Trip to Anchorage and Hope, AK

On Tuesday the kids and I headed to Anchorage to get Mason's Social Security card straightend out. Out time in Anchorage was less than 3 hours and we had lots of time before dinner time so on the way home we stopped in spots that we don't normally stop at. On the highway on the Turnagain Arm there is a little alcove that has waterfalls and big trees with big roots and branches all around, so we stopped there and played for about 15 minutes....of course getting some pictures! Then we headed on down the road and when we reached the Hope Jct. we turned and went the 17 miles down that road. We were actually going to meet a friend there and camp over night, but that was canceled due to sick kids and another engagement that they had to be at. So the kids and I went to scope out the campground that we want to stay at and see the town of Hope! the scenery is beautiful and we are excited to go camping there sometime. The campground is right along the ocean on the other side of Turnagain Arm so we could see the cars along the highway way off in the distance. The town of Hope is really neat as well with lots of old buildings a few campgrounds lots of trails to hike on and white water rafting if you feel up to it!

Tea Party for Breakfast

A week and a half ago we had friends over for breakfast. Without a stove or an oven I was somewhat limited on what I could make.....and I wanted something more than cereal, so I made scones and baked 5 at a time in my toaster oven! We had such a good time that the girls and I decided to do it again the next morning for ourselves. Both Emma and Madison helped me make the scones and we had homemade strawberry rubarb jam and blueberry tea! I am so glad that this is something that the girls and I can share together. We sit and talk about things and I think that they feel more grown up for participating in something that mommy does with her friends.

A Walk Down the Beach

We had a wonderful walk on the beach last Thursday evening. We actually walked a little over 2 miles!! Along the way we saw drift wood from the Kenai River in the ocean, and we saw ducks that were swimming in the ocean that came up to the beach when called to be fed by a family that had bread for them. We watched the sun go down and collected lots of rocks!

Down to the Fishing Hole

Chad took us down to the "Airport" fishing hole to show us where he and the guys go fishing. It is about a 1/2 mile walk round trip, and was a fun little jaunt for all of us to take. I decided that one day a week I want to make a family tradition of hiking somewhere. There are hundreds of trails for us to explore and I am ready to see what they are hiding. The only fear I have is of the bears that also like those trails.....I am not really ready to explore them :). I bought a book and it gave suggestions of good places to hike that are kid friendly, so we are planning our next hike soon!

A Little Hike at Turnagain Pass

On the way home from Anchorage, we stopped in Turnagain Pass and went for a little hike to search for blueberries....we didn't find any, but Emma and Madison and I had a good time. We did not have a lot of time either because Mason, Heidi, and Chad were waiting in the car for us too (we had forgotten the stroller, of course)!

Short Walk at Tern Lake

On our way to Anchorage we stopped at the campground/bathroom area and the kids and I walked around. A very refreshing stop and great place for the kids to get out and stretch their legs for a bit!

Tern Lake


Mason on the bridge

Newly constructed bridge

Red Salmon

Heidi, Emma , and Madison

A Walk Around the Lake

On the sawdust trail looking out at the lake


From the sawdust trail looking into the forest....Aren't our trees cute :)?

Emma is in front and then Madison, Jordan, and Luthian are skipping together down the road from the ballfeild!

Emma, Madison, Jordan, Luthian , Zeckari, Giddeon, Katie, and Heidi...

Not shown Me(Stephanie :)) Farrah, and Mason

It was a great time walking around the lake with all the munchkins!!! They all had fun and I think could have done it a few more times. We have had a great summer with lots of sunny days and so we have tried to make the most of it by getting outside to do stuff!

Old Deck.....Improved Deck....Used Deck!

The old deck.... 6 feet wide

the improved deck...... 12 feet wide :) ( Chad supervised....but I built it!!)

used deck :)

A few days ago while I was making dinner Heidi asked if she could go take a nap. I said yes and gave her the pacifier and sent her to bed.....this is where I found her, sound asleep on the deck. Cutest thing ever!!!