We have reached Poulsbo, Washington!

It's been a while since our last post on July 2, 2011.  We were in Bismarck at Mike's mom's house until July 11th.  We seemed to have something going every single day while in Bismarck.  Mike's family had a family reunion at his mom's house on July 3rd.  Mike's sister Colette drove up from the Denver area and Mike's sister Joan, brother-in-law Bob, nephew Brian and niece-in-law Takeisha drove up from Colorado Springs.  Mike's sister Katherine and brother-in-law Bob shortened their weekend camping trip with their kids in order to come into Bismarck for the reunion.  So, we got to spend the day with all five kids together.  It's been five years since all of the kids were together.  Cameras were flashing everywhere.  It was a wonderful day.
July 4th was a nice relaxing day.  We fully intended on heading up to the capital building in Bismarck to watch the fireworks display for the first time in North Dakota's state capital.  However, once we got back to the motorhome to change clothes and apply mosquito repellent we smelled a horrible smell.  No, it wasn't the sewer!  It was burning electrical wiring.  Whew that stuff stinks!!!!!  Still not sure what happened, but our surge guard burned up!  At least it cut out the electrical current to the motorhome before any damage could be done.  Thank goodness for that. Unfortunately we missed the fireworks display altogether and then had to fork out a whopping $250 the next day to buy and install a new surge guard!
Friday, July 8th we headed to Katherine and Bob's ranch north of Lemmon, SD.  We took Mike's mom with us.  On the drive to the ranch we noticed some really dark looking clouds.  Just like the clouds we had been seeing and experiencing for the last three days.  Then the clouds opened up and dumped the rain.  It was really heavy for about five miles, and then just sprinkles for the next five miles.  After that, sunny and beautiful.  We had such a nice visit at the ranch with Mike's nephews Donald and Jeff as well as Katherine and Bob.  Also got to visit with Mike's great-niece Kaylene and his great-nephew Justin.  Katherine and Bob suggested we go into Mott to the Pheasant Cafe for their weekly fish fry buffet.  So they got into their car and we got into Mom's car and took off for Mott.  A few miles outside of Mott my telephone rang and it was Mike's sister Valerie asking where we were because there was a tornado watch in Bismarck.  I told her we were in Mott and thus not in danger as the sun was shining and the weather was beautiful!  So off to dinner we continued.  Dinner was delicious!  I don't like fish, so I got the prime rib.  Anyway, why would I want to eat anything other than beef when I am in North Dakota where they grow some of the best tasting beef in the country!!!!!!  After dinner we went and visited Mike's uncle George for a bit before heading back to Bismarck.
Left Bismarck on the 11th and headed to Billings, MT.  Called Pam and Rick to see if we could camp out in front of their house again for a couple of days.  They were thrilled to have us back.  Well, at least that's what they said! 
Left Billings on the 13th.  Traveled to Butte, MT and decided to spend the night in a WalMart Supercenter parking lot.  After we pulled in and got all settled in, we decided to go into the store to get a couple of things that we had on our shopping list.  Mike was tired and trying to rush me through, so he decided to let me stay in the store while he headed back to the motorhome for a quick nap before dinner.  About 20 minutes later I got a text from Mike telling me to hurry up and get back to the motorhome because a storm was coming.  So I headed to the checkouts and checked out.  I couldn't believe how dark the skies were when I got outside of the store.  As I was walking back to the motorhome the wind was blowing so hard it almost knocked me over.  Whoa!  I just got back to the motorhome and all hell broke loose!  Wow did it rain!!!!!  The next morning was just as unbelievable!  We got to experience our first hail of the trip!  Thankfully it remained small and didn't cause any damage.  Anyway, after the skies cleared we headed out onto the road again.
Last night was spent in Moses Lake, WA at another WalMart Supercenter parking lot.  Getting to be pros at this.  Thankfully WalMart is camper friendly and allows campers to park in their parking lots country wide free of charge.  Of course we tend to go into the store when we stop and make sure to purchase items we are needing.
Arrived in Poulsbo, WA this evening.  What an absolutely beautiful drive through the Washington Cascades!!!!  Snow still is plentiful in the mountains.  Wild flowers are blooming in plenitude as well.  It is just breathtakingly beautiful!!!  Get to see the kids tomorrow.  Cannot wait!