New Coldland

Joshua had an assignment in school called "Mystery Nation." He had to create an imaginary country and make a map and post cards to go along with it. He had a great time working on this project with a little help from Mom. His nation was called NEW COLDLAND. He got really creative with the names of the cities and mountains, like: Penguinville, Ice Pole and Mount Winterest. No cars on his island, you travel by snow machines (what they call snow mobiles here in Alaska) and skis. He even created a penguin airshow! He did a great job.

I love this kid.....

Joshua has enough time every morning before school to get his reading done. The other morning he was complaining that it was too hot. I told him to quit complaining and figure something out. I then found him here.....

FALL decor

I LOVE to decorate for Christmas, but have nothing for Fall/Halloween.....so I got creative today (all ideas stolen from friends).

Hiking

Last Friday night we took the kids (and Pete) on a hike. This is the great thing about Alaska. We can leave when Jared gets home from work, drive 5 minutes, and have a great hike in the outdoors. It was gorgeous....perfect weather, beautiful scenery, and great company. Of course, I was the only one who got cold enough to wear a sweatshirt....the boys are too tough! It was a great night.

Views from the top of Baldy:

Alpenglow:

FALL is here

This is the view from the front of our house. Aren't the colors gorgeous. We only get yellows and golds here in Alaska.

Labor Day Adventure

Joshua had been begging Jared to take him hiking, so on Labor Day, he caved. Neither he nor Nathan wanted to go. It was cold, wet, and rainy, but Josh wouldn't give up. They went, not really prepared for what was in store. First it was really rainy up on top, and they got soaked. It was really cold, and they were freezing. They lost the dog, which turned the hike into an all day affair. Finally they decided to go back to the truck and hope Pete would find them. When they got back, they called me and asked me to bring them hot chocolate and dinner. When I got there, Pete was still nowhere to be seen. They ate and then I decided that I would take the boys home and Jared would wait until dark looking for Pete. Josh was in tears thinking that we had lost him. Jared was MAD! I was REALLY MAD! Just as I was getting ready to leave, Nathan yells, "there's Pete" and that stupid dog started running toward us. He was cold, wet, hungry and had sore feet. He never would have made it through the night. I think Jared has learned his lesson and will #1 never go on another hike so ill prepared, and #2 is buying a GPS for the dog!

LAST Days of Summer

The boys are trying to make the best of the last few days of semi-warm, semi-sunny weather. They love to ride bikes, and have made a course in the empty lot across the street. We hope nobody decides to build there. Joshua's new favorite thing to do is climb trees, barefoot!