chaos and craziness

it may have been -9, but we went snowshoeing.

2012-01-16T21:02:00.000-09:00

Georgea was tired... okay, really she just fell down and stayed there!

There's that beautiful January sunshine!!!

Rosalee hanging out... if it were clear, you could see Denali behind her.

Georgea likes to have her picture taken any chance she gets!

Trail out to the flats, but we were traveling the other way.

Rosalee and I were catching our frost covered eyelashes.

Having fun!!

Elic posed for this one, otherwise he was trying to hide from the camera.

Snow is hanging nice on those trees... the wind is picking up around here tonight so it may look different tomorrow..

birthday at the lake and a fall trip to Seward

2011-11-14T22:17:00.000-09:00

Good Morning Byers Lake!!!!!

Elic (the birthday boy) warming his chilly toes by the fire.

Coffee on the lake... PERFECT!!

Beautiful fall day!

Swans of the lake...

...and we saw OTTERS too! (that was pretty exciting)

Love these colors!

Group pose by the lake... someone isn't super happy here.

Birthday boy pumping water.

Cross country meet.

Georgea after her mile and half...

Elic finishing up his 2 miles....

Rosalee cheesin' it up in Seward.

Georgea with a new hat...

Elic being smiley guy!

The crabs with the crab!

Exit glacier

Kenai Lake was beautiful on the way home.

Saw lots of swans on the little lakes driving home... it was a nice fall trip!!

garden tours, triathlon, time at the lake

2011-09-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

this peony was goregeous!

the roses were beautiful, as was the view!!

this greenhouse was that of an older lady... my grandma's age. she grows it all for family and friends.... the plants were amazing!

her peppers and tomatoes made me feel like a complete slacker!!

peonies from Grey Owl farm... beautiful!

this gnome was too cute to pass up... and then there's the view from his place... amazing!!!

i did my second triathlon... plan on beating my time next year!

georgea loves those dogs... and having her picture taken!

lynx lake at night.

elic and rob trying out the 'new' motor. they had a good time!

guess it's time for an update!!!

2011-09-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

We went camping around Portage glacier for a few days with mom/Sweetpea. It was nice and the fireweed was pretty!

Mom took us on a boat tour on Portage Lake.

That's a big iceberg back there!!

Rosalee is not thrilled by it...

Portage Glacier as a back drop.

Portage all on it's own...

Cheesy kid!

Hangin' with Smokey!

Ahhh.... look at the love! Yep, I caught it for the world to see!!

Nothing like hanging out in your jammies by the campfire.

Georgea posing at Bertha creek.

took a trip to seward

2011-06-22T00:13:00.001-08:00

Today was our 14th anniversary (June 21st). We spent our honeymoon in Seward, so it was a nice thing to go back again. It may have been the first time we've been back together... maybe.

I love pics of the kids playing in the ocean, they love it, even if it's cold!

This is a great pic of Rosalee... she probably won't like it!

Running from the waves, the dogs had fun too!

This guy has a great smile!

There's the water baby... doesn't matter what the temp is, it's still fun to play in it!!!

hmmm.... teenager.

Chance eating his stick.

there's always one that has to screw up a pic!! :)

aren't they cool!??

and even a pic of me... should've thought to have Rob in there too!!!!

camping season has started!!!

2011-06-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

the kids got to ride 'old school' to head into the lake!

the water was warm enough to swim... or so they said!

Marvin and Georgea enjoying the water.

Elic and Rosalee enjoyed it as well!

played a little tether ball with Sweet Pea...

and nothing quite like a brown bear print to start the summer off!!!

campfire by the lake...

anteater likes fire too!

marshmallow time..

beautiful view!!

Chance posing for his close up.

Rosalee has a great smile!!!

Georgea loves the paddle boat, especially when Sweet Pea peddles...dogs like it too!!!

we're ready for SUMMER!!!!

2011-05-22T23:01:00.000-08:00

To pass the time waiting for summer, I took a trip to Homer! Saw an eagle eating something...

Saw the sun across the bay...

Driftwood...

And dried flowers and grass! Beautiful trip!!!

Lunch was tasty while we watched the (crazy) paddle boarders.

As summer gets closer we get to have dance recitals... Here is our ballerina!

The ballerina likes snow cones at track meets!!!

Elic is our track star.. he is in the middle in yellow.

Rosalee was taking the pictures... she wrote a story for class that involved the dogs (as super heros!)

Here's spring!!! primrose are in bloom...

pussy willows...

currants...

and bulbs.. next it will be SUMMER!!!!

cutest tea party goers EVER!

2011-04-07T19:17:00.002-08:00

A friend sent me this pic today. I LOVE it! These guys are now 11 (Angus) and 10 (Elic) but they were such sweet little guys! This was Rosalee's tea party... can't wait to see some more pics of it... I hear Rosalee was in a cute DRESS!!!!

it's already April.... and I have a teenager!!??!!!

2011-04-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not real sure where the time has gone... this year, or the past 13 years! It's pretty amazing how fast the time goes... I still remember when she was a baby, putting her in the clothes basket and going out to do yard work... that was 1998!

Such a great kid and hoping she keeps that positive and helpful attitude! We had fun going to the movies (Rango-- I fell asleep at the end and had to ask what happened) and having a sleepover... I think it was a good birthday!

We cheated a bit and bought a cake from Costco...fancied it up a bit with the raspberries!

Rosalee seems pretty happy to be 13!!!

I love these candles... I finally remembered I had them and used them! :)

Happy birthday Rosalee!!!

DISNEYLAND!!!!!

2011-02-05T23:39:00.000-09:00

Took a ride on the train!

Georgea was happy to go...

Dad was SUPER excited to go too!!!

had to drive on the autobahn... Rosalee driving behind us.

watch for mice!

going to tomorrow land!

waiting for 'it's a small world'

getting closer....

Mom and Dad were pretty excited to wait in line too!

one of the kids liked the 'square' trees.

buffalo topiary

Small world... getting really close now...

small world decked out in winter holidays...

waiting to ride with the pirates...

oh! found some pirates!

Mom wearing her eye patch...

tarzans house... was much better as swiss family robinson... (in my opinion.)

lots of nice decorations!

getting ready to leave on the last night.

everyone was ready to go to bed... 2 am is pretty late to hang out with a mouse!

Georgea had fun!!!

... and Rosalee too!!

more vacation activities!

2011-01-12T23:21:00.001-09:00

Red Rocks in Vegas.... notice the snow??

