State Fair

We went to the State Fair...The fair is a very big event this way as you can see to the left we dressed up special. We had a great time. We ate all the fair food we could and watched Caleb go on every kiddie ride twice.

Stacey signed Jarrett up for a homesteader event! He did great and was soaked after hauling buckets of water! We are already training for next year. Stacey too.

As you can see Caleb is considered one of Alaska's giants. Huge veggies this year. The weather is changing, summer is coming to an end this way, just as well if we have to go to school!

Love and changing leaves,

Park

Jarrett is still on vacation so we have been spending a lot of time just hanging out at home. We went to the park just to get out for a little while. This was a new park we haven't been to, Caleb really liked it.

Then we walk over the river and threw sticks in the water, although it looks Jarrett is going to throw Caleb over! Hee Hee.... What is the fascination with throwing things in the water or spitting over the edge. It must be a boy thing.

We got the sheep meat back today we are going to try it tonight! At least we know it is totally organic.

Last night I was doing my running workout at 11:30 pm. The only reason I mustered up enough energy to do that is because I have to pay Stacey $10 if I don't workout. I am to tight to pay that girl a dime! It has motivated me like nothing else has!

Love and late night runs

My Wonderful Husband!

Do I have a great husband or what? Yesterday we were suppose to go on his company halibut charter, I scheduled sitters two weeks ago, we were finally going to have a day just the two of us. We were going to leave at 2:30am to drive down. What do you know at 10pm Caleb comes up with a 101 fever. I am told this is how it always happens... you plan, you want to go, but your little one has a different idea! So Jarrett said he would stay home with the boys and I could go fishing. So that's what I did!! I had a great time, but true to my adventure style I got sick and barfed off the side of the boat. I am noticing a trend. I caught my halibut and salmon! It was gorgeous but I forget my camera! We went with the Fish House, and one thing is for sure I don't want to be a deck hand..... they work hard.

Jarrett also had a great time sheep hunting. He got a nice ram. We are glad to have him home.

Love and beer batter halibut,

Family Camp

Family camp was soooo fun! The food was great, who can beat camp food? The people were great, we even met a family with the same last name. The entertainment was excellent! We went tubing on the lake, paddle boating, and last but not least we got to go on our first float plane trip. It was fun, fun, fun! But must remind myself that I may love the adventure of flying on small planes but my tummy does not. Yep, I filled a barf bag.....I made all the way until the landing.... but I'm still a wimp but I'm sure I will do it again!!!

Luke was a trooper, all the ladies from church wanted to hold him the whole time and he loved it! Then Caleb made a new friend with a little boy who was five. I don't think he realized Caleb was only 2 1/2 because he is tall! The were playing calmly and sharing....weird two word I haven't used to describe Caleb before!

I would have posted more photos, but what they say on a float plane is "if it can fall in the water it will" luckily my camera didn't fall but my batteries did!

Love and weak tummies,

Fun with Friends

We had a playdate today! It was really fun, Caleb loved the water and Sarah and I kept cracking up (pun intended) over Caleb's shorts! It is beautiful here 80 degrees that is smokin' for us!

We are headed to church camp for water skiing and fun!

Jarrett got his sheep more details on the way!

Love and water babies,

U Pick Farm

Today was a beautiful day so after my hair cut we decided to go to the upick farm and get some fresh veggies. I have always wanted to have a garden, but a couple of years ago I discovered the upick and decided this was right up my alley. All the veggies and not all the work.

Antie Stacey and Caleb had a great time. Stacey was like a little kid in a candy store. Caleb loved riding around in the wagon and eating rasberries. After we picked all our veggies we made a yummy dinner.

Love and layers,

Hatcher's Pass

We went hiking at Hatcher's Pass. Caleb had a great time playing and he hiked the whole loop. Luke got a free ride in the backpack.

The other day Caleb got a card from his grandma. He really liked getting mail. Clever grandma puts a photo in the card so he will recognize her. This photo was one of grandma and grandpa and the background was very dark, so Caleb asked "Grandma and Grandpa live in a cave? Isn't it dirty?" Thus the photo of Caleb in a rock cave.




We have been very busy getting Jarrett ready for his sheep hunt. He can focus on nothing else, we have weighed, packed and repacked his bag at least ten times. I really think that preparation is one of his favorite parts. Don't get me wrong he is still looking forward to coming home with a "full curl" as Caleb would say.

Caleb was sad that his dad was going hunting without him. After all he packed his own backpack and had his toy rifle all ready to go. When it was time for Jarrett to go, Caleb wouldn't get out of the truck, but finally Jarrett was able to escape.

Luke went to the doctor's today and he is very tall and very chubby. 20 lbs. Off the charts for height and weight. He is growing like a weed.

Love and heavy backpacks,

Getting Published, Again!

So after I got Caleb's photo into the book, I am feeling a little guilty that Luke doesn't have a claim to fame. But today the problem was soloved, his photo will be published in the quarterly magizine that Jarrett's company puts out. I thought this was a pretty cute picuture of the big guy, can you believe he is not quite four months yet!

