January in Montana

My daughter and I just returned from a trip to Montana where I'm from and much of my family still lives.  Visiting Montana in January is not for the faint of heart, neither is living there full time.  But when you wake up to a beautiful morning like this, with no wind it's so worth it.

The views will take your breath away, and if the wind is blowing and it's -20 degrees that will take your breath away too. :)

It had snowed the day prior to our arrival but it never did turn into perfect "snowman" making snow.  Just stayed too powdery.

This was the first morning we were there.  Don't worry, we made sure there wasn't one bit of snow left untouched.

My daughter's first ever snow angel.  We don't get much snow where we live so this was a treat.  Actually everything we did in Montana was a treat.  She's at the age now where she remembers EVERYTHING so I know these memories will be with her forever. 

I grew up here.  This is my gramma's farm and it makes me happy to know she'll have some of the same memories I have. 

This is my dad (Papa) taking her on the four-wheeler.  She loved it and kept wanting to go faster.  Super fast as she called it.  

 Luckily my sister has a son who is older and could help take my daughter sledding.  If I had to walk up and down this hill with her each time I'd be....thinner actually.  Well thanks to her favorite cousin I didn't have to.  I'd hate to lose weight too quickly after all. She loved this (her first time sledding).

But alas, after a the week was over she was ready to get home and get back to her regular life.  She missed her dad, dog and friends.

It was great to see my family and friends again.  We hope to make another trip there this summer!