Hoover Dam

the new bridge by Hoover Dam

Mom hiking at the Grand Canyon

Elic and I having our pic taken by the smallest photographer.

Georgea took this one too

One of the tunnels on the hike

self portrait

Elic was dancing??!!!

rock climbing at lunch time

bluebirds on the way out of the canyon

Rob and I made it back to the top!!

Oatman, AZ... you can feed the wild donkeys!

The dominant male (he has a floppy ear)

the youngest donkey-- 2 weeks old

kids in front of a BIG cactus!

on the drive from California to Washington

beach park in Seattle

Rosalee having a good time

Sweetpea and Georgea looking for sea glass and other treasures!

they found a lot of these neat little leaf boats...

Heron

the kids have always enjoyed walking along the wall

We went on a vacation.

2011-01-10T15:57:00.000-09:00

We went to Red Rocks in Las Vegas. They were having flooding... what better to do then throw rocks?

Or pose in front of a flooded street???

Or maybe go hiking and get soaked in the rain?!!!

Here we are in front of the tree at the Venetian... had to have a family photo op!

Hoover Dam

The Grand Canyon

I love all the trees around there. They have a lot of character.

Georgea peeking over the canyon

Elic's pose

....more trees.

Sunset over the canyon was beautiful!

Fall times...

2010-11-10T12:48:00.000-09:00

Here's a collection of pictures from things we've been doing this fall... now we have some snow and cold weather is setting in. I guess the next collection will be winter!

Georgea ready to catch the bus...

Two happy kids ready for school!

They were happy we got some apples off our trees this year!

Georgea showing off her cross country shirt (she was too young to be in the race.)

Rosalee trying to avoid the camera... but I caught her anyway! (she'll hate this pic)

Elic towards the back of the pack at the start...

but he finished well!!

Georgea and Elic by their school sign.

Up at Eureka.. went for lunch one Saturday.

A little chilly up that way... Rob's coat wasn't quite thick enough.

Rosalee and me posing for a quick pic... taken by Elic. (I think I was mid-sentence)

Georgea found snow...

that means... SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!!

Rosalee's basketball team.

Rosalee's free throw... she does pretty well with them.

Here she is chasing that ball down!

Here's the team.... 'c' division CHAMPIONS!!!!

Rosalee checking out the trophy.

glennallen and seward

2010-10-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Elic and I visited friends in Glennallen... we found some sun up there and saw the view of their mountains. They look out on Mt. Drumm and Mt. Sanford.

We also were there at mushroom harvest time... this one is a 'hawk wing.'

This one is an 'orange delicious' we had some sauteed up on pizza... pretty tasty.

Elic and his buddy Jesse at the park visitor center. The fish wheel was made by some of the local people to show what a traditional wheel would have been like.

Then we took a trip to Seward with my Mom....

This was the first stop... Primrose campground. We had planned on staying here, had a great spot... the best, but when we went to register realized it wasn't a state campground (they have a free camping sticker) and we didn't have enough cash (and no checks) to pay... so we had to head on down the road.

Rosalee and I on the beach.

Checking out the tide pools... found a crab, or 20.

This was at our camp spot. The two trees had grown together... was pretty interesting.

This was our 3 legged buddy.

This is on the docks...

Sweet pea and the kids taking a walk on the docks.

Elic's birthday weekend

2010-09-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

We had birthday pie for breakfast... it was pumpkin, that's gotta be healthy!

The view across the lake

panorama that i made... a little crooked

salmon swimming upstream to spawn

an old cabin the kids checked out

Rosalee peeking in the window

Denali

suspension bridge on the trail around the lake

bear tracks on the trail with Georgea's foot

notice Marvin's foot print inside the bear print?

Happy birthday guy!

Georgea tried not to wash her face or comb her hair for the entire weekend!

The dogs carrying snacks and a beaver tree along the way.

would've had Rosalee in here too, but she was too far ahead!!

Making dinner after our hike... we were baking bread to go with some soup... Tasty!!

The crew...

Georgea needed to make a silly face!

The kids and me after a great trip!!!

Happy 10th Elic!!!!

July days...

2010-08-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

the best toy in the backyard right now!!!

lots of mushrooms coming up with all this rain...

It's that time of year... yummy jam time!!!

Raspberry currant jam...tastes great!

Reflections lake... beautiful day for a walk

The dogs seem to love to go boating...

one of my favorite roses in the garden.

a July trip to Coyote Gardens is always a good thing....

even if it's raining. This is my favorite type of lily.

The arrangement was beautiful.

We went on a kayak trip this weekend...

it was going pretty well. A lot of work portaging the boats....

but we were having fun!!!

....until I ate the noodles!!! then had a sick sort of night, but thankfully my parents and Rob were able to make a rescue trip to get us out of there!!! Thanks Mom, Dad, and Rob!!

Went on a little hike....

2010-07-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

We went up Gold Cord Lake trail at Hatcher's Pass..

The kids had fun climbing on all the big rocks and even stopped for a pic!

The violets were still blooming up there.

The kids sitting on the bed at 'Lynch cabin'

Gentian is almost ready to bloom

Chance being a mountain dog... he carried his own water and snacks!!

My new little camera has 'magic filters'... this one is 'pop art'...

neat little flower... not positive what it is.

Panorama of the valley

Nice little creek

The beginning of the hike down.

Lynx Lake camping

2010-07-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

It was a nice evening for a paddle!!!

We went on a walk and took some pictures...

the kids with sweetpea and pa

the lily pads were starting to bloom

There was some fishing going on!!

my paddling helper

more fishing...

the Catch!

Rosalee likes to take the boat out by herself!!

Chance looks like he needs a break!! but the dogs had fun too!!

Our latest adventures!!

2010-06-29T10:46:00.001-08:00

On Saturday I did a triathlon! That's right triathlete in the room!! :)
On Sunday we took off on our adventure, headed towards Fairbanks. Georgea posing in front of the mountains up by Eureka.
Georgea took a pic of me.
Axel, Georgea and Rosalee... ready to get back on the road.
Georgea by a little waterfall... took this one for Sweet pea!
Elic and Angus... also ready to be back on the road.
The dogs loved running wild and free!!
Hanging out on the pipeline.
This was fancy breakfast one morning at Chena lakes... the other days they had oatmeal and cereal.
And we found dessert too... wild strawberries!!

