We've gotta reader on our hands

Caleb loves to read.  I don't know how it happened or the exact date but this kid loves to read!  In both third and fourth grade he was crowned Accelerated Read King of his class.  Now in the dog days of summer he can be found curled up with a book.  His favorite book right now is Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowart.  He has recently gotten hooked on the Hardy Boys who he compares to McGyver.  I hope he enjoys all the adventures reading has in store for him.

Mr. ToreEar

"MOM, Mom.... his ear is tore...." Great, as usual when there are loud noises followed by screaming at our house I assume one of the three boys is semi-injured. But a tore ear would take things to a new height.  :) But never fear they were talking about their favorite moose visitor....
Mr. ToreEar.





This guy has been hanging around our house for quite a while.  He has a few distinct features that make him stand out.  His right ear is tore and hangs limply and his left antler is growing straight down.  These challenges seem to not bother him as he meanders through our area, stealing all the fireweed and ignoring the yells of name calling little boys!

Our First Bloom

"Hey mom, I've never seen this flower before."

This is our first bloom from this plant my friend Autumn gave us three years ago!  Needless to say we are pretty proud of it!  This plant had endured a lot: being hacked down by the weed-eater, piles of snow plowed on top of it all winter and last but not least... Lily the dog..  I guess she is a little prejudice.

Swimming with Friends

The boys and I went to our great friends house who live on this little non motorized lake.  The kids were so excited to swim because it was a sweltering 80 degrees!  Boys swimming skills are coming a long ways.  Eli, Luke and Caleb all swam out to the dock. 

It is a well known fact that boys are really good at catching minnows, but a new skill was added today.  I have to say I am not fond of it either!  It was ROASTING minnows.  It's wrong and they really shouldn't do it.... but these are wild crazy boys and I had to smirk a little at their creativity!

What I love about my friend is when I said do you want to swim she was totally up for it!  I love that!  We had a great time, laughing and playing with the kids!  Great reminder that mama's need to have fun, too!

Eli coming in from the dock, to roast hot dogs.

Caleb enjoying a float on the tube!

Lazy Fridays!

The boys were hungry after going to the libray

 I love summertime  Fridays.... we head down to Friday Fling/Farmers Market, go the library, walk around downtown.  The boys always want to stop and look at the booth with  handmade wood toys... as we hear every week they are made from Alaska's finest birch or spruce.

I am totally impressed by Luke's knowledge of the Colonist.  He spouts our facts as we walk around town.... Did you know that is the bell from the ship that brought the colonist? or Hey mom  you know this library and parking lot didn't even exist back then.

Much to hot for this little Alaskan grown boy.... seeking shade at 80 degrees

Dentist... Need I say more?

Just hanging at the dentist office.

Girdwood Hike, Pistachios, and Prayers

We had the pleasure of going on a hike hosted by a family at church.  We drove to Girdwood with our buddy Autumn then hiked in 2.5 miles.....

 We crossed a cool gorge with this log bridge...

Then we made it to our goal.. the hand propelled cart.. BUT the cart hadn't been put in yet  SO we will have to return to this destination and give a try another time!

As we hiked in the 2.5 mile the last bit Eli indicated the his tummy was upset, then he began to break out in itch hives.  Just before leaving the parking lot we had a few snacks and Eli tried a pistachio... NOT good.  As we were hustling back to get benadryl... Eli stopped me and said, "I know what will make my tummy feel better, I need to pray to God. " So he sat on the rock and said a prayer while my heart melted.    What an awesome kiddo.  What a great lesson, thanks Eli! Eli's prayer was answered he felt better and the benadryl did the the trick!

HaPpY FoUrTh of JuLy!!!!

Happy Independence Day!!

I love what this holiday represents.  Thanks to all past and present who make it possible.  

 

Boys got to start their day with a rainy day parade...

Lots of candy!!!

                     Then off to a BBQ with friends and a great fishing expedition.

                      Caleb working on how to properly hold a fish for photos

Quick cabin trip!

 We headed out the cabin with our buddies for a few days!  It was really enjoyable.  We got back to the beach and Eli was ready to swim with his fins.  Our awesome cabin neighbors added a slide to the raft.  Caleb tested it out and said it was great.... the other boys aren't quite ready.  I'm told it is very sturdy and will hold adults... any takers?

HaPpY NeW YeAr!!! 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

 I love the fresh start of  a new year.... so I thought I might get my blog rolling again!  

There is always plenty to blog about with a great husband, three little boys, a crazy new puppy and an Alaska life!  It is just a matter of taking the time to write it all down!  

