Flying high and living large in Whitefish, Mont.

We had an emotional day Friday, with much laughter, hugs, tears and more hugs. Ten years is far too long to not lay eyes on those you love and share your memories with. At times it was overwhelming.

Day 2 in Whitefish was highlighted by a helicopter tour over Glacier National Park.  It was stunningly beautiful … and for some of us terrifying or “head between the knees time.” I wouldn’t trade the experience, but as someone who felt already tested by our motorcycle ride for my MMA (Masters of Motorcycle Administration), I thought this was at least worth an honorary doctorate.

And, did you know they expect the remaining glaciers to melt in 25-30 years? So get your groove on now and see these before they are gone for good.

After touchdown (Dave Matthews’ “Crash” was playing as we landed, just saying) and kissing the ground (kidding, really wanted to) half of us went to downtown Whitefish to shop while the remainder headed to nap, drink, contact the authorities about our awesome knee-knocking adventure.

Before heading downtown, the intrepid shoppers headed to the Whitefish Emergency Services building, which is way swankier than the Whitfish Police Department storefront downtown in the 70s. Our hope was to nab patches to add to our scrapbooks from Marilyn (awesome!).  No humans were in residence, but Jana persisted and dispatch sent a fine young officer to hear our plight. Not only was our dad chief of police in the town, but I had designed the patch the most recent design was based on. The officer tried to dig some up, but then gave us names and numbers to maybe get the job done.

Later, there was jet-skiing and hanging out talking and then another amazing dinner.

A beautiful day, a beautiful family. I am so lucky. Fliptastic.

Flip’s ready to take the Glacier Heli Tours copter over Glacier National Park. He’s wide-eyed and bushy tailed, just without the tail.
Flip’s ready to take the Glacier Heli Tours copter over Glacier National Park. He’s wide-eyed and bushy tailed, just without the tail.
The first explorers taking off.
The first explorers taking off.

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Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter. St. Mary’s Lodge below on Lake McDonald.
Glacier National Park by helicopter. St. Mary’s Lodge below on Lake McDonald.
Stalking the Whitefish Police for their patches.
Stalking the Whitefish Police for their patches.
Eerily similar to one designed by Laura in the late 70s. Just saying.
Eerily similar to one designed by Laura in the late 70s. Just saying.
Frozen yogurt in downtown Whitefish, Montana.
Frozen yogurt in downtown Whitefish, Montana.
Capturing downtown Whitefish, facing south.
Capturing downtown Whitefish, facing south.
Having a talking about in Marilyn and Jim’s room at the Lodge at Whtiefish Lake.
Having a talking about in Marilyn and Jim’s room at the Lodge at Whtiefish Lake.
Good times at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We should really hang out more oftent.
Good times at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We should really hang out more oftent.
Family time at Whitefish.
Family time at Whitefish.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Dinner at the Lodge. Good times.
Dinner at the Lodge. Good times.