Sharp knives

I am grateful...

It's the little things that get taken for granted and sharp knives are one of those things. I was dreading having to cut cheese today. Why? Because this summer all we brought to Alaska were our clothes. Family and friends let us borrow dishes, utensils, and dull knives. These knives were so dull that they'd just slide right off of the block of cheese, apples, whatever.

Dull!

{Kelly & Amber, I don't know how those tomatoes got sliced so thin that night you entertained our children and prepared burgers while we were out dining for our 7th anniversary! I was shocked to see the paper thinness of them in the fridge the next day!! And thank you again for that treat!}

So, today I cut the cheese (literally) with my wonderfully sharp knives...it was like butter. Smooth and sharp.

It's good to be home again.

Update: We're Baaack!

Well, the baby and I are home in Topeka at least. The flight went without incident, miraculously. Having a baby strapped to your chest while wearing a LARGE backpack will get you into the MVP line at the security x-ray area. It was great, especially since I probably would've missed my flight if I had to wait in that long line...now I know why Jeremy is boycotting the airlines.

It's so nice to be home again...but still a bit lonely to not have the rest of the family here. Jeremy is probably in Canada somewhere - I've lost cell contact with him (which will most likely last until he's in a larger city...Edmonton maybe?).

I just finished going through our mail - whew! We now have 59 magazines to read, checks to deposit (yay!), and a few government offices to contact (whoops!).

Keep us in your prayers!!!

UPDATE:
Jeremy is about 1/3 of the way here! Since I can't reach him by phone, I checked the credit card statement...he made a purchase today in Watson Lake (977 miles from his starting point). Um...I sure hope he's getting enough rest....

Salmon Hunt

A good friend, Leroy, took us out on the Chena in his new boat. The weather couldn't have been more perfect! Maddie had a great time driving and helping set (and re-set a few times) the anchor. Abbie loved the wind in her hair and climbing around the boat - she would have jumped overboard if we didn't hang on tight to her.

It was hot enough that the baby didn't even mind that he was half naked (he should really learn to stop wetting his clothes and mama should remember to always pack an extra set).

Grandpa Randy got the fish on and Maddie helped reel it in and Jeremy helped net it. She had a great time fighting that King.

Donna hung on to Maddie as she posed at the back of the boat with her catch and her most handsome daddy.

Seward, Alaska

We took a weekend to head down to Seward for some camping, hiking, sea life center attending, and harbor strolling.
The kids and their cousin, Dylan, cooking some hot dogs for a before bedtime snack. Note to self: cooking over a firestarter log makes everything black and greasy, not edible. Who starts a fire with those things anyways?

Half way on our hike to the edge of Exit Glacier. We hiked around for a few hours and the kids were such troopers! There was a black bear on the trail, but the kids had fun yelling "yo bear" to avoid a potential run in.

Pooped and super dirty kiddos. I recommend this hike to anyone with small children, just make sure they have good shoes.

We later met up with Grandma Dee and visited Alaska's only Aquarium. We then headed to a waterfall, combed the beach and walked around the docks to look at all the neat boats. The kids had a fun time and we were so happy to spend it with family!

I have an out

The other day Jeremy said that since we have a lot of air miles just sitting around, and since I could probably use a break from the girls, and since Brayton may not like a 5 day drive strapped in his car seat, I should probably just fly back to Kansas.

I was hesitant, since I know I'll miss my girls and my sweet husband dearly. Dearly. IMMENSLY! I then started thinking of all the "what if" scenarios that could happen with Jeremy driving solo and me at home alone (Brayton can't really fend someone off if they're attacking us in the night. Yes, I think of those highly unlikely kinds of things).

We said a prayer together.

It will be OK.

We'll have an increased appreciation for each other. It will be a nice break. It will be more enjoyable for everyone without having a screaming baby and mother in a car for that loooong drive. We will have time to bond with our children more fully. We have the means, so why not?

It will be OK.

I got my ticket last night. I bought (with air miles, of course) the last seat on a red eye to Denver...it's in First Class...(at no extra charge even!)and a super duper cheap ticket onward to Kansas City. I'll be home before Jeremy even has the car loaded and pulls out of the driveway.

It will be bitter-sweet, the girls may scream bloody murder when I'm dropped off at the airport, it may be tough doing things without the other helpmeet, I may cry myself to sleep, but it will be OK.

The Newest Blue Penguin

Jeremy's swim coach, Mary, from his city team (back during his high school years) was visiting our friends in Anchorage so we stopped over for a visit this past weekend. He had a great time catching up with her, and our friends too.

While we were there, we received a soccer uniform for Maddie (Shannon is the team's coach) so she could play the last 5 games. She was a bit shy about it, but once we got her on the field, she LOVED it! I'm glad she's just getting some fresh air and has a chance to play with some new friends.

No thanks Abbie, I can't eat a cookie while I'm playing. Take it away!

I saw this from afar and later asked Madeline what they were cheering about. She said they put their hands together and said "1, 2, 3, Best friends forever!" I am just amazed at how easily kids become friends....definitely something that adults can be inspired by (me included).

Madeline was able to kick the ball around a bit, dribble it a little ways, and steal it away for her team. Usually if she's running with someone and they get ahead, she'll stop, fall down, and cry. She didn't do that at all in her games (thank goodness!).

Here's the cheering section. Abbie and Brayton loved being outdoors. We're getting some smoke from a forest fire near Denali, but it was barely smellable (is that even a word?)...I was more concerned with staying cool in the 80 degree heat! Yes, we're really going to suffer when we get back to the 100+ heat in Topeka...

And nothing is as refreshing as a raw spear of broccoli. Seriously, she got snacks/gatorade after the game, but preferred her veggies.