Gran and Paw-Paw come to visit!

Below are just a few random pictures that were taken by either Gran, Paw-Paw or myself during their visit from Texas. During their visit we were able to take in a little sight seeing, Christmas tree decorating, snowman building and of course we shared the Thanksgiving holiday! We REALLY enjoyed their visit and were sad to see them go. We miss you Gran and Paw-Paw!!

Hmmm...can you guess who is taking this picture?

Smooches!!

Her first Oreo cookie! Her daddy would be so proud!

And yes.....even Paw-Paw partakes in a little Nascar pastime.

Claudia and Claude

What can I say..... A day in the snow is just not complete without a snowman and/or snow woman. Gran and Sage took the honor of bringing to life not one but two beautiful snow people, AKA "Claudia and Claude."

Texans v's Eskimos

I never knew the Alamo was also located in Alaska. Sage and Paw-Paw decided to build a fort and well....it turned into a mini version of the Alamo. Great job guys!!

Gran decided to build an igloo so she could take refuge once the snowball fight began. However, the snowball battle was put on hold until everyone was able to thaw out their fingers and toes!!

Thanksgiving

Although a lot of hard work, endless hours and lots of love went into the preparation of our Thanksgiving dinner. I seemed to have failed at documenting the momentous events. However, I did manage to capture just a couple pictures of the before, during and after.

Gran making the homemade pie crusts!

Paw-Paw and Allie making the dressing for the broccoli salad....which I might add she will not eat. I tried to tell her that all great chef's have to at least taste their masterpieces...Yeah...didn't work.

Gran adding her magic touch.

Our beautiful turkey and all of the fixings...

Capturing the moment and giving thanks!

Paw-Paw doing the honor of carving the turkey.

Allison..

Sage..

And....the aftermath... Hey! Who is doing the dishes??

A Holiday Tradition

It has ALWAYS been a family holiday tradition that we decorate the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. From as far back as my memory will take me, this is one tradition that I loved growing up and have continued with my children as they grow. This Christmas is extra special as it will be Madison's first AND Gran and Paw-Paw were visiting from Texas and were able to join in on the fun. During the tree decorating event it seemed that as many ornaments as we put up....Madison took down! In the end, we managed to get 'er done!! Although we had a great time, the memory of this holiday season will be bitter sweet. Jerry is STILL in Baghdad and will not be able to make it home. We love and miss you and put a few ornaments on the tree for you!!!!

I have to add.....she is on one knee trying to stand all by herself! Amazing how brave one can be all for the sake of reaching an ornament!

(Just thought I would add this little tid bit. This is the first year that I let my children decorate ALL BY THEMSELVES. Yes, I know the first step is admitting you have a problem so here goes...When it comes to decorating the tree I have a little bit of OCD. I also admit I have re-decorated when everyone has been fast asleep. But, not. this. year. What you see is the true hard work of my three beautiful children and my mom and dad!!)

Winter in Alaska

Since the Thanksgiving holiday has come to an end and Christmas is just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to post a few pictures of Alaska in winter time. Nothing makes the holiday season feel closer at hand then snow (for me anyway). Although the temperature has not decided which route to take, above zero or below, mother nature has produced a fair amount of snow that seems to want to "stick" around! I picked a few of the most recent pictures to share.


This picture was taken in Eklutna, just a few miles north of Eagle River. A big fishing hole during summer.

Believe it or not, the snow in the photo is actually covering a lake. As you can see, many were brave enough to trust the ice as indicated by all of the tracks, however I. was. not. Not a chance!

This breath taking view was taken from the driver side window of our SUV. Not a bad shot hugh? The area you see is of Eagle River State Park.

Another photo taken in Eklutna. The mountains are getting just a little bit of snow.

The next two photo's were taken by my dad, Charlie, in Eklutna as well. Great angles dad!

Once our "true" winter has hit and there is an abundance of snow, I will prepare another post and hopefully be able to produce more breath taking photo's to share..

House of Bounce

Ok. So, I decided to take Madison out on the town to try and find something "she" would enjoy doing since she is only nine months old. Outside activity at this point is not really an option since there is a foot of snow on the ground and the temperature will freeze you in your steps... Well...not literally but, you get the point. So, I happened to come across House of Bounce and thought we would give it a try. Luckily, we got there just as open bounce began AND we were the only two there! So, we take our shoes off, pay and go in to get our bounce on. NOT....at first, she was not having any part of it. But, once she saw me bouncing(lucky it didn't deflate) she got the idea and it was ON from there. I am not sure who had more fun...Madie or me?? On that note, I am pretty sure we will make it an every Thursday @ 10:00 am kinda thing!