2010-06-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

We went for a hike the other day up to Hatcher's Pass... Gold Cord Mine. Hadn't been up there before. Elic was preparing for his picture...
We got a new dog... Marvin. He was pulling all the way up the hill. Seems to love hiking already!!
Rosalee with Marvin... her new buddy!
Marvin tripping Rosalee.
Georgea and Elic leading the dogs to snow!! They loved it!

One more thing....

2010-05-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rosalee had a great basketball season this year... she did really well stealing the ball!!!
Dribbling it down the court and rebounding too!

She looks like she likes to steal it the most.. but she's does well scoring too! :)

Spring happenings....

2010-05-14T23:39:00.001-08:00

This is my favorite thing right now... walked into the living room the other night and this is what awaited me. He is saving up for a bug vacuum...
This is life on our little 'farm'... Lily, little Red Riding hood, bauck-bauck, and wingey?????? I have to clarify that last one!
Splotchy and Ninja
My trip to Homer was beautiful this year.... really enjoyed time in the hot tub with this view!!! It was relaxing and I really appreciated it!
More of the hot tub view. It was a beautiful weekend!
The kids and I took a trip to Seward for Easter. We had fun, had t.v. dinners for dinner and hung out and watched a movie after we spent time at the park and checking out Seward a little!
Georgea loved the slide... she's always interested in stopping at a park.
Our self portrait... we had to take several to get everyone in!
Elic on the way up mt. Marathon!! :)

The wrestler

2010-05-14T23:27:00.001-08:00

We have a wrestler!!! Elic decided he really likes wrestling and Georgea is interested in joining him next year too!
A little action at one of his matches...
After his first (and only so far) win!! He was pretty proud and it was a great match to watch. Both guys were pretty equally matched and they both came out happy!

spring break at Denali

2010-03-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

Our only peek of the big mountain PEAK!
Sun peeking through the trees over the cabin.
Chance with his snow beard.
Georgea peeking out of the igloo.
Elic hangin' at the lake.
Rosalee and her pretty smile!
Our cabin.... and the snow machine.
The kids igloo they found on the lake.

Here we are in a New Year!!!

2010-01-10T20:31:00.000-09:00

So I thought I should update since it's been awhile....We've had a visitor in the new year... he helped himself to many snacks around the back yard. I'm putting up a new fence in the summer!!
The blue moon on New Year's Eve
the house across the street... the fireworks were from the house behind them.
my swarovski crystal snowflakes.
Christmas morning buzz...
Christmas dinner at Grandma Kale's.
The gingerbread village at capt. cook... as impressive as ever!!
silly pic in front of the capt. cook christmas tree.
two cheesers in front of our tree (Georgea still has stitches in from her second surgery)
Colony Christmas fireworks
Colony christmas hot chocolate in front of the train depot.

Halloween

2009-11-29T22:20:00.001-09:00

They separated all the candy into piles... then traded each other.
Georgea applied her own makeup the second time (before we went out trick or treating)... it was a bit 'vampirey'!!!
Here they are... all decked out... getting ready to go to the Halloween party at Nancy's house!
Elic was a sniper..
Georgea was japanese. And Rosalee was a vampire.

Georgea's surgery

2009-10-17T22:55:00.001-08:00

A few days after surgery.. ( I need to remember to load these backwards next time!!)
the day after... lots of blood pooled in her lip.. the inside was really blue!!
An hour after.. we just loaded her in the truck.
Drugged up.. waiting for it to kick in, hanging out with Pa watching t.v.
Playing before they drugged her up.... nice little room for the kids to hang out in.... you can even draw on the walls under there!!

Elic's Bday and the newest family member!

2009-09-19T22:46:00.001-08:00

Splotches/Splotchey... Rosalee's new bunny, my fertilizer machine!!This looks like a little bit of trouble... Chance is VERY interested in him!!
Nerf gun/ leaf wars...
the new nerf gun was a hit!
playing in the leaf pile

berry picking.

2009-09-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

The berries were pretty nice this year.
Elic.. not sure what he was up to....
the view out of the valley
bunch of monkeys... they love climbing this tree!

time for school!!

2009-08-16T23:54:00.000-08:00

It's already that time....having a hard time believing that summer is really 'over,' but they head back to school tomorrow... which means I am suddenly more structured and actually have a schedule to keep.

At least it's another week before the fair so I'll have time to get it together.

Will have to get some more pics taken and downloaded... hoping we can squeeze in another trip towards the end of september. Going to see if a blow up mattress will fit in the back of the truck and we'll leave the tents at home....

farmer, flowers, and flying things...

2009-08-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

the delphiniums were beautiful in this garden
this one is for my mom... she liked the velvety texture.
eryngium... i'm hoping that someday mine will bloom.
columbine
my bees...
i'm hoping to get some seeds of this one and get it growing around here!
My farmer... he is very proud of his peas.. am going to get him a better garden going next year!
fireweed all over the mountains this year. this is in turnagain pass area.
sparrow in my tree
fireweed field

valdez trip continued...

2009-07-20T23:08:00.001-08:00

The kids and me, and the dog, at Worthington Glacier
Mom and me across from Bridal Veil Falls
The kids at Valdez Glacier...
kids checking out the pipeline
mom wringing out her socks from the 'liberty falls mishap'

This trip is one to remember... Elic and his shoes... turns out we were on the road, past palmer, and he realized he FORGOT his shoes... seriously, how do you get in the car without any shoes at all? Fortunately Rosalee had a second pair she shared and we were able to find him some flip flops at Kenny Lake... When he dropped into the water with moms shoes it just topped off the 'shoe trip'!!

Valdez trip

2009-07-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

drying out shoes and socks
wet shoes
OOPS! Elic was trying to be helpful and carry Sweetpea's shoes across the water.. he fell, hands first... of course the shoes were in his hands.
Georgea trying not to fall in the water...
The kids at Liberty Falls, on the road to Chitina
Old train tressel
the sun was red from the smoke
Mom, Elic and Rosalee watching water rush by.
Kennicott Mine
The sun was rosy on the water from the smoke of a forest fire. Rosalee looked pretty with it!

our recent adventures

2009-07-06T00:03:00.001-08:00

The kids and I have been camping quite a bit this summer. We go during the week when the campgrounds are pretty empty, then back home for weekends and Rob takes them on the boat or our fishing. I offered camping to Rob, but he said he was ok.

Here are some of our 'travels.'

