This is a Test

Dick gave me a new camera for our anniversary because I've been wanting something better than my iPhone and a camera that doesn't rely on competing with the phone to stay charged and to take better photos. These were taken at Dave and Valli's house in Kenai. We were invited over in honor of Steph's visit.

 Moose and salmon steaks.

 Baby Lydia.

 Baby Henry.

 Grandpa with Madeline.

Yummy food, lasso ball, and some new photos.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Most of my vacations resemble each other - warm climate, great food, lovely scenery and friends and family. This year was no exception and was exceptional in so many ways. Since I am pressed for time I am doing one post only, however forgive me for not being sequential.

Pre-theatre sushi dinner with Stephanie, Jenny and Savannah. Apologies to Jenny for not having a photo of her, but she was there and the play Kiss Me Kate was delightful and entertaining.  

We enjoyed our Saturday outing to Bear Lake so much that we scheduled a repeat trip with Mike and Aubrey, which the kids especially enjoyed. Apologies to Mike and Aubrey for not having a picture of them. But they were there!

Brunch at Crumb Bros, a Logan bakery. My favorite part was their herb tea, which we spent a lot of time scouting around to obtain, lovely landscaping and the trip across the street to the greenhouse and florist.

Brunch at Herm's Inn. I saw this place on Pinterest and thought it was pretty. It's an old auto garage that was recently renovated after 80 years of abandonment. It's a beautiful building.

My new most favorite place to eat and spend time in Logan. Elements is everything a wonderful restaurant should be: classy inside and out with beautiful gardens, a creek, fish, flowers, trees, and wonderful food and service. I must also admit I was surprised at the reasonable prices and the patio dining is even kid friendly! A must do when in Logan!

Pettingils fruit stand is one of many along Hway 89 just south of Brigham City. But it was the first one we saw and after passing them all it seemed like the one I would return to. Lovely fruit and friendly staff - lots of samples. Heaven on earth.

 We had three wonderful pool days together! Lots of trips down the water slides!

 Chef Mike! (I think Ed actually cooked these, but Mike is so cute by the grill!)

 Everything is better on the grill! Even pizza!

 My sweet little pool pal Hudson!

Lunch at Great Harvest Bread before heading to see Brave with Ethan and Savannah

and Mike and Aubrey!

 The fountains at City Creek Center. A great place to hang out, get wet, shop, eat, sun, whatever!

Willow Park Zoo. A sweet little place to spend the afternoon and you can even feed some of the animals.

Our wonderful friends, Mark and Leisa, had the crew for Sunday dinner at their home. What a wonderful meal. So sorry I don't have any photos but Leisa blogged it her site. We have missed you guys and look forward to seeing more of you now that the kids are living "up north"! Also thanks for the amazing quilt books! I can't wait to show them off to my quilt buddies and get started on a fun new project!

I was determined not to love Logan but I kinda did fall into serious LIKE with it. Can't wait to go back!

One Sunny Day!

I needed some reminder of sunshine and I found this folder of pictures from my last trip to Utah in April. It was a wonderful trip - we did lots of fun things but some of our most fun time was spent exploring the new City Creek Mall. A very nice place to spend some free time. My second favorite place is BYU where I was introduced to the Secret Garden, which I never new existed. I love the thrill of exploring new places and revisiting beloved old ones!



Special thanks to my friend Leisa for the photo tips!

Happy Independance Day!

We hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July celebration! It seems we are either being burned up (literally) or drowning this year. We are the later. Three days of rain. But the weather did clear up just enough for the Mt. Marathon race but it was still very wet and foggy and mostly the mountain was obscured from view. We watched the fireworks at midnight Tuesday during the pouring rain from my living room window.

 Valli makes the best chocolate dipped strawberries! Very patriotic!

Dick and I saw this as an opportunity of drag out our trek hats one more time as an excuse to keep the rain off.

 A view of the mountian during one of the reaces. It was crowded but not as much as usual.

 The Kenai Harrells!

 Beautiful baby Lydia! Almost five months old and adorable.

And the third runner up in the Girls 2 year old race! Go Madeline! She's going to take first next year!!
Notwithstanding the terrible weather, it was a fun holiday.

Home Sweet Home

On Saturday June 23rd, 2012, Dick and I officially moved back to Seward, Alaska, where we lived from 1998 until 2003 when we moved back to Eagle River with Michael so he could be closer to civilization and various other activities.

This is our current abode, probably until Dick retires in 2017 or until we say heck with it and just leave. It's an open ended ticket. This is called AVTEC Family Housing. Think Wyview. We live in the top left apt. Right now school is closed so we are the only tenants. That will change in August when the families arrive. It will be interesting to say the least.

We had to put a sign on the door because all the tourists get our place confused with the Moby Dick hostel next door and they wander into our apt and want to hang out for a night or so. We barely have room for ourselves much less people who haven't bathed in a awhile.



 It's just not home without a few flowers.

 Dave and Valli and babies showed up to help move in.  Thank you Dave and Valli!

I tried to find a nice view of the mountains or something, but that would be a shot from the back yard which we can live without.

We have down sized from 2700 feet and a three car garage to less than 700 feet. Dick and I placed bets as to the size of our apt and my guess was wwwwwaaaaaaayyyyyy off. The tape measure proved me wrong. I had no idea that a human family could exist in such a small space.

This is the living room with stunning views of the bay. And another stunning view of my back side that is on the way to the gym asap! Moving is not good for weight loss. I would love to post pics of the rest of the place but must pick up a little after the Independence Day festivities.

Yay for having the sweetest family and friends to help out during this crazy time!