Here's to 2013.... I have already posted more than I did in 2011/2012!

Best wishes to all in 2013

Eli is getting so old!

Eli is getting so old.... I mean a mustache and everything.....

He cracked me up when he showed this to me, he thought he was so funny. I only let you guess what the adhesive was that keep that little gem of a mustache in place!!

Never a dull moment!

Love & facial hair,

Reflection Lake

We had a great Sunday drive with our buddies they are so adventurous!

We headed to Hatcher's, the Butte, Old Glenn, then Reflection Lake.

Caleb & Eli..... are they sweet.... if you only knew;)

This spot was so beautiful that Caleb thought he should pose for a photo.... he's a real natural!

Eli was fascinated with the Knik River.... Twin Peaks in the background

Ahhhh the little buddies.... Eli has picked this flower for me... he insist I put it in my hair...."Put it in your hair mommy."

Boys... can they ever resist throwing rocks?

Mat Peak Trail

We tried out the family friendly Mat Peak trail. It was beautiful. We had lots of stops along the way.......

Like for Eli and Luke to enjoy the view and eat their smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels.

OR for the boys to stop and whittle with their pocket knives.

Eli gave the trip a two thumbs up..... I would too if Jarrett carried me :)

Ahhhh......

I miss my blog! I miss keeping my electronic journal. I love to review our little trips, thoughts, & milestones. So after some gentle encouragement, thanks Kiana, the blog is to be renewed. I will be back dating, it is my secret way to drive any readers crazy, but really, it helps me keep my crazy life in some chronological order..... so bear with me.

Love and the end of writer's block,

Luke's Preschool Graduation

Luke graduated from preschool today. He really wanted to wear his papa's tie and look fancy for graduation. He was so excited. He did a gread job of sing and performing. He sang exceptionally loud and used his creative license to lead the class on verses out of order... it was so cute. He smiled the whole time. His teachers complimented him on always being helpful and making good choices!! Those are great qualities, Luke!

Luke & Miss Cindy

Luke & Miss Sharon

Luke and his great smile.

First Trip Butte Trip 2010

We made our annual beginning of the summer pilgrimage up the Butte. The boys are getting so big they practically run up the trail.... except for Eli who claims his leg hut if he wants more than 50 yards. So I guess I am not quite ready to retire the big blue Kelty yet. I can't imagine the day.....

Eli is the little speck on the top left. Caleb is trying to look as if he has the mountain in his hands and Luke is just being feisty.

I had the boys convinced that if they all put their hands on the marker at the same time that they would release "the force" .... Yes, Star Wars is going strong at our house right now!

Luke Graduates from Preschool

Luke graduated from preschool today. He really wanted to wear his papa's tie and look fancy for graduation. He was so excited. He did a great job of sing and performing. He sang exceptionally loud and used his creative license to lead the class on verses out of order... it was so cute. He smiled the whole time. His teachers complimented him on always being helpful and making good choices!! Those are great qualities, Luke!

Luke had a great big smile the whole time~

Luke & Miss Sharon

Luke & Miss Cindy

We wrapped the celebration at Moose's Sub's. Luke insisted on wearing his graduation hat to celebrate.... he received may compliments. What a nice community. THEN we went and visited his new elementary school, where his new principal gave him a tour of the whole school. Luke is sure he will love it there!

Caleb's 1st Grade Field Trip

I had the pleasure of volunteering for Caleb's walking field trip it was a great walk, field day activities & pizza. Ms. Spindler was in charge of tag. She sure has a lot of energy.

Caleb had a great time & his friends never miss a photo opt.

Ms. Spindler was a great teacher kind, caring, professional and always positive. Thanks for a great first grade year, Ms. Spindler!

Mt Baldy ~ Eagle River

We were looking for an easy new hike we haven't done yet.  SO we settled on Mt. Baldy.  It was listed as easy and only 1.5 miles each way... I guess that would be if I didn't misled my family and we end up bushwacking our way up the side of the mountain.  It was very steep.  The boys were troopers though....  Jarrett, what a dad, he hauled Eli all the way up and back.  I think it is just good training for sheep season!  Next time Jarrett better read the directions.

Love and directionally challenged,

What the Hail??

Crazy ~  I think the skies are angry!  We just got 1 1/2 inches of  marble size hail in ten minutes.  I love the thunder and lightening.  We don't get a lot of storms of this nature up here.  It was a treat.

Love and hope no dents in the car,