Long Lake and Suttonfest
We picked up the boys, stopped at the lake, and happened upon "Sutton summerfest" on the way home. The kids got the longest FREE pony ride ever, had to have been at least 20 minutes. They played in a bouncy house, a water slide, and we got hot dogs for dinner... a great end to a beautiful day!
The boaters and the rock. Last time we went Rosalee fell off the rock, up to her waist in the water.
Rosalee trying out the kayak.
Georgea loves it... I see white water in her future!!
Not sure what they're looking at here... but having fun anyways!
South Rolly
While Elic was at camp we went camping at our old stand-by... this is the view from our campsite.
The view from the boat to the site... notice the swimmer. He swam out to me, about half way across the lake, and back again!
Cannonball!!! they had a good time going off the dock.
Our morning visitor. I had mentioned to Sabrina, when we took the boys to camp, how I never see wildlife and how do all these people see so much. Since then we have seen a Cow and calf moose drinking out of the lake, porcupine, fox, beaver and rabbit.
Rosalee liked to just fall in sideways, it was pretty funny to watch.
Matanuska Glacier
Not sure what she was up too, but this is a great pic of Rosalee.
We practiced with self timer and were able to take a decent self portrait!
GakonaWe stayed at a friend's house... this was the view. Mt. Sanford and Mt. Drumm
Rosalee practicing her driving... she needs more practice!
Elic with his buddy Jesse.
Georgea and Chance by the HUGE fire pit!

Eklutna LakeGeorgea getting ready to ride
Elic's bike got a flat, so we had to walk back to camp... this was a stop by the lake to throw some rocks and eat peanut butter and jelly, NO bread! Georgea had it in her bag, so we ate our lunch with a spoon.

Elic had an early bike wreck, then a second one, then the tire went flat... rough times on his rides.

Meme Tag from Bridgette

2009-07-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

a meme-

Eight Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1. camping this week

2. getting the yard under control

3. the kids keeping their rooms clean

4. a bigger house (someday)

5. going to valdez in a couple of weeks

6. having no bills.. hahaa

7. kids cleaning up after themselves... everytime they make a mess

8. Rob cleaning up after himself! :)

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:
1. caught a swarm of bees.

2. cooked hot dogs

3. ate watermelon

4. heard firecrackers and thunder

5. hung out with family

6. made a fire pit

7. got other people to help me move the gigantic tractor tire (will make a nice potato planter)

8. drank coffee

Eight Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. climb mountains

2. fit in the smaller kayak

3. swim in a lake right out my front door

4. have a hot tub

5. take a road trip to the states

6. drive the motorcycle

7. get the dog to quit being crazy when someone comes to the door

8. have no bills!

Eight Shows I Watch:
1. CSI

2. In plain sight

3. burn notice

4. Law and Order

5. lost

6. Today show to start my mornings

7. forensic files

8. whatever the kids are watching...

Eight Favorite Fruits:
1. blueberries

2. raspberries

3. currants

4. mangoes

5. pineapple

6. watermelon

7. banana
8. peaches

Eight Places to Visit:
1.Ireland

2. New Zealand

3. Niagra falls (with the kids)

4. Hawaii

5. Australia

6. Washington vineyards

7. Scotland

8. Iceland

Eight Places I've Lived:
1. Eagle River, ak

2. Anchorage, ak

3. Chugiak, ak

4. Wasilla, ak

5. Sacramento, Ca

6. Little Rock, Ar.

7. Prescott, Az

8. fairbanks, ak

Eight People to Tag:
1. sherry 2. joni 3. esther 4. nancy 5, 6, 7, 8.

gold mint trail hiking

2009-06-06T00:13:00.001-08:00

Rosalee by the beaver dam.
Elic taking a little break.
Chance enjoying his rest...
All the kids that went on the hike...
Georgea wanted me to pose like she had posed....
Georgea's pose.
Hangin' out in the buttercups.
Kids having a good time!!

Seward field trip with Elic

2009-06-04T10:37:00.001-08:00

This is the side of the bus.. someone did a nice flame job on it!!
Valley of the moon park... we stopped and had lunch when we came back to town.

After eating some pizza for lunch.

Sealife center.. Jeopardy game with marine life questions.
Bedtime at the Sealife center... it was about 10pm or so, just catching up on a little reading.

Homer field trip with Rosalee

2009-05-17T11:27:00.001-08:00

We saw a LOT of sea stars... they come in lots of colors!
Saw an eagle on a nice overlook.. he posed for some pics.
Rosalee was trying to keep warm the first night we were there.
This is our yurt... home for 2 and a half days!
We went on a hike to 'Lost and Found Lake'... just saw these along the way.

Easter events

2009-04-15T00:01:00.001-08:00

We had Easter at Debbie's house this year... she had some nice lemons on her table.
Mom made eggs with the kids... they used silk ties to dye them. They turned out really neat.
Rosalee on her egg hunt at our house on Saturday morning.
Georgea hunting eggs at home.
Elic having a great time looking for his eggs.
Georgea looking cool with her eggs at Easter.
Desserts at Easter... cupcakes, coconut cream pie, lemon meringue pie, and I made carrot cheesecake (not pictured here.)

Petersville

2009-04-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

This is Rob.. I think he's contemplating how we need a cabin like the one we got to visit with Dad and Mom last weekend. It was a beautiful spring day. The bad part was mom had gotten sick the night before (at the cabin) and wasn't able to do much... the kids all stayed on Friday night and then Elic stayed Saturday too. They all had a great time!!!
This is a little posed... not sure what they are really up too....
We took the wild dog with us. He ran part way and rode on the snowmachine with me some too. It was a seven mile ride into the cabin.
This was the set up when we went out riding... Rosalee was riding with me.
Rosalee and me... self portrait!

Trip to Seward with the March birthday kids... Rosalee and Axel!

2009-03-16T18:46:00.001-08:00

Elic posing as 'smiley guy' on the beach.
Georgea on the docks.
Sabrina and me at Turnagain Pass.
Georgea was practicing her photography skills... she does pretty well... at least I'm in the pic!!
Sunset on the way home....
Georgea checking out the trees.
Rosalee on the beach in Seward.
Rosalee and Axel playing at the playground.
All the crabs at the playground...
We stopped at Turnagain Pass to go sledding.

There's a birthday coming up... 11 years old!!

2009-03-05T12:52:00.001-09:00

These pics are all I have on this computer... from about 4 yrs ago....

This one "Rosalee playing in the daisies" was from Chugiak 4th of July parade 2005.
Matanuska Glacier
The professional soccer goalie.
Seattle spring trip
Seattle
Indoor soccer
Team work.... this snowman has ears... maybe it was a snow bear, around the time of 'Brother Bear"??? will have to check on that one!!

So who thinks we need some new glasses????

