The Beach

Kali

Waterfalls

At the waterfalls in Keystone Canyon.

Matanuska Glacier Look-out

On the way to the airport we stopped at the Matanuska Glacier look-out to use the rest room and run around for a bit.

May Day Fly-in

The weather was beautiful for the May-day Fly-in this year! The kids loved watching the planes and cheering once they landed or took off. Every once in awhile the whole crowd would cheer if someone did especially well - not Kali and Corey. They were very enthusiastic about every contestant.

The Bears Are Out!

First Fishing "Trip" of the Summer

Dave using Corey's Snoopy pole.

Corey had been wanting to 'go out on Papa's boat' sooo badly that one night we decided to fish for cod from the boat in the harbor - who knew they would love that so much...and think about how much we saved in gas!

H20 Oasis - Indoor Waterpark

The kids LOVED their first experience at a waterpark. It wasn't even so much the slides or wave pool as it was just walking around in the warm water and exploring the pirate ship. For two weeks after we came home Corey asked every day if we could go to the water park - we'll definately be returning!

On the way to Anchorage...

We usually give in about two hours outside of Anchorage and this is what they look like the rest of the way.

Spoke too soon.

Summer appeared to be on the way until today.
It's snowing.
Again.
It's April 25.
Not cool!

Countdown

At our last appointment we scheduled the c-section for July 21! Can't believe we're now less than three months away from meeting Xander! The time has really flown this pregnancy being so busy with Kali and Corey and the apartments and church! :) He's still measuring ahead of schedule and kicks and moves around in there like crazy! Kali enjoys watching my belly move and is getting really excited to have a baby in the house. Corey on the other hand doesn't like to talk about it much - realizing more and more as my abdomen grows that there is actually a big change headed our way.

We have been so busy around the apartments this last week. We're getting ready for yet another inspection but also getting some of the inside things done so we can be outside now that summer looks like it might actually be on its way. And also so we can relax and enjoy some (brief I'm sure) down time when the baby comes!

Yellow Cake...Mmmm...

One of Kali's very FAVORITE things to do - help with anything in the kitchen!

(And Lisa, I even let Dave lick the beaters!)

Easter

After reading in The Friend about a little girl and her family that have the Easter Bunny come on Friday night instead of Saturday - leaving Sunday to concentrate on the real meaning of Easter; we decided to adopt the tradition and we LOVED it! Sunday was so much more relaxing this way! However, being a new tradion and all I did forget about taking pictures in the Easter Sunday clothes. But I've now decided I'll wait until we actually get spring so that they can be outside...keep in mind this may not be until June!

After the hustle and bustle of the Easter egg hunt I was making rolls for our family dinner that afternoon while Dave played golf on the Wii - when the kids saw what he was doing they ran the play room and came back with their golf clubs so they could play too!

Finally!

We've had some internet issues of late - but we're up and running again. Easter to come soon!

Frozen Beach

Who knew you could have so much fun on a frozen beach.

Flat Stanley

We were happy to receive Flat Stanley in the mail last week. We had a good time showing him around Valdez - and what a great excuse to get outside instead of painting at the apartments.

April

It's been raining and snowing all week (or as I like to call it - slushing) and it's dampened my mood a bit - especially after all the sun we had last week. But with all things that I find depressing I try not to dwell on them long, and instead think of positive things about the situation. Because I'm almost positive there's always a positive.

So the things I'm loving about our wintry beginning of April:

-the sidewalks do remain clear; even after waking up to snow in the mornings we haven't had to blow the sidewalks for awhile - they clear up with the rain by afternoon. I love seeing the pavement again!

-It's staying light longer, BUT still getting dark. Almost feels like "normal." If only we could lay out on the grass and look at the stars! :)

-Rain or Shine we have General Conference this weekend!

-We can see some grass (only because the loader moved all the snow in front of our building so it's melting fast - but we can see it).

-I've seen people out on their bikes. I love bike riding; although I don't know how much serious biking I'll get done this summer before my knees start hitting my growing belly.

-I love for my home to have a cool, light, airy feeling and since it's no longer too cold I can leave my windows open longer during the day - and all night in our room.

-I love the crisp, clean smell of the air after rain.

-Shrimping starts in two weeks! YUMMY!

-I must admit I am deriving a good amount of pleasure watching the news and seeing that we're not the only ones still getting snow - that it's actually still happening throughout the whole country.

-And finally I LOVE watching my kids jump in puddles!