I'm back...

I made it back last Wednesday night. So much has happened in the past 3 weeks. Where do I start...

I met my sister at the Seattle airport. We made it to the Bacon Mansion and got some rest. We stayed in the Carriage House loft. I went to work on Friday, a short 1/2 block walk from the B&B. Diane got a cup of tea and then went exploring. She met us for lunch on Capital Hill. Work went well. I felt useful. The change of environment was good. After work we got ready to have dinner with Mr. Fischer and his wife. We had cocktails at the house (Mansion) and then went to a little French Bistro they frequent. We had a great evening. I work for a wonderful man.

Saturday Diane and I went walking. Seattle is a very hilly place. We walked downtown to Pike's Market, got some lunch and fresh fruit and ate in a park along the water. The Thunderbirds were in town for the Seascape. They were incredible. We walked along the water and chatted. Went shopping and didn't find anything we wanted. Thought about going to the aquarium, but it didn't seem right without the kids. We drug ourselves up the hill and go ready for dinner. Mr. Fischer gave me use of the minivan for the weekend so we went to Alki Beach for Supper. Enjoyed some seafood and a glass of wine then walked along the shore. It was a great day with my Sis! Matt called me that afternoon so I could talked to Ryan. He lost his 1st tooth. I knew it would happen when I wasn't there. The toothfairy took good care of him.

Sunday we spend an hour trying to get on the highway system. Not an easy thing to do for out of towners. We were going to go shopping at the mall until Diane's flight time, but we couldn't get to the mall. Sure makes me appreciate Fairbanks and the slow lifestyle. I went to the mall and Target. Had lunch at the Olive Garden and headed back the B&B. I walked to the Cathedral in Seattle for evening mass. The church was BEAUTIFUL. The organ was a little to loud. It was hard to sing. It was a good experience nonetheless.

I got to have dinner with Matt's parent's, Ronnie and Jerry on Monday. They had the same problem trying to get on or off the highway. It was good to see them again. They had a wonderful drive through the western access of the Alaskan Highway. I think they were ready to sleep in their own beds though. They stooped in Salt Lake to see our friend's Scott and Michele and then drove like crazy to get home for Mama's Birthday party. Only 2 of her grandkids didn't make it for the party. We miss a lot of stuff being in Alaska. The price we pay.

The rest of the week went well. I went shopping, had some great company for dinners, saw a movie and a play. Saturday I flew out to Salt Lake. Michele and Courtney met me at the airport. Traffic is crazy there too. I forgot how hot it was there too. I got to be a part of Maggie Rose's Baptism. It was wonderful to see everyone from our old church. Scott and Michele are great. Their kids are wonderful. What blessings they are. They sure have their hands full now. :) One downfall was I missed Kyle's first Football game. He had a great time and they won by 2 points. He made a safety so I can credit the win to him. Michele and I had some great quality time together. I think we both needed it. Sure wish they lived closer. Ryan lost his second tooth while I was there. We also found out the he couldn't go to Kindergarten on Eielson. It's amazing how God answers prayers.

I got back to Alaska on Wednesday night. Brett flew back with me so she could start work at UAF on Thursday. We had a nice flight and even got a little sleep. The rest of the week was scrambling to fill out paperwork, get school supplies and go to the dentist. It all worked out. Kyle had a football game on Friday. He played the whole JV game and dressed for Varsity. He played half that game too. It was rainy and clod but the smile on his face was pure happiness. He did a great job. Monday was the first day of school for everyone. Ryan started kindergarten at North Pole Christian School this past Monday. He is very excited to be in school and ride a school bus. His teacher sits in front of us at church. So we are very comfortable with him going there. We are still working out some bugs. I forgot about this part of it.

Matt is trying to get his honey do list done before he leave in September. So needless to say we have been extremely busy. Life is good and we are all healthy. Hope everyone else can say the same. I'll write again next week and let you know how the first week of school went. Until then have a great week! God Bless!

Vacation...

I'm not really sure where the summer went. But it went fast. Matt's parents and cousins left this morning. I'm headed to Seattle and then SLC for a little working vacation tomorrow. My sister is meeting me in WA for the weekend. It will be a lot of fun.

Kyle is in full swing 3-practices a day football. You would think he'd go to bed earlier than he does. I guess girlfriends will do that to you. Ryan is so ready to start Kindergarten. The countdown is on the frig. He has 2 wiggly teeth. He'll probably loose both while I'm gone. :( Andie is staying active with church stuff and at the youth center. I think she is looking forward to the start of school and seeing her friends again.

We have carpet in the basement. I love it. I want to put the same stuff in the 2 upstairs bedrooms. That's another remodel job for a later date. Matt is working like crazy. Construction season is tiring for him. He is also trying to get the honey-do's done before he leaves in September. He gets to be Mr. Mom for the next two weeks. I am going to miss the first football game of the season. Kyle seemed kind of bummed but he knows I'll be there all the others. I do get to participate in the baptism of our God Child, Maggie Rose. That makes it worth it.

We had a great time with our company. Wish the weather would have cooperated a little more. They canceled our cruise to the glacier in Seward and it got cold and rainy while we were camping at Birch Lake. We had fun nonetheless and it was great spending time with them. Now we are back to business as usual...whatever that is.

I hope to update when I'm on the road, if not pray for safe travels and a return. Until next time...God Bless.