2009-02-17T23:22:00.000-09:00

Elic had an appt at Dr. Faulkner's (the eye doctor) today and had to get new glasses. Georgea and I found some we thought looked great! what do you think? pretty nice eh? :)

Book Battler and Basketball star!!!

2009-02-17T23:10:00.003-09:00

Rosalee participated in The Battle of the Books for the 3rd year in a row! They didn't make semi-finals, but from what I heard the questions were much harder this year... I think they had fun anyways!!
Must've had a quick break for a glance at the camera!!
Looks like there was a shot... don't know if it made it!!
A little motion in this one...
She is quite a defender.
Hmmm... really I was just playing with the camera and the game was a great place to try it out.. so sorry this one isn't very focused!! But they do look pretty intense eh???

Playin' in the pool!!

2009-02-04T22:16:00.003-09:00

At a morning temperature of -6*, today was a good day to think of warm days by the pool. The kids loved it when we were in Phoenix. It was a heated pool, but I think we were still the only ones regularly in it!! Rosalee was pretty happy in this one!
Elic came out of the water with this great, spiky hair style....
Their favorite thing quickly became "cannonball!!!"
Georgea LOVES the water!!!!
They posed for a group shot... of course the more you take, the sillier they get.

pics I played with....

2009-01-28T19:33:00.003-09:00

coming back from Fort Verde.
Tonto National Forest... Indian Ruins
Guardrail and grass by Roosevelt Dam
At Montezuma's castle
Cactus in Tonto Nat'l Forest
Roadside marker... marking pecan lane, near Ft. Verde
at ft. verde
Tonto Nat'l Forest

5/5/5

2009-01-28T19:22:00.000-09:00

Ok, you asked for it... 5th "event" folder, 5th pic... now the 5 to do it:

1. Sherry

2. Jessica

3. Nancy

4. Joni

5. Bridgette

Montezuma's castle

2009-01-22T22:34:00.001-09:00

Here we are at the ruins... it was a bit of a grey day, but still a nice temp. and a good day for a walk.
This is Fort Verde... pretty interesting... has period furnishings in the buildings and a nice little museum... the kids were sworn in as junior rangers.
Me by some rocks!
Saguaros on the hill on the drive back to town.
Found a good tree for a pic. opportunity!
Playing with Dad's camera....
They seem to pose well... hmm... wonder if the camera's been out a bit????
couple more posers, and an anteater too!!
Montezuma's Castle

Phoenix!!!

2009-01-20T20:34:00.001-09:00

So we went to Phoenix, but we took a trip to Australia while we were there....
At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum they had a little Australian ranch/farm set-up. Elic wanted to live there!!!
I love the way her hair blends with the grass behind it...
All the cactus together!!! actually the kids weren't very "prickly" today!
This one's for my mom... she has all of these sort of blue decorations in her yard at home, and she liked this flower, so she mentioned taking them together... good idea?!!!
They are sitting on an iguana bench, under a cactus wood shelter.
This is a "Green Rose" pretty interesting eh???
The little photographer setting up her shot... they all like to take pics. but it seems Georgea is really into it.
Elic and Rosalee enjoy a little shade...
playing in the children's garden, and loving it!! the maze was the best!!

Holiday Season!

2008-12-29T21:16:00.001-09:00

We spent a day in Anchorage visiting and going to the museum, Captain Cook for the gingerbread village and lunch (Pa met us there), and were going to try to skate.. but that's a problem when there's no ice! And I also visited my eye doctor....
Captain Cook always has a nice tree... we've taken pics in front of this one a few times. Mom, me, Georgea, Elic, Rosalee, and (Great) Grandma Kale.... Dad was our photographer.
Rosalee on Christmas morning... she LOVES this hat... and can now regularly be seen wearing it at all times... especially with pajamas.
Elic (as seen by Georgea.. the photographer) He's wearing his new favorite sweatshirt, which he got as a present.
Obviously Georgea LOVES dancing in front of the christmas tree!!! and of course all the presents help I'm sure!

She's Braces Free!!!

2008-12-19T17:06:00.001-09:00

This was this morning... right before we left for the orthodontist.
Here's when we got home this afternoon... after getting her retainers all set. She's pretty happy about her new "slimy" teeth... it's been awhile since she could run her tongue across them!
This was in "the chair" right after she got them off.
The big chocolate block they gave her.
The before and after pics.... cant' believe how much her face has changed in a year and a half... those teeth sure look much better!!! So in another year or so she will go for some more, after all the teeth fall out, come in, need more space... we'll see!!!

Fireworks at 3* BELOW!!

2008-12-16T11:23:00.001-09:00

Elic thought it was HILARIOUS to give Georgea antlers in every one of the moose pics!!
We had some coffee.. and pastries for dinner!
Love that color!

The kids had hot cocoa and posed for pics.
This was the tail end of the parade... the "floats" (trailers with lights on them) were about done when we got there.... But we had a nice time in the cold, and the wind wasn't even blowing in Palmer!!!

Being Christmas Crafty at Sabrina's

2008-12-13T23:36:00.001-09:00

You have to have some poinsettia's around at Christmas.....
This is the spider I made. It attacked the little caroler, and drew a drop of blood... you loose your mind if you craft too long!!
The spider stalking the caroler.
The spider up close... right after it's creation... this is actually supposed to be a present for mom... I just have to figure out what to do with him. Suggestions????
You also need candy canes at Christmas.
The wire and beads we used to create...
This is my tree ornament... it turned out pretty well.
Georgea crafted a star....
and she made a card... with LOTS of glitter!!

Family Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T13:54:00.000-09:00

Rosalee with a nice smile... soon to be braces free!!
Sherry and Aiden...
Liam sharing the love with Aiden.
Bernie admitting he's a Scrabble loser... 2nd place... I got 1st!!! :)
Elic loves that punch!
Nicole and Brooklynn...
Georgea posing for her shot...
Mom with Elli (Gretchen's youngest)
Hmm.... looks like I caught someone taking a bite!!!
Looks like Rob had a good Thanksgiving!!

I knew this would happen...

2008-11-25T11:33:00.000-09:00

I had a garden tour this year of my fruit trees and bushes. Lots of people asked about moose... we generally don't get any, it's been about 8 years or so. So of course I figured after talking about them they'd show up. Sure enough, this morning Elic and Rosalee had gone out to the truck and then started yelling at the dog... he was over by the moose, and the cow was kicking at him. It was a cow and twins.... GREAT!!!

