Baby star

This is a great little fleece star that I made for a friend up here in Alaska. I figured it would get a lot I use up here

Igloo idea

Well I had this wonderful idea to make an igloo out of milk jugs for the kids in the backyard. Seemed simple enough; hot gluing a ton, and I mean a ton, of milk jugs together to form an igloo they can spend the winter playing in. Man was I naive, hot glue doesn't like cold weather and gorilla glue doesn't hold up to the Alaskan cold and wind. Unless I can figure something else out we are going to have to scrap this idea, it's do frustrating!!

Labor Day Hike of Birch

Labor Day weekend was our last weekend with Scotty for a couple months so we decided to go for a hike up on Birch hill. Turns out our hike was around 3.84 miles and took us about 2 hours. We took the long route up, up the road. It definitely worked the muscles but was also fun too.

The whole family took turns working with the dogs on the leash, of course by the end of the up hill climb the dogs were pretty easy to train, they just wanted to lay down and rest, lol. But eventually we made it to the top and of course we had to celebrate with a jump picture that my computer won't let me load.

 

 

All and all it was a great trip. We always talk about random things when we are hiking and learn alot about the kids and the dogs. I can't wait until the weather turns and we can do this on snowshoes.

First day of school

This year we were able to have Daddy be home for the kids' first day of school and it was so nice to have him join us as we walked to school. Sassy is in second grade this year and couldn't wait to start socializing! Topher is starting fourth grade and wasn't excited to start school but likes all the activities that come with school. Thud had no desire to go to school but knows its a part of life. Jack is doing online schooling and had already been attending school for a couple weeks but we still needed a pic! I have to say I had a panic moment when I realized that next year would start a cycle of 9 years of having children in high school!! OMG!!

Husky Homestead/Denali Fun

 We only have a few weekends left of summer up here in the Far North so we are taking advantage of every moment. This last weekend we took a drive down to Denali National Park and the Husky Homestead. We started the day off with the Husky Homestead tour. This is a tour of the Iditarod Champion Jeff King's Huskies. When you first get there you are allowed to go and hold the puppies. This helps with their socialization skills and is a huge hit for most everyone. We were lucky enough to get out there just after a batch of puppies were born so they were 11 days old when we got to hold them. To me they looked like little bear cubs but the kids didn't agree with me and said they looked like hamsters.

 After we were allowed to hold the puppies they then moved us over to show us some of their training techniques. They had a yard full of dogs. And you can really tell just how much they love to run. If they bring out the harnesses those dogs would go crazy barking as if to say "Pick me coach! Pick me!" They demonstrated some of how they run by hooking up a team  to a four wheeler. The moment the team left the yard it went completely quiet. It was kind of eery. After that they brought over one of the dogs to show us the husky wheel. It allows them to run and run without worrying where they are going. The dogs love it!
When this portion was finished we were led inside where we were able to meet Mr. Jeff King. He has been doing the Iditarod race since 1989 and won it 4 times.

He talked to us about a multitude of things. One of them was the difference between a horn and an antler. A horn is something that an animal is born with and never looses, an antler is one that is grown back annually. So just an interesting bit of information there. He then went on to describe everything that goes into winning a sled dog race but most specifically the Iditarod.  One of the things he told us about was the winter gear he needs in order to survive. And then he brought out person in one of his suits. I told the kids that was what they were getting for school this year :)

After we were done at the Husky Homestead we headed into Denali to do some exploring. We stopped off first at the Ranger station and check it out and we found some long lost family there!

 Sassy was so excited to find her long lost self, she is such a little sheep! And of course Scotty found his long lost brother!




Of course before we headed into the woods he needed some sustanance. So ice cream was had by all but it looks like a few moose tracks were left on Sassy's face ?! And Topher was just in heaven getting some ice cream!!

So the hiking began. We drove down to Savage River and started exploring. At first all we saw were ground hogs but we headed down the Savage River trail and..........

Look at what we found!! Some Caribou grazing by the River. Neatless to say Riana was VERY surprised!

Of course we found the usual pretties as well. My personal favorite the Fireweed!

 I had the kids pose on the same rock they did last year and took a pic of them. I couldn't believe how much they have grown.







We love hiking as a family but it is never good to see this while hiking. Members falling out onto the rocks is never a good thing!

 Of course then there are other members of our party that think they can tame the rocks.

What can I say life is never normal for us but if it was it would be boring and no fun!!

Alaska!

Our new puppy is a true lab!! She loves the water, what started off as a time to water my garden turned into play time for Alaska! She is a nut!

Couples Weekend

So late wednesday night Scotty received a call that allowed us the opportunity to go to a couples retreat down in Denali, AK. The retreat itself was wonderful. We learned so much about each other and about our family in general. Well during our "homework" session we were able to go do an activity together. Scotty and I chose to go ATVing in Denali.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

 The first thing they did was talk about safety. Obviously they knew my hubby was coming to drive!!

The scenary was amazing. Mt. Healy was beautiful but it was kindof disconcerting to see the snow on the mountain tops. Fall/Winter comes early up here and it just shows that this is coming sooner rather than later.

 They took us on old roads, dry creek beds and in general some fun roads! And the scenary when would stop was beautiful!

He was having so much fun! I am surprised that he wasn't giggling while he was driving.

We stopped in a dry creek bed and were able to explore this gravel hill side. It was formed in such a weird way but was cool to check out.