. I have drama, wine and a fire. It’s pretty great.
It blows out again while we eat.
Up to the loft for movie time. How about some Captain Marvel? Griffin doesn’t make it through, but sleeps peacefully on Kat’s lap.
It’s a nice, relaxing end to our many adventures.
Miscellaneous photos from the trip:
Quick morning workout, pack it up. Breakfast, happy Griffin who watches Logan with adoration all the way down the loft stairs.
Back to the airport on a–thankfully–clear day for the flight home.
Have to say goodbye to Jason and Kat–who remain the best traveling companions ever–and the happiest baby in the world of babies.
We’ll see them again soon as we have our full-on family spa week coming up in no time.
Drop Logan off at his mom’s, and his two siblings actually come outside to see him. Absence makes the heart grow, after all.
Home to the dogs, to unpack, to just chill.
Those cowboys wore me out!
But nothing makes a nana’s heart smile more than having her teenage grandson tell her this was his best vacation ever.
Happy trails!
Nora
What a fantastic trip. The videos were fun to watch especially the one with Griffin laughing with Logan.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow! You know how to pack a week! Even with Jason’s spill it sounds like a great vacation.
Thanks for including us!
That sounds like an awesome trip. Thank you for sharing. Btw, I love all of your books.
My granddaughter takes horseback riding lessons.
She took a spill the other day and was a little bit sore but is OK too.
What a wonderful bonding experience for Logan and Griffin! I see a lot of adventures in their future. Seems a perfect week for a teenage boy, barring Jason’s fall. Glad you shared it with us.
Sounds like a great vacation. I love the pictures and videos. Thanks for sharing.
I remember when Logan was Griffins age! Time passes too fast. Handsome young man! Griffin is such a cutie! And so happy! What a wonderful vacation! Glad Jason is OK from his fall from the horse! Thank you so much for sharing!
Great blog post! Those baby boots on Griffen! Adorable. Logan looks like he had a blast..
That is so cool. I’ve always wanted to visit Montana. So glad Logan had the time of his life! He and Griffin looked so cute in their western wear. Those two have grown so much.
Thank for sharing. I enjoyed all of the pictures and seeing Montana from you perspective.
What a great trip! Logan is very fortunate in his grandparents.
As always, I love to hear about the trips! Glad y’all had a good time!
What a great time you guys had. That Griffin is such a doll and Logan is a dare devil! Thanks for sharing.
Baby laughs are the best! Thanks for sharing!
What a terrific vacation, with 2 of your grandkids! I love that Logan (who looks like he’s all legs) was so good with Griffin. That must have been joyful to see.
Griffin is certainly a happy, easy to entertain, contented baby! Just think, in 14 years you will be taking him on trips.
I envy you having multiple grandchildren. I only have 1 granddaughter who’s 11-1/2, but as we’re very close, I guess that makes up for it. Only our family vacations, she and I room together and her parents have another room. We like to lay and talk at night about different things, especially the old times when I was growing up and her mother, as well. My daughter was 43 when my granddaughter was born, and things were different when she was 11-1/2, compared to now. Lovely pictures, beautiful flowers, food looked great.
Oh, they have Epsom Salt runs. Since your group is always active, you should carry with you, just to be prepared. I’m taking with me this August when we all go to Hawaii. We’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing, swimming, walking, eating, etc. As I have a new knee and my daughter has arthritis, my son-in-law never exercises, I’m going to be prepared for aches and pains.
Thanks for sharing Logan and Griffin’s trip to Montana with us!
Thanks for the wonderful trip…enjoyed every minute of it, especially Griffin’s contagious smile ? ???
Looking forward to your next adventure❤️❤️
I’m glad Jason’s ok. My husband a lifetime rancher had a horse go over backwards and he spent 10 days in the hospital.
What a wonderful vacation, but now I’m exhausted just from reading about it! I think I’d be rocking on the porch with a good bunch of books on hand! Never enough time to read! I had to laugh at BW’s legs in the go-cart; figure Logan’s will be the same before much longer; he’s got such long legs already! And the videos were wonderful, esp. Logan & Griffin playing. My grandpa could moo like a cow, and I watched him once convince a young cousin that there was a cow in that closet!
I love the picture at the top; not quite sure if it’s a photo or a painting, but would dearly love to frame & hang it here. Could look at that time & again and go traveling. Thank you for sharing with us!
That’s a photo Logan took. It’s a great one.
Wow! Compliments to Logan! I’d convinced myself that it was a painting & was going to look into art files to see if prints were available. Just as well not; the walls are so full here & I have to keep rotating pictures!
What a wonderful vacation! I’m delighted to hear it’s a beargrass year. I’m headed to Flathead Lake week after next.
What a great time! It was terrific that Logan and Griffin got to hang out and bond.
What wonderful memories were made.
What a fabulous adventure vacation for Logan. Glad Jason wasn’t seriously hurt from his fall. Griffin and Nana sound like they had some great times, too. The pictures are beautiful. Logan looks amazing. Griffin is one of the happiest babies and so adorable; bonding with Logan is priceless. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Logan is sure getting tall. Just love Griffin’s baby cowboy boots and his yellow shirt. It’s so good you have this time to share with your grandchildren and I like that you give them their own trip. It makes them feel special.
Sounds like everyone had fun, esp Griffin with all that grass???. Love reading your blogs with your family. Thanks for sharing. ?
Love your Paws Up re-cap. Montana is fabulous in the summer❤️♥️❤️
Such fun with grandkids, too!
Thanks for posting, made me homesick.
