Christmas came early!

We have the best friends in the whole world... they came to Alaska in the middle of winter to visit us!! We can't think of a better Christmas present than this.

Let the fun begin!

He's back!

After a four year break, the man is back in action. Hikers - worry no more because if you get lost, there are some amazing and talented men who are going to help find you... my hubby included.

Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

White

Who knew that the lack of all other colors could be so utterly beautiful...

Warning: Proud Mom Bragging...

I've got really great kids. I just want it out in the open in case Santa is watching...

Book Worm

As if I needed any further evidence that my daughter is a reader, Sierra just finished the 25 book club for her class. That means she had to read 25 books in different categories and write a brief synopsis of each book. This project was suppose to take the entire year. Sierra did it in a couple of months. Not only that, but she read some pretty heavy duty books (such as Little Women!) No one in the entire history of her class has completed this project so quickly.

Yes, I'm bragging. And I will not apologize for doing so. :)

Soccer Mania

This guy loves soccer. He gets out there and runs non-stop. He is a magnet to the ball. It was so much fun watching him these past couple of months. And it's so amazing to me that they have year-round soccer in Alaska! There is this huge indoor dome which contains 3 or 4 soccer fields.

But now he's ready for something new. He says he wants to do karate. Heaven help me.

Jazzy

Skyla has got a very sparkly personality and just shines anyway, but put her on a stage and watch out! Not only does she have stage presence, but she's got some moves! David and I attended her very first jazz concert today and WOW! It was so much fun watching her! She really was amazing and didn't stop smiling the entire time.

Caring Counts

Even though Skyla has just known her classmates for three months, and even though she tends to be on the quiet side (until you get to know her!), her classmates decided she is the most caring person in her class! She came home with a certificate and a big smile from school.

I'm proud of good grades and dance concerts, but this warms my soul. I'm so glad her classmates recognize the qualities I see in my sweet little girl.

Skipping 5

Karsten is 5. What a milestone birthday! Yet he wanted to skip it. About a month ago I told him his best friend Owen was coming to visit after his birthday. Karsten couldn't wait so he decided to just skip his birthday. He would NOT let me have a party for him. I finally convinced him that we could do a party with just the family and that way he could still get cake and presents. And we had to throw in Chuck E. Cheese. He reluctantly agreed to let us celebrate his 5th year of life.

Karsten is really into jets this year. No surprise since 4 of his 5 birthday themes have been around things with large engines. So far we've done trains, cars, garbage trucks, and now jets. We did have a small reprieve from big engine objects last year when he had a Superman birthday. His day started with breakfast in bed (5 crepes) and ended with all this loot. Not bad for skipping 5!

Sugar Cookies

Seven girls, 3 pounds of powdered sugar, 4 colors of frosting, with lots of giggles and this is the result. As well as some darling cookies.