One of the little ones came over and found the pumpkin... so I should probably get those moved away from the plants at least.
They don't seem to have really had a chance to eat much. So hopefully they just find there way down to the flats and don't head back this way. Guess time will tell--- if I get any apples, cherries, or currants next year!!!

I know everyone wants to see pictures of me!!!

2008-11-21T14:39:00.001-09:00

So today I did some self portraits.....
Chance's nose posed with me....
The sun was out for a little bit and it made the trees look so nice.... at -2 degrees!!!

My favorite naps....

2008-11-13T13:33:00.000-09:00

So obviously they aren't sleeping... but this is the arrangement at the cabin. They all cozy in and then wake up nice and perky.... like this!
Rosalee isn't much of a napper anymore, but she is definitely a sleeper-in-er!! Any chance she gets... (camping)
This is one of my favorite's! Elic was about 5 and one day wandered in and he had fallen asleep like this, in front of the t.v. How perfect?!!
This one was when Georgea was 3. Just had a busy summer day and crashed out in the swingset... I happened to have just cut the dahlia so laid it up there and took some pics.
Also when she was 3... walked through the living room after realizing someone was missing... she'd fallen asleep across the footstool... It's amazing where kids sleep!! :)

Halloween

2008-11-08T12:04:00.000-09:00

The princess and the dog construction worker.
Princess peeking through the pumpkins with scary skeleton hands emerging from the ground.
Rosalee as Hermionie from Harry Potter.
The princess and the pilot
The whole gang gathered together after trick-or-treating... good times in 10 degree weather.

Trip to Seward... just because!

2008-11-08T11:42:00.000-09:00

A couple of ladies walked by and thought we needed some mountains in our background so they took a pic for/0f us...
We had mountains in our background anyways, but the offer was nice. :)
We went down on a Friday afternoon, hung out at the MWR room, then on Saturday walked around town, and then ended up at this park. The kids ran off some energy before we headed back home.

This was a big crab... there was a train behind that... a really cute park.
All of the kids really liked the chair swing.
Elic loving the swing too... it's a little difficult to get the pics when they keep flying by.
They all liked the bouncy bridge thing... good view of Mt Marathon behind them.
This is my favorite driving road.... the one with no other cars in site. It's becoming more and more rare around here....

without a laptop I don't know how to do this....

2008-10-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

So I am laptopless... have been for a few weeks, and looks like I will be at least for a few more days (I hope it's back that soon)
The kids have been busy with school, we need to figure out some Halloween costumes, and it's getting really cold outside... but it's a nice sunny, blue sky day (chilly but sunny) finally!!
So hopefully I'll have the laptop back soon after Halloween and I can blog the eve's events... I'm sure they'll figure out some great costumes to take pictures of!! :)

cranberry picking.... fall colors

2008-09-29T22:53:00.003-08:00

Sabrina tried to get me to use the berry picker... I found it more useful for a photo. :)

Of course, she did use it and I think got about 1 and a half, or 2 times as much as me.... hmm...
I have decided I like to do self portraits, at arm's length...
This was a nice clump of berries on a little stump.
same stump, just played with the pic a bit.... loved all those fall colors!

Elic's 8th birthday

2008-09-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

Elic had 6 candles on his cupcake and then 2 votives to blow out... he thought that was funny.
He got some legos and an iPod shuffle... pretty exciting!
Here's the party, just some of the cousins, Great Grandma, Pa and Sweetpea, and Aunt Debbie... everyone hung out for a little bit, ate some cake... did a little running around outside.... easy party!!

Berry Picking at Hatcher's Pass

2008-09-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

Rosalee by Willow creek... with her berries.
Hmm... what's this look?? she was a serious picker this day.. almost filled her bag!
Mom decided that she'd come berry picking with us one day after school... she did pretty well. Enough to make a batch of jam!

These berries were in Archangel valley.. went back another time with a friend, without the kids.... got another gallon!
Here's our smiley guy... smilin'!
This is up the valley by Reed Lake Trail.
Just some fall color.
These berries were on the other side of the pass.

Rosalee and I posing in the misty mountains.
I think they call these "willow roses." They are kind of like a bloom at the end of the season.

Maybe I could be Pioneer Woman????

2008-09-11T22:33:00.001-08:00

Yummy... these are the varieties I made this day. Rhubarb cranberry ice cream topping (Sherry requested that sort of thing) canned some cranberries and blueberries in honey syrup, and made some rhubarb sauce.
This was dinner.... beef stew. We had some of our potatoes in it... Elic harvested a selection of blue potatoes, peanut, and red potatoes. Also some Alaska Grown carrots, celery and onions.

Had some cornbread on the side with some of our honey too. Delicious dinner!

These are the berries that made the jam.... high bush cranberries and blueberries.
This is Sherry's honey... she got about a gallon this year.
This is some of my honey. The color difference between the two *Sherry's and mine, is just because of the different areas the hives are in, the different flowers the bees go on.
This is a selection of berries that I had. Black currants, goose berries, cranberries.... just looked so nice together.

Can't believe I didn't put this in the fair section....

2008-09-11T22:27:00.001-08:00

For the past few years there have been some pumpkin entries.... this white one, 328 lbs, was from a first time grower... I'd say that's a big accomplishment (ours tend to be 1-5lbs.... maybe)
This one is from a guy in Nikiski.. he has been growing for a few years and was trying to break 1,000 lbs. but just made it to over 900 lbs... I still think that's something to be proud of.

Next year there are a couple more growers that are talking about joining in... maybe one of these days we'll try to grow a 10 pounder!!!

an afternoon at Pyrah's

2008-09-06T19:39:00.001-08:00

We went to the u-pick farm this afternoon and found a lovely bouquet for Rosalee... maybe someday she could get married in September... the flowers would be SUPER cheap. (this is a partially bloomed out head of broccoli)
We also found a rat in the veggies! This is Georgea's buddy Lewis, he likes cabbage and radishes. :)

These were pics off my phone, which I figured out how to add on to the blog.... so now I can take pics of anything and blog them.... hahahhhahaaaaa (read as evil laugh!)

