Kiwis and Fairy Bread

20-21 June 2026

The trip from Glacier and then to rehearsal dinner had really tired me out. Or maybe it was all that we had done in the last six days. On Saturday I was still asleep 7:30am. This is very unusual for me. So much so that Mike kept checking to see that I was still alive and breathing. He was relieved when I finally got up.

Steven and Rachel’s wedding was not until 4:00 so we had much of the day free. Notes at our rental had recommended a bakery called Wild Crumb stating they had the best croissants in Bozeman. Sounded good to all of us so when I finally got dressed, Glynn, Joanna, Mike, Ben and I went for a walk to seek it out. Wild Crumb must have been good because there was a line out the door and down the block. (Literally hours later, it would win The James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery. That’s the equivalent of winning an Oscar.)

Waiting so long for a simple pastry was nothing any of us would do, so we walked a few more blocks to another bakery called Vienne. It too was crowded, but we managed to get coffees, a box of pastries and two baguettes with ham, butter and brie. Ben loved the pineapple bread pudding. I ate the apple turnover in just a few bites. We saved the baguettes for lunch (which BTW were excellent and sustained me for two days)

Downtown Bozeman has grown significantly since were first here in 1998. Back then I only remember a coffee shop and a fabric store. Now there is everything: new and vintage clothes, gifts, books, a great hardware store, cafes, a co-op and even a theatre called “The Ellen” (yeah, I could work there!). Glynn was looking for a particular outfit to wear to the wedding. Ben popped into the toy store. Joanna and I both needed sweaters to go with our dresses.

I walked into a bookstore and looked for Three Cups of Tea. Thought about asking the staff if the author himself, Greg Mortenson still lived in town and if he ever came into the shop. I chickened out, but have to admit that I kept a casual eye out for him.

The Main Street shops were trendy and pricey, but Joanna had found a Mission Thrift store about a half mile off this main drag. Ben went back to the house and we continued on to find it. Very glad we did because we all found something. A nice big store with great prices. There was even a whole wall of swords. Yes, swords. We texted a pic to Ben, who was very interested.

Time to get ready for the wedding. Hot showers all around. For me, a bit of make up, a curling iron and good dose of hair spray. Mike gave Ben a refresher course in ironing. Glynn donned his cowboy best. Joanna’s thrift store sweater matched her dress perfectly.

The clouds were rolling in as all got into Glynn and Joanna’s EV. Rain was falling ahead. We watched it during the drive to Garden Montana. The ceremony was to take place outdoors so we all crossed our fingers that it would stay away from the ranch.

Fortune favored Steven and Rachel. What a back drop! Vintage church pews were arranged in front of a wooden gate, framing a most wonderful view of fields, hills, mountains and a changing sky. Liz looked beautifully happy in her flowered dress with coordinating little corsage. Lead by Kayla’s daughter Riley, the flower girls tossed petals down the aisle. The bubble boys came next, lead my Kayla’s sons Henry and dear little Luka. (Henry told me before the ceremony they were under strict instructions not to pull the triggers on their gold painted bubble guns until there ceremony started. But once it did, they let loose!). The wedding party looked colorful and comfortable. Steven radiant and when Rachel appeared in a hand made dress of vintage lace, everyone sighed.

Tears and laughter during the vows. Smiles and applause. Congratulations all around. Photos of all the family and then it rained, just a bit. Dinner was an excellent spread of veggies and sandwiches. Dessert, a cupcake bar. Speeches, toasts, lively conversation. The band started up and so did the dancing. Such nice people and the bride and groom couldn’t be more in love. I thought of meeting little Steven at our own wedding. Didn’t think back then that I would be seeing him be married too! He is still sweet. What a wonderful life Mike and I lead.

Sunday was a quiet one. Mike and I went to Bozeman Hotsprings where for just $34.00 each we could enjoy a full day and evening of indoor and outdoor heated pools. Absolute heaven! Two hours was plenty for us. If you ever find yourselves in Bozeman, do go!

Out to lunch with Liz and Brandon. Ben and I walked to Mission Thrift where he bought two of the swords as gift for a friend’s upcoming marriage. Spent a relaxing afternoon and evening watching The World Cup. Cabo Verde, the smallest country in the tournament held Uruguay to a tie, and in doing so secured a spot in the elimination rounds (they would later become the Cinderella team of The Cup, bravely holding off Argentina for 108 minutes) Exciting stuff!

We always enjoy the company of Glynn and Joanna. They would be leaving quite early in the morning, so with hugs and wishes for safe travels we all said good night. But we’ll see them again in a few months. The next Parker wedding is for their middle daughter Lily in December.

A bit of packing for the trip home. Strong storms were predicted in the northeast, so we started to think about alternate travel scenarios. Just have to wait and see what American Airlines says in the morning.

With visions of mountains, soccer balls, our last day in Montana came to a close.