Thanks for sharing your vacation fun and adventures with us, Nora! They’re always so full of details that make me feel like I’m there too. Logan is one handsome young man and Griffin seems such a delight! I absolutely love those boots on Griffin. They (and he) are adorable. And I’m glad that Jason is doing well after his misadventure.
What a wonderful vacation for all of you. Thank you so much for sharing with us, Nora.
Fabulous memories for Logan!
And oh my is the babe a keeper!!
Thank ya u for sharing
What beautiful pictures of what sounds like a wonderful trip. Griffin is such a happy baby! Tribute to great parents! Logan is so sweet with the baby and looked like he really enjoyed a fun and action packed trip. Glad Jason was okay. Thanks for sharing!!
What handsome grands you’ve got, Nana! Those baby boots will look great in lucite once he’s outgrown them – lol. Glad Jason is okay and heals fast. Beautiful pictures, thanks so much for sharing with us again!
So enjoyed reading about your trip to Montana again. I love Paws Up. Went there 2 years ago when I won the trip from Harlequin books. Did several of those activities also. Glad Logan had a blast.
What a lovely synopsis of the fabulous Montana trip. What a nice treat for Logan and your favorite traveling companions. Griffin is adorable, can’t wait til he is walking. Logan continues to be delightful too. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Sounds like a blast. What a great trip for y’all.
Sounds as though your Trip was wonderful. I loved taking my kids on vacations and as they got older and were stuck working or in college I replaced them with 7 nieces and nephews. And I took them to the Jersey Shore for fun trips, to Cozumel for fantastic snorkeling and then down the east coast from NJ to Atlanta to visit one daughter and Miami to visit the other daughter. From nieces and nephews it became my grands turns to come gypsying with Grandma , this time from Miami to San Diego to visit my daughter, their auntie. And with her we went skiing at Mammoth Mt —- the first time they ever saw snow—- and camping on the beach in San Diego. When I took the youngest guy out for his turn when he was 7 we went on a road trip from Cali to Vegas, Grand Canyon all the way to Utah . He got to see dinosaur tracks and Dino poop . But after hiking to his auntie’s favorite fishing spot in Utah he called to report to his mom that, if anyone asks you to go on a hike, just say no cause hiking hurts. Poor Miami boy knew all about beaches but never saw a mountain before. Now he’s almost 15 and his siblings are 19 and 22 and grandma’s a bit done with traveling except for cruises. My last trip with him was to CO where auntie moved to her new house last year. But I loved every minute of traveling with the kids, they make life joyful.
Sounds like an great adventure. Hope Jason has recovered fully. It is wonderful that you are able to have such great family moments.
Is this the place on which you based, Come Sundown? One of my favorite books, and I wouldn’t mind revisiting that bunch of characters in a sequel, hint hint.
Logan IS Spiderman! OMG! ? Does he rock climb as well? What an athlete. Thank you for the fabulous tale, and the Nana notes, as I await the birth of our miracle baby, Ryker, in September. This Grand-to-be can’t wait! ???
Yes, that’s the place. But no sequels, sorry!
Kat’s going to start taking him to a climbing gym so she can get back into it, and he can continue.
Great fun. I’m glad Jason is ok. My favorite picture you shared is the one of Griffin covered in food on the face. My parents have one of me that looks exactly the same as Griffin’s.
His daddy took it right after Nana gave him a slice of his first Klondike Bar.
Obviously, he really enjoyed!
Thank you once again Dear Nora Roberts for taking us on another journey with you in our time of 2019 in the USA where the accents are varied and the loving name for Grandmother takes many forms !! I’m sure your family will long remember all of your trips , holidays, songs and stories passed down and shared with love … for YOU were always there in person to hug and love and support ! Grandchildren are a great treasure and I feel sorry for grandparents who know of their existence and never reach out to hug or love or even meet them ! I know someone is going to take exception to my statement .. and granted some are separated by miles or illness or advanced age !! But REALLY !! There still is the old fashioned hand written letter with just the cost of a stamp !! Thsnks again for sharing your family vacation.. baby smiles and teen adventures .. and memory making joys .. you made me relive many of mine !
Nothing better than spending time with your kids and grandkids, it sounds like both boys had an amazing time, and some cousinly bonding was done – plus plenty of granny snuggles
This trip looks looks a blast. That sky photo and the beargrass are just beautiful. I’ve never seen beargrass before. I love the videos of Griffin- there’s no sound quite like a laughing baby. But is there a mistake- did Kat take Griffin rappelling?
Thank you so much for sharing your trip! You had mentioned that you will be visiting the Greenbrier again soon. I would recommend a side trip to a little town near the Greenbrier called Lewisburg. It’s a special place. Small, but strong positive vibes and a lot of culture packed into a few blocks. I think it would be a great setting for a story. Just an idea!
Loving – that don’t mind to be silly – 15 years’ old cousins are the Best!
Besides handsome the sweet nature of Logan comes through.
Sorry to read about Jason’s fall and I do hope all is behind him.
Griffin is a gift from a fairy. What a charming, full of life bundle of joy.
Thank you for sharing (and the Montana recommendation).
Happy 4th everyone. Enjoy. Have Fun. Be Safe
Thank You so much for sharing your vacation adventure. It brings back fond memories of my youth I am so pleased to see you taking time off to share with your family and the lifelong bonds that are being form before your eyes.
I wish you many more, with those you love.
Oh wow I didn’t realize that I had missed this trip to Montana. So glad I found it. Oh and so sorry about Jason’s fall. Glad he is doing well and nothing broken.
Love the pictures and that sweet baby has really grown like a weed.
Logan is just so handsome and growing up so fast as well.
Spa week will be fun!
Have a great time. Beth