Bring on the Fun... Alaska State Fair 2008

2008-09-03T19:15:00.001-08:00

So I ended up on this ride... I was fine going forward, but then all of the sudden you're going backwards.. oh SO much fun!!! I did have fun screaming and making faces at Georgea.
She had to sit out on this one... not quite tall enough.
There they are the daredevils on the hang glider.
Here's the horse rider. I took about 5 of these pics before she finally looked my way.
This is Georgea's buddies cabbage, Scott Robb. He is a giant veggie grower.. this cabbage came in at over 79 lbs.
Hanging out waiting for the next exciting event at the fair.
Just one of the fancy fair rides you see on sunny days.
Rosalee's creamed honey, this is the same starter we used last year, that Elic won a purple on... must be pretty good stuff eh?
Elic and Georgea's honey frames. Elic got Judge's Choice on his.
These are the veg heads they made this year. We had Wig (Georgea's), Party Guy (Elic's) and Suddy (Rosalee's) They all did such a good job, paid such attention to detail... but next year we will have to figure out bigger and better....

In response to the 12 gauge comment by Bridgette

2008-08-22T23:05:00.001-08:00

This was our defense! In all of the years I've gone camping, never have taken a gun.

On the way into Hidden Lake, we saw a bear on the road, small but still a bear.

The next morning we went out to Cooper Landing (to get a paper and coffee... yeah roughing it) we saw the bear again. Then after we got back I thought I heard a gun shot, but no one seemed to completely agree.. then later, there was lots of honking. Turned out a couple had gone into their tent for a nap, left their cooler out and guess who knows about coolers??? Yep, the sow is teaching her cubs about stupid people. So we drove up (2 campsites away, and only about a 150 feet through the woods) and got the bear scared off. Within an hour the couple was packed up, had the site cleaned, and they were gone!

We went and drove around a little to talk to other campers and scope out our neighbours, and discovered one had shot above a boar (boy bear) because he was getting too close to the dog... which we already knew one bear had killed a dog the previous friday... oh so much excitement since we had 3 dogs with us.

Anyways, one friends husband had come with us, Bill, so we were talking about bringing guns, and he said usually he does bring one, but not this time.... The campground host loaned us an air horn and my other friend had a can of pepper (bear) spray that she figured was almost 20 years old.... so all in all it was a pretty exciting couple days.

We stayed 2 nights, and then went on down to Kenai and camped in a gravel pit where Sabrina's husband is working.... that was a much better night of sleep. :) except for the rain that drenched the kids tent of course!!!

OH, and on the way out of our bear spot.. guess who we saw in the same spot on the road out?? You got it, that same little bear!!

Kenai camping

2008-08-22T22:52:00.001-08:00

This was the sunset from the first night... very nice, it meant we had some sun!!
This was the same night, so must have been a little later in the setting.
As you can see, the sun setting, and the fact the water was chilly, didn't detour the "mermaid."
This was the second day of camping.... prior to bear activity I think... This is called a Mokai... motorized kayak. They were fun! Elic would definitely like Rob to buy one!!! Bill and Nancy were very nice in letting all the kids ride, well everyone rode in them!! Thanks Bill and Nancy!
This was after we saw the bear and her cubs 2 campsites away.... notice Georgea's "tail?" It worked really well, with every step you could hear her jingling away!! :)

Off for more adventures....

2008-08-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

well.... I posted a couple more events, but we are off again tomorrow for another camping trip.... hoping for good weather, and NO bears!!! there have been way too many maulings this year, another one on Friday night in Anchorage, and I think the last one before that was only a couple weeks ago in Eagle River. I don't know if they are getting more publicized or people are just getting more ignorant about bear safety..... anyways, we will all camping with bells on. :)

Seward Camping Trip

2008-08-10T22:36:00.001-08:00

Grandma Kale at Exit Glacier.
Mom, with her big Texas hair (aka wind blown), at Exit Glacier.
The kids and Debbie playing in the wind at the glacier.
Georgea found a cozy place to eat breakfast.
OK, Ok, I know you shouldn't photograph and drive, but I just couldn't resist this one..... out across the Inlet, heading back home.
We saw this guy on the way down to Seward, even had to do the tourist thing and stop to take a few pics.
Just a good Seward pic, a boat in the fireweed.
Playing with the camera again. Would be nice if I could really figure out what to do with it... oh, I know, read the book!!!
Debbie, the kids, and me in out self portrait.

Eklutna Lake bike riding

2008-08-10T22:16:00.000-08:00

The day started out pretty nice. Good weather, happy kids....
Rosalee and Elic having a break by the lake.
Mom and me... finally a good pic. Georgea took about 8 of them that were crazy... the dog poking out of the back of mom's head. Nice....
I've always wanted a dog that swims... Chance SWIMS and RETRIEVES!!!! and neither of those are actually what his breeds would have been bred for!!! Good Dog...

So this was after the big crash.. she had already been doctored up and was still pretty upset. Of course we still had to make our way back about 3 miles and she wasn't interested in doing it... had to tell her it was the only way home.
She did make it out as you see by this pic. Notice Elic in full gear... his camelback loaded down with everyone's coats, and the dogs water bottle.
This was right after the crash... but really what would you expect when a 6 year old doesn't use the brakes going down a gravel hill.... guess it's a "live and learn" moment. She did much better on the other hills.... :)

The boating and swimming part of camping

2008-08-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

This was actually the last attempt at boating...
This is how that attempt ended... whah, whah, whahhhh....
We had some swimmers in the lake (south Rolly.)
We had some people trying to dry out and get warm; Georgea and Angus, Clara and Rosalee, and Elic.
Georgea and Angus having a good time on the "fold up" boat.
This is a few of them out on the canoe... of course it's obvious I was playing with the camera again.
Elic in the "fold up" boat.
Rosalee taking a dip.
A waterlily that we found... they were all so pretty, just a little bloom, maybe an inch or so across.

Big Lake, Boats and Biplanes

2008-08-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

We went to Big Lake to go out on the boat... after a couple hours we did make it out, but in the meantime we played.

A guy Rob knows from the Guard happened to be out there with his family.... they had a jet ski and tube. So they offered the kids a ride while we waited....

Georgea is "driving" in this one.
Rosalee and Elic went on the tube (notice Elic's cute hairdo-- windblown)
It was kind of cool to see a biplane fly overhead!
This is when we finally made it out on the boat... it was having some mechanical problems, but Rob got them figured out and we went out for a short ride.
While we waited for the boat, the kids played on the "beach." Elic found another use for his rain boots.
Georgea told me, "look at sweetpea, she's tanning." I laughed because I knew what it really was.... napping... Notice how great of a tan it would have been... maybe a little on her legs!!!

I guess I'll clarify the great outfit too... she hadn't planned on going out with us, so the wonderful matching pants, shirt, and socks are compliments of me. She had mentioned about not running into anyone when we went to the store to buy new life jackets.... but guess what, sure enough she ran into someone she hadn't seen in a while!!

