First Snow on October 14

We had our first snowfall mid-October, but these pictures are actually from the 20th. We thought it'd stay, but it only graced the land for 10 days or so. However, we got about 3 inches this afternoon (November 10) which we expect will stay for the long-haul.

Surprise Visit!

We had a surprise visit from our dear friend Jenni in October! She and her friend had just completed canoeing the MacKenzie River and had vehicle "issues" in Inupik. (Ya just can't trust those barges to haul your truck where and when you hire them to.) Anyway, we were thrilled to have her for a few days....and thrilled for the help painting my treacherously high-ceilinged entryway--thanks, Jen! These pictures are from the day we hiked through Crevasse Moraine Trails and from the boys enjoying a great geography lesson.

Fall in Our Alaska

Here are some shots from the last couple months. We had a gorgeous, long (by Alaska standards), fall this year!

Spunky Update

Looks quiet and innocent, doesn't he? This guy rocks our days with his NOISE and zest for life. Daddy is very relieved, because it appears we have at least one sports-lover in the bunch. I'm amazed at the things that have become "asebowl ats" (baseball bats) and "gockey icks" (hockey sticks). He also picks up on everything the big bros are doing--a few days ago, he was yelling and kicking the snot out of the Thomas the Train play tent. I asked him what he was doing, and in a very bold, serious tone he explained, "ahtee eeups" (karate kiups).

Eaglet Update

Our Li'l Eaglet took his first round of swimming lessons in August and is signed up for his second round starting next week. He began kindergarten this year and is learning to read! We celebrated his turning the big 0-5 in October--can you believe it? His world still revolves largely around drawing trucks and other vehicles. He amazes us with his attention to the finest details on autos. He's also very into music and has declared that he's going to be a songwriter. He quoted, "But I'm warnin' ya! I'm going to be singin' about God!"

Bobcat Update

After taking four months off from "blogland", where does one begin? I'm going to just try and hit the high points (and low points, depending on the case!) for each person in Boyland. Let's begin with Bobcat. Our little gentleman turned the big 0-7 in July, began 2nd grade in September, and proceeded to get a double fracture of the forearm a week before beginning karate. Karate is his latest passion. He's a student at Valley Tang Soo Do, and absolutely LOVES it.

Annual Trek to Seward!

Toddler's Version of a Motorcycle

Big Pile O' Boys

Doing a Little Blog Catch-up

As you can see, the boys were very proud of their "rock pals". They made these the week Daddy was out-of-state for work. Never mind that was during the month of May. Per the title of this post, I've got some catching up to do!

Summer Boy

Project Learning Tree

Thought I'd share a couple video clips from our recent two-day field trip. We learned about uses for and parts of trees, and also tapped a birch tree and collected/measured 24-hour sap output. We finished the experience off with birch syrup on icecream--YUM. > My Recent Shots






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Spoiled!

My chivalrous 4-year-old came running to me with this bouquet after soccer practice last week. "Me and Daddy together picked 'em out!", he informed me. What a good daddy...teaching his sons the art of surprising women with roses...

Disarray

Here are a few of the latest ways we've found Spunky during our nightly check-ins with him before we ourselves retire...

Memories

My husband and boys bought me an early Mother's Day present this year--I spied this cactus one day a few weeks ago and was instantly charmed. It had only one blossom at the time, but many buds. My Grandma Emma used to grow and tend cactuses. As a child, I marveled at their different shapes, sizes, and textures, and how they had the capacity to yield such beauty. It never occurred to me, until recently, that my recent affinity toward succulents is that I just--plain--miss her.

Resurrection Bay

One of the great things about living in Alaska is the opportunity for adventure. We're blessed to be just a short drive away from some pretty amazing experiences. Take this past Sunday, for example, we drove down to Seward and took a Gray Whale Watch tour. Though the great mammals eluded us this time, we saw the most variety of any boating tour we've taken--Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lion, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters (one of which was dining on an octopus,) Dall Porpoises, Mountain Goats, millions of various sea birds and a Black Bear all made their appearances. We enjoyed sun, salty sea air, and the peace which accompanies little boys being cared for by grandparents.

The Winning Ticket

Yesterday was a rather exciting day in the life of our 4-year-old. He received a call from Wasilla Waste Management (Ooooo...ahhhhh....are you getting excited?!) to inform him that he held the winning ticket from their recent give-away. We had gone to the Mat-Su Home Show last weekend, and all the boys signed up for this particular drawing. Eaglet had stared wide-eyed at this truck, clearly dreaming about what it would be like to own such a treasure. Some dreams come true!

Easter Joy