Caleb had a playdate today, he had fun and I went to the chiropractor today. It was fine, I don't know what I was anxioius about. She is a great doc, she is up on all the new techniques and her office is very kid friendly which is really cool. Oh yeah, her receptionist is great too, it's Stacey.

Love & Snickers

Coastal Trail

Today Sarah and I rode the coastal trail with the kids. This is a fun trip for the kids we ride a while then we stop at a bunch of different parks the kids get to play and pee in the bushes:) Then Sarah taught me this new technique ... Luring the kids back to the Chariot with M& M's. This new technique has a lot of potential. We saw a few moose on the trail including a mommy and her twins. They were pretty young and right on the trail. The above photo is a young moose checking out our friends archery target. Hee Hee

Tomorrow is my first trip ever to the chiropactors. It should be interesting.

Love and back crackers,

Getting Published!

Today we got the news that a photo I took of Caleb and Jarrett will be published in our friends book. I am very excited, probably a good move on the authors part to include the photo, I know he will sell extra copies to grandparents! The book will go to the printers 8/4 so it will be out soon. Now I am scheming on how I can get Luke's photo in the next one!

Hi, mom I hope your eye is feeling better and you are enjoying your fun company, I wish you guys would come up here!

Love & big book sales

New Boat???

It was a rainy day here so what do you do on a rainy day? Shop....We have our friends here so they wanted to go shopping for a boat. Okay that sounds great, so we found one in the paper and went to take a look at it. It was two hours away and in a peculiar little town of Whitter. Just to get there you have to pay $12 to go through the 2.5 mile tunnel. All the way through the tunnel we kept saying what if..... there was an earthquake, what if.... there was. So we found the the boat and it was really fun to look at so we'll see what they plan to do.

This morning when I was in the shower, Caleb says to Jarrett, "Daddy will you take brother to the man village?" He just watched Jungle Book and really liked it but sending his brother to the "man village" that's a little much! Sometimes I feel like I live in a man village.

Love & Road trips,

Free Babysitting

I love days like this, when friends come over and you eat and just laugh about all the experiences you have had in the past.

Caleb went to his aunt Stacey's today.... Those two are something else, Caleb makes himself right at home by digging in the cupboards and Stacey has such a great way with him! We love the free babysitting! Thanks

Met with our financial advisor today... looks like we will be setting more goals, it will be a good thing. We are already saving money on the babysitting.

Love and visitors,

Drills & Thrills

Yes! I went to the dentist today and I got a clean bill of dental health! My dentist is so funny an older man who is deeply philosophical, in a funny way, and thinks soda is going to the detriment of society.

Luke and I were playing with Jarrett after Caleb went to bed and he gave this great smile, hope you enjoy it we do! Did you know that they recommend you wipe out your babies mouth after each feeding! Wow I am about 3 1/2 months behind on that!

Caleb had a friend over. He always likes the idea but when it comes to the time to actually have them here and share his toys it takes him a little time to adjust and a few time outs. Hee Hee... but once he gets into the sharing mode he is in heaven with a partner in crime!

Speaking of partners in crime, I got Stacey to get up and go to the gym at 7am.... Good job Stac! It didn't hurt as much today and when you are giggling it makes the time go by faster. Every time I start to whine Stacey makes a funny comment like image you are lifting your suitcase for your cruise and it is loaded with bikinis, I haven't worn a bikini since the sixth grade!

Love & One piece swimsuits

Gotta Love Baths!

This evening was Lukes first adventure in the tub with big brother! He sat in this niffty little chair (thanks Jenn) that allowed him to sit up and enjoy the water and sucking on his brothers arm. Isn't it amazing how slippery a little baby can be? He loved it and Caleb thought it was pretty cool too!

If your wondering about the bandaid on Caleb's head it is covering the bump from the handle of the vice he pulled down on himself. He's fine, because bandaids fix everything! He sure is a busy boy.

We went to the rifle range today. Jarrett had to sight in his new and improved rifle... I know what your saying because I am saying it too. ANOTHER rifle. But anyways, please remind me that I don't enjoy going to the range with two fussy kids and sitting in the truck for an hour and a half! This is Jarrett's hobby he should be able to enjoy it peacefully. The range isn't always bad, it is a good time to read magizines or knit, but I think I will give it a break for a while.

Love and messy houses,

Party anyone?

I went to a great spa party tonight we soaked our feet and ate great snacks! Thanks, Sarah! It is fun to get out and visit with the girls and chat! Went to the gym started some express work out thing. Yeah, that is mistitled! It should be called slow torture. But I agree with the theory if I take the time to go to the gym then I should get the most of it, not just watch TV while on the treadmill. But I like the treadmill and we don't have cable.