We had swimmers while we were on the beach. Chance even swam a little.
We had Georgea buried alive, or more kindly called a living sand castle?

Elic "driving" the boat, of course Rob is blocking the fact the motor was being worked on!!!

2008-07-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket

2. Your significant othe? working

3. Your hair? ponytail

4. Your mother? home

5. Your father? too

6. Your favorite thing? laughing

7. Your dream last night? none

8. Your favorite drink? coffee

9. Your dream/goal? happiness

10. The room you're in? living

11. Your hobby? outside

12. Your fear? dark

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

14. What you're not? standing

15. Muffins? blueberry

16. One of your wish list items? pool

17. Where you grew up? Alaska

18. The last thing you did? lunch

19. What are you wearing? shorts

20. Favorite gadget? Apple

21. Your pets? Dogs

22. Your computer? laptop

23. Your mood? happy

24. Missing someone? sometimes

25. Your car? big

26. something you're not wearing? socks

27. Favorite store? online

28. Like someone? usually

29. Favorite color? periwinkle

30. When is the last time you laughed? earlier

31. Last time you cried? thursday

I'm tagging Sherry, Jess, and Esther.... have fun.... :)

The reason behind the poll question....

2008-07-24T23:42:00.001-08:00

So this is why the poll question came about.... I was sitting on the couch with the computer on me. At one point when I stood up I realized that this had happened to my polar fleece.... It has a lightly melted spot (the pinky/ flatter looking area to the left) and of course the REALLY melted spot by the zipper.... the zipper is fine by the way. BUT, the other thing I did that day was make grill cheese on the griddle... I never felt any heat from the griddle, and it is on the stove top so you really do have to reach across it to get to the edge of it.... which I can't think of when I even reached across to the back of the stove..... so I don't know... guess you'll all have to decide for yourselves. :)

Camping at South Rolly Lake with friends

2008-07-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

Rosalee and her friend Clara. They used to see each other at school, but Clara goes to a new school now... so when they see each other they have lots of fun.... looks like they've gone crazy here.
This was our rain-all-day sort of day... had to get out lots of layers, and everyone spent lots of tme by the fire.
Seems wherever I go LAUNDRY finds me!!!! This was the case of not enough clothes after getting too many outfits wet and dirty.... so off to the lake to wash (rinse) then back to they fire to dry..... those hot dog sticks have many uses!!! :)
I was fiddling with my camera and realized it too has fun features.... so this pic had "color accent." It was really a nice lake.... except for when Elic and I went out in the canoe, the wind picked up, it was starting to rain, we were on the other side of the lake, and it seemed all I could do was spin us in circles...... YES! there was a moment when I thought we would be stranded and a touch of panic set in. When we finally got back to camp Sabrina said, " oh you guys looked like you were having so much fun, just going back and forth across the lake." I mentioned that we were just doing whipin' some brodies out there....
Rosalee was really having way too much fun!
This is my moon pic. The first night it was like this, the next night it was all covered with clouds.
Elic and Georgea having a nice seat by the fire.
Georgea down by the lake.... oh and Lewis (her mouse) tucked into her neck.
Elic had WAY too much fun down at the sand pit. He got to go down and wash his hair in the lake.

Garden shows....

2008-07-23T10:58:00.001-08:00

The gardens where beautiful.... the bugs loved them too. Lots of bumble bees and dragonflies, a butterfly here and there too.
Grandma Kale had a good day. She was enjoying the flowers and got to talk to lots of people about gardening too.
This is my friend Carrie. This garden was also an art studio... so there was lots of attention paid to how the colors complimented each other, and to the views.
Debbie found a friend too.... :) Grandma thought it would make a neat pin.
Complimentary colors..
This plant is only zoned at an 8 or so.... But it seems to be a perennial here (we're a zone 3 or 4)... so hopefully I could find some of it (eryngium russicum, I believe.. if you run across it and need to send it to me :) ) and maybe have it here too. Les (it's in his garden) thought maybe they hadn't done much trial and just believed it to be zoned higher.
The Himalayan Blue Poppy that has become quite popular in recent years.
The bench in the back is one of many that Les has around the garden. They are all so nicely made, I think I should make one for here too...... maybe someday I'll get around to it??
The close up of a blue poppy.
The artists garden was full of toys... dinosaurs, cars, trucks, tractors, animals, dolls.... all kinds of stuff. She said that they were for kids to play with and keep busy while there, and if they wanted to they could take them home too.... what a good idea eh???

Garden show weekend!!

2008-07-19T23:03:00.001-08:00

Today I ventured to the fair garden show and tomorrow is Coyote Gardens... it's on hatcher pass road, the Willow side. It's a garden that has been featured in magazines... so I will have to take some more pics to play with....

No pics today... well one of a rainbow on the way home but not sure if it is going to work out.

Will have to see when I download tomorrow... hope everyone is having a great weekend==== We finally got some SUN!!!!!!! :)

The garden is progressing...

2008-07-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

A new lily I got this year.. hope it comes back next year....
Black and white of the same lily.
It's nice how sometimes things bloom together and compliment each other.. this is a pretty spot that I look out at from the kitchen window.
This iris is kind of interesting... it is so much thinner than the other ones that I have around.
A big red poppy that is a little smashed by rain. I guess I use iphoto.... not photo shop, but it still seems to work well.
False indigo... this is one that I had to get after I saw it on "Martha"---- she had such pretty clumps of it growing. Mine has been in the ground a few years, and it finally put out one bloom last year. This year it has 3 sprays... pretty exciting!
This verbascum is doing well this year.... love the color.
This verbascum I love even more than the last... I think this is definitely my favorite color (this year anyways!!)

so I found my dream cabin along the Denali Highway...

2008-07-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

The kids, my mom, and I took a camping trip across the Denali Highway. We went for 4 days, camped out and played with mosquitoes..... Also stopped along the way and took lots of pictures, mostly flowers and kids. It was rainy and cloudy on the way across, but coming back it cleared up. On the way out we actually saw mountains... well "THE" mountain and it's surrounding peaks.
This was the last day of camping... notice the lovely hairdo... it's called "hide it all" It actually got pretty warm this day... at Denali lookout it was at least 70degrees. I know some of you guys probably think that's almost winter.... :)
This was at Tangle Lakes... the kids and mom fished, I took some pics.
Photo shop is sort of fun....
So here it is.. my dream cabin... yeah it could use a little work I guess, but still think of the possibilities.