6 Months

Happy 1/2 Birthday Liam, We're so glad to have you around, you little cutie!!

The Halloween Buzz

Another fun Halloween filled with cute costumes and pumpkin carving with friends. We didn't go trick-or-treating (probably the last year we'll get away with that), but we did have two different pumpkin carving parties at our house, as well as an outing to the local toddler costume party. Mom and Dad even got to dress up this year thanks to a friend in town going out of his way to bring us matching bee costumes. Thanks a million Andy!

Liam's first bites!

It doesn't appear that this little boy will be quite as picky as his big sister...

Ice Skating!

It's been clear and cold for the past couple of weeks, creating perfect conditions for ice skating. Liam slept soundly in the chariot while we took laps and Elsa made her first attempts at the sport while holding on firmly to a 5 gallon bucket. This doesn't happen every year, but when it does, it is absolutely divine!

First Snow!

Elsa and Liam were pretty excited about the snow. Once it started falling, all Elsa wanted to do was stand outside and catch flakes on her tongue. On this particular "walk", she made at least 47 snowangles- I think we made it all of 20 yards. As for myself, I can't say I'm too enthusiastic about the prospects of wrestling two kids into snowsuits for the next 7 months....

                   

Bouncin' Babes

Sunny Colorado

The kids and I got to spend a lovely sun-filled few weeks in Colorado in September. This trip was just what we all needed in order to fill our vitamin D reserves (not to mention some great family time) before the Alaskan winter sets in. 

Elsa and Nana playing in the sand box!

Liam and Pop relaxing in the back yard

A beautiful day sunning ourselves the Colorado River!

Liam meets Auntie Boo!

The kids and I took many walks to the nearby park.

We did a lot of swimming outside, a luxury we Northerners don't often get!

My Little Sidekick!

First Trip to the Salon!

 After one to many mornings fighting over weather or not I should comb out the huge dreadlock Elsa had woven into her hair throughout the night, it was decided that it was time to visit the salon. Elsa was a great customer as she sat frozen while Bret clipped away- I suppose there are advantages to being shy once in awhile!

 

Friends!

We're pretty lucky to have so many wonderful friends to play with!

Ani and Elsa frolicking on the beach

Liam and Nakoa lounging after outside playtime

Elsa, Lyla, Cecily, Liam, Miranda and I

My we're growing exponentially!

Liam and Eiko getting a little sun

First Day of "School"

 Elsa had her first day of "school" this week. She was so excited about going that she was barely able to fall asleep the night before going. When I came at lunch to check in on how the day was going she barely glanced up at me, and when her dad went to pick her p in the afternoon, he basically had to pry her out of there. We are now both evaluating what it was we did as parents to drive her away at such an early age...

Blueberry Babes

Blueberry season has arrived, so we took advantage of a beautiful day to boat across the bay to forge. Trying to pick berries with two toddlers and two infants proved a bit challenging; but once bellies were full, the girls did their part! 

Salmonstock!

This summer we braved the driving rain to take the kids to the Kenai Peninsula's very own music festival; SALMONSTOCK! Fun was had by all despite the whether, lots of dancing, eating and playing in the mud. Our uninhibited little Tiger danced until 11:30pm, she can't wait until next year!

Keeping Busy!

Before Grandpa Dave's big visit, the kids got a little R&R. Once he was here though we geared up for lots of fun including visits to the playground, the Spit, and of course, walks to the ice cream shop!

Camping Success!

This weekend the family embarked on an epic 3 day camping trip across the bay. When the idea first came about we were hesitant, but our close friends (who also have a two year old and an infant) were spearheading the trip, so we decided to jump on board. As you can see below we weren't lacking in our creature comforts - the pile below was only two of the 6 families worth of gear. In total there were 10 adults and 11 kids under the age of 5 on this expedition. The kids had a blast running around on the beach and the adults enjoyed a series of creative dutch-oven meals and good conversation around the campfire. Liam and Elsa were did so well on the trip that we are already planning our next adventure...

Do you think we forgot anything?

                                                                                 Liam and Lila snuggling in the tent

Girls enjoying some quiet story-time while the boys run amok

These Alaskan kids can't get enough sledding!

  

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Two Months!

Pretty Cute!

Summer Time!

We've been so busy visiting with GG, fishing, cooking out on the beach, running races, riding bikes, and playing, that we hardly found the time to report about it... Hope the pictures show the fun we've been having!