Memorial Day Weekend

We took Kailyn down to Caswell (just outside Talkeetna) for her first tent-camping experience. Brian's dad needed some help building a shop, so it seemed like the perfect time... and the perfect time it was! Mike, Erin, & Tyler met us on Friday, and it was great to spend some time with the family. Kailyn took a little effort to adjust to sleeping in the "Nen," but eventually got the hang of it. I am looking forward to some mommy-daughter camping trips this summer... maybe one down to Seward!

As you can see in the 2nd shop pic, there is some cleared space to the right of the shop - that's where their house will eventually go.

A Walk in the Park

I remember when I first stepped foot in Alaska in my pink sundress, totally oblivious to the incredible beauty that existed in this world.

The awe that I felt when I first saw the mountains here is indescribable for this english-deficient math-nerd. I will never forget the feeling, the smell, the chill, the friends... seeing those mountains was as moving to me as the death of our President in 1963, or the Challenger disaster in '86 was to many others; I imagine it is one of the memories that I will hold with me forever.

I remember walking out of Wal-Mart heading to the bus station thinking how lucky I was to be able to come out of such an ugly, awful place, and see such an awesome view. I remember promising myself that I would never become jaded to the beauty in my life and always appreciate our "city skyline."

So, six years later almost to the day, as I had my back to the range of mountains that surrounds my town, I was thinking of all kinds of random things.... the cabin, my dad, our upcoming Memorial Day camping trip.... but failed to think of many other important things. It wasn't until I took a seat to watch my grown-up 1-year-old go down the slide all by herself, that I was gently reminded to appreciate each day that I am blessed to be my daughter's mommy. Luckily, being grateful in a place like Valdez is a walk in the park, especially on days like this one.

I don't think that my dad ever took any of his good fortune for granted, and I hope that, as my turn to live continues and his has ended, I can continue to learn from him and the short-but-full life that he lived.

Sunshine!

We are finally getting some sunshine in our rainy little town! We spent a few hours at the river picking out rocks to line Cedar's gravel pad, and then worked in the yard getting the deck finished and ready for some summer BBQ's! It was so nice that even Willie went for a swim!

Un, Do, Dree, Five!

Un... You put some dirt in the pot...

Do... You pat the seeds down (after we put the seeds in, of course, but that was definitely a two person project... no pictures!)...

Dree... You add some more dirt...

Seems like we're forgetting something.... I know Mom said there's another number.... nope.... Just smile for the camera, she'll never notice!

FIVE!!! Lots of water for the flowers....
We are going to give a garden a try this year, and I am so excited! However, let's get to the part where KAILYN IS COUNTING!!! Can you imagine the tears in my eyes - I AM SOOOO PROUD!!! I was worried she would say her ABCs first and be one of those english nerds like her Aunt Teresa =), but she absolutely loves to count!! (Even though she usually only gets to two).

This one was right before she grabbed her little mini-rake and shovel and re-did it all. Who knows where the seeds ended up???