Alaska, or Bust!!

Ever since we left Alaska, Matt and I have both had this strong yearning to go back.  It's crazy.  Being a military family, I don't usually get attached to places too much - mostly people and memories of great experiences.  However, there is just something about Alaska that has just really gotten under our skin, and we absolutely LOVE it, MISS it, and just HAVE to go back!  So, we are!  This week, in fact!  We are so excited, we can hardly stand it!  We're going home!  I am really looking forward to wide open spaces, real mountains, untamed natural beauty, continual daylight, amazing skies, crazy street names, moose (hopefully with their babies), year-round Christmas, fresh salmon, and the overall culture and lifestyle there.  We only have a few friends left in the area, and so, of course, we are pretty excited to see them, too! 

Because we are going in summer, I will miss frosted eyelashes, the "glittery" air, northern lights, snow, the creaking sound of the snow/ice under your feet as you walk, clear views of all the stars, sled dog races, ice sculptures, the smell of fire places/wood stoves on cold days, Christmas lights October - May, and snow covered trees with a full moon shining on them.  Maybe we should go back in the winter, too! 

Would you believe that this cabin is right in the middle of the town of North Pole? 

Well, it is, and this is where we'll be staying when we go.  Isn't it perfect?  It's even cheaper than most of the hotels - and has better amenities and space for the kids to run!  Wednesday, can you come any faster?!  I want to breathe Alaskan air once again.... even if it is only for a few days. 

Never A Dull Moment

This afternoon, we had our carpet steam cleaned.  That meant a bunch of furniture and toys had to get moved, and were all put in the kitchen.  I didn't think that through very well, because that meant that I had no access to necessary items to fix dinner.  The carpet was still damp anyway, and we didn't want the boys on it yet, so, we went out. 

See this face?  This is the type of face he had at the restaurant.  Ever get that funny feeling that YOU are unexpectedly the entertainment for the evening?  Well, here's the story......

Within about 30 seconds Darren had discovered that one wall of the restaurant was a mirror, and that he could see himself in it - from clear across the dining room.  He continually proceeded to stand up and turn around to make all kinds of silly faces in the mirror, and even attempted to carry on a conversation with the people about 4 tables over.  Lots and lots of eyes were fixed on him.

He also had his new prized posession with him - a Doc Hudson car from the movie Cars, and felt the need to show it to anyone and EVERYONE that would make eye contact with him.  Then, when our waitress came to take our order, Darren announced VERY LOUDLY:  "I have Doc Hudson, 'cause I went POOP in the BIG potty!  I'm a big boy!  I don't wear diapers AAAANYMORE!!"  Everyone within earshot (which seemed like the whole restaurant), fell silent, and stopped and stared.  Matt and I both turned a bright shade of red, but secretly wanted to burst out laughing at the same time.  Our waitress looked rather shocked.  Matt saved the situation from getting any more akward by playing it cool, and steered the conversation back to ordering.  Thanks for saving the day, Matt! 

Fortunately for us, both boys then turned on their charm AND their manners.  Except for little Joseph stuffing an ENTIRE Saltine cracker in his mouth at once - his little cheeks were quite puffy!  The boys continued to say/do things to make those around us smile.  As we were leaving, both boys were repeatedly saying:  "Bye!  Thank you!," and waving to everyone that would pay attention.  I think it's safe to say that the boys (primarily Darren) were the unofficial entertainment for the evening!  Never a dull moment at our house!  

Funky Feet

Normally, I wouldn't post about getting new shoes, but these are just too bizarre to not post a picture. 

Believe it or not, they were recently approved for PT (not sure if it's AF wide, or just Patrick AFB), and you can do most any activity in them. They are meant for running, walking, hiking, climbing, boating, surfing, yoga/pilates, fishing, fitness, etc., and are actually the most comfy and supportive athletic shoe I've ever owned.  They are a bit crazy looking though.  Feel free to laugh at our funky feet..... I still do!

If you want to know, they are called Vibram Five Fingers shoes.

New Blog

A friend of mine started a blog called 1000 Moments of Joy, where she lists the joys she finds in being a Mom.  I'm copying her idea (she encouraged this), and I started a new blog (still doing this one, too).  Mine is called, "Joy in Mothering."  If you would like to read it, click here.  On my first post (I've already posted twice), I explain what my goals and hopes are the for the new blog, so I won't repeat it here.  You are invited to go read it, if you would like.  And, if you would like to join me (us) as well, feel free! 

Results...

So, remember this post?  The one where I talked about our new life style/weight loss program?  Anyway, I finished the initial 12 weeks, and am happy to report that I have lost 24.5 lbs. in those 12 weeks!  I am currently still about 3 lbs. away from the goal I set for that time frame, so, I'm really close!  I have felt improvements in energy levels, and moodiness.  My ultimate goal is still a long way off, so I've got to keep going - and that's the plan.  I'm still don't think I'm ready to post before/after pictures, but it's still possible that day will come.  So, stay tuned.......

A Moment in History

As you may or may not know, the space shuttle program is coming to a close. That means that each of the 3 remaining shuttles had only 1 launch left as of last week. On Friday, our family had the opportunity to watch the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Matt was lucky enough to score a pass for us, so instead of watching it in our driveway (how we usually watch the launches), we were able to go to the Cape Canaveral AF Station (about 40-45 min. drive), and watch from the roof of a building there.  A special clearance/pass is required to get onto the AF Station, so even though we're military, we can't just go there.  Anyway, we were about as close as people are allowed to get - which was still a ways away. It was really great to experience a launch that "close." We could hear the actual countdown, and felt the ground rumble (even while standing on a roof top). It took almost a full minute from time of launch to hear/feel the rumble, just to let you know how far away we still were. Both boys were totally captivated as soon as the countdown started. Joseph watched silently and pointed. Darren was mostly quiet, too. You can hear him say "OOOOHH!" a couple times in the video clip, but that's all.  We were eye witnesses to a special moment in history.  Watch the video clip, and you can be too. 

The video clip is so jumpy, because Darren was sitting on Matt's shoulders while Matt was taping, and D kept wiggling.

Those "clouds" on the left side of the pic are not clouds - they're smoke residue from the launch.  Doesn't Matt look so handsome in this pic?  The rest of us need a little help, but we were all there!