Luke found his toes tonight and played with a little toy all while I was at the spa party. It always seems to happen when I'm not looking. Caleb has become quite the story teller, he likes to tell stories of Buzzlightyear to his little brother who just smiles. What a pair!

Just got a letter from our buddies in CA and looks like we are all goin' on a cruise to the Mexcian Rivera. Should be fun, just have to figure out what to do with the kidlets!

Love and snorkeling,

Habits

My sister-in-law told me today a way to create or change habits is to involve other people. So I have to say I am so glad I involved her with my excerise program. Today when it was 8pm and I hadn't done my work out and I didn't want to, she showed up and encouraged me. Thanks Stac your the best and we are glad you have decided to stay in AK.

Summers in Alaska are the best but can be very challenging with young children. It stays light here until at least midnight right now. So I am embarassed to say Caleb has been going to sleep around 11 each night. Tonight I put him down before I went for my run and what do you know when I returned he was in bed but far from asleep. He is now learning funny little tricks to stay up later, like mommy I want to hold you.... who can resist that little voice... and then I hear what everyone with grown children tell you.... cherish the moments they will be gone before you know it. SO I am a babywise failure right now, but my boy wants to snuggle and I'm sure that won't last forever. :Luke on the other hand when he is not smiling he is sleeping... I must cherish the moments of naps too, for my sanity!

Love & People who motivate us!

Isn't it fitting??

Isn't it fitting that today we went to church with our friends and what do you know was the topic..... Gluttony.... you know where you worship food more than God. You think about your next meal or dessert more than your God. Isn't that a fitting topic after I was caught sneaking chocolate.

I've noticed since I've began my blog it has motivated me to do different things so I can write about them. I felt this way when I would scrapbook too. I would say let's have a BBQ, I want to take pics and do a page because I just got the cutest BBQ stickers. So is this good or bad I really don't know, however we are a lot of fun trying to fill our days.

Today we went on a mini train ride. There are these people who love trains and have created a whole miniature track that they allow the public to take rides on for a small $3 fee. They are a non profit and just love the railroad. I believe they call themselves train enthusiast. Caleb and Luke loved it. They are currently working on a Thomas Engine, it isn't quite ready but a very nice man resembling Santa pushed him out so Caleb could check him out and a photo opt.

Interestingly enough there was a lady who's whole arms were covered in very colorful tatoos and the bees would not leave her alone. Who knew bees are attracted to brightly colored ink under the flesh.. Hee Hee.

We finished the day off with a bike ride. Bike trailers for kids great invention. Husband to pull it even better!

Love and aching leg muscles

Caught!!!

I was caught red handed! Not only was I caught but I was challenged by my husband to post the whole incident on my blog. He said I dare you to post this, so here it is.

Since I have had Luke I am a little chubbier than usual so I have been trying to slim down. I have just started a running program with Stacey that is called "From the couch to a 5K". I already messed it up when I was on vacation dip netting, so here I go again but of course I am waiting until Monday to start. With the excerise comes eating right, so we have been working on eating right, but for some reason I just can't shake the craving for sugar after a meal. This is where the CAUGHT part comes in .... Today after a healthy lunch I was talking to Jarrett while trying to conceal I was partaking in the last stash of sugar in the house. I knew he noticed, I thought he would let me pass but he didn't he asked what I was eating and I had to admit I was so desparate that I had a handful of chocolate chips. He laughed then told me to throw them away it was the first step.... You know they say the first step is the hardest and throwing away perfectly good chocolate chips was very difficult considering I was enjoying the sugar high!

So I think the key for me is to have all my meals planned out so I am using the krafts food website it is very helpful... we'll see. So here is my blog for the day not a cute story of the kiddos but the beginning of a huge challenge to myself and I guess the more people I tell about it the more commited I will be ....

Okay, honey I posted it!
Love & healthy lifestyles

Sherpa ~ Flattop

I have never really thought of myself as a sherpa before but the comments of fellow hikers today confirmed I am well on my way.... I carried Luke up to the top of Flattop. As if I need anything extra to hike up this mountain. Jarrett had Caleb and Stacey was there to help us keep the whole expedition together. It was a fun hike and little challenging with stairs, switch backs and rock climbing, but well worth the work once you see the view of Anchorage. Jarrett had Caleb in his hunting pack and you could barely see him it was funny to see people pass, then take a second look at the whole set up! After I carried my camera all the way to the top I discovered the batteries were dead so I can only offer this link of Flattop. Love & Backpacks

We're Back

Well we made it back from our dip netting trip. We had a great time got to catch up with friends and fill the freezer. After a few days in Kenai we went down to Homer and it was gorgous, Caleb loved the ocean. Homer has a cool new vistor center and from there you can walk down to the tide pools if you plan it right at low tide. Of course, we were flying by the seat of our pants so we were there at high tide. It totally reminded me of my college days on the northern coast of California. The trip wrapped up when it began to rain, the camper gets very small in the rain when you have watched all the movies and your 2 1/2 year old is trying to fly!
Love & sand in your shoes