Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fall trip "Outside" as we say in Alaska

Mount Readout
 We planned a trip to VA this fall.  Warren's 25th high school reunion was the second week in Oct.  It was a beautiful day as we drove to Anchorage.  The mountains were majestic and the leaves were so bright as we drove into the mountains above Sterling. In Cooper Landing we stopped to watch the Dall sheep dotting the mountain sides. At the Seward turn off, the lake was just beginning to freeze over.  The Swans were so graceful until they went bottoms up eating, then we laughed and laughed at them.  The red salmon were still traveling around in huge schools after spawning.  What a Creative God we serve!

Swans at the Seward turn-off

Look hard, there are fish in the water.
We went to my parents in WV after Warren's reunion.   The kids love all the animals; goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. Helping Aunt Malinda with the guinea pigs and Grandpa with the goats is the highlight of every day.
 The rest of the days are filled with hikes and walks, climbing trees and playing on the hammock.  Jayce and Warren helped Grandpa work on remodeling Aunt Malinda's house. 

Going on an "expedition in the mountains".
One afternoon we went for a drive and found this beautiful valley farm.  The house and buildings were in pretty good shape and the leaves on the tree were flaming red and gold. Warren and I thought maybe we could live in a place like that, someday. 

Old barn

A box turtle we found traveling along the road.

 Warren and Jayce cut down a couple trees for Aunt Malinda.  The girls picked up all the sticks and brush and we had hot dogs for supper.  We did have to wait a while until the flames subsided!
 Here is a picture of Mom and Dad's house.  I helped Mom clean out the garden and flower beds.  Their house is so nice.  Dad built a guest cabin on the other side of the carport for us to stay in.  My pictures of their place didn't turnout so this is from Aunt Malinda.
Mom and Dad's dining room and kitchen

Cabin downstairs, behind the ladder is the bath

cabin loft and bed

Fall Birthdays


Emerald is ready to enjoy her favorite blueberry pie.

Our fall is filled with birthdays and this year the girls all wanted pie instead of cake.  We had a mermaid party at the pool with all their friends the Saturday between Emerald's birthday and the twins.  I forgot the my camera and all the other ones there were out of batteries, so no pictures to share of that event.
 
Alectra wanted apple.

Alexis favorite is PUMPKIN!

Warren and I got the girls new Bibles this year.


Sunday, December 5, 2010

Summer Fun!

We did it!  We actually made time to play this summer! Fishing and camping between rain showers made the sunny days all the more enjoyable.  Warren always had lots of volunteers to go fishing, any day he mentioned it.  Jayce learned to be a great crewman, rigging and baiting the gear.  Mom learned to drive the boat and try to keep the gear "in the fish".  We got to see humpback whales, otter, and birds as well as catching lots of yummy fish and having fun together.  The Red salmon were running in Tutka Bay while Grandpa Dave's were here so we got them some fish
Grandma Brenda fished until her arm wore out.

Nice bunch of Reds!
Alectra reeling in a fish, "It sure is hard work!"
We went four-wheeing one evening to look at the ranch with Grandpa and Grandma.  The mushrooms were huge and we saw lots of bunny and moose tracks. Grandma was glad we didn't see any bear sign and we didn't get stuck in the mud.
Alexis and Alectra ridin' with Dad


We went camping at Hidden Lake with our friends the Veldstra's and the Germain's, the first week in August.  It was our first time there and we had a great time exploring. The tradition is to go swimming right after breakfast, rain or shine.  The kids don't seem to notice the 50 degree water for the first hour they are in it. Then their lips, hands, and feet turn blue and they are ready to get out and warm up.
The three A's, Alexis Alectra and Alyssum

Emerald, Alyssum and Kailee "motor" around the lake

After they were warmed up, they found various forms of entertainment, with 19 kids there is always someone to do something with.  Joziah taught everyone how to make pop can stoves (Boy Scout stuff) and they had a competition to see who could boil water fastest.
Joziah, Jayce and Levi

 We stayed warm and dry in our tent even though it rained most of the night. We went hiking and walking and played games.  It was the year of the hornet in Alaska so a few of the kids got stung. The boys got to try out their first aid skills on the victims.

We had a wild game of kickball, which Steve's team won.  We took over the end of the campground and dodged the cars that come to turn around.  Doughboys were the perfect ending to a great day.  We miss the Veldstra's who are now in the Philippines having new adventures every day.