The Golden Heart Water walk/run

Last week was the Golden Heart Water walk/run. What a turnout! I'd never have believed there were so many Chariot strollers in this town - this was a pretty huge kid/family event. It was a Wednesday evening and a fun thing to do after work. I guess lots of other people thought so too. I think this must be our water utility's mascot. I'm not sure what it's called and it wasn't talking. We called it "Drop".


Carrie got a little mommy practice in at the turnaround. It won't be long before she has one of her own to push around! Kieran took a snooze for this part of the race. We were at the back of the pack - it was a lot less interesting when the people coming towards us on the return dried up. Kieran knows how to make the best use of his time. He woke up again for the finish.


We missed out on the face painting, but the clown was happy to pose with us as she tried to pack up all her balloons and giant clown shoes after the race.


Mommy and Kieran at the finish line. Kieran loved watching all the people go by. This was our best Chariot ride yet!


Kieran's game face. Faster mommy!! Pick it up!! Lets go!!


And after we crossed the finish line. I don't think he cared that we walked across nearly last!


We just wanted to get back in time for the free hot dogs. Mission accomplished!

Quick trip to Denali

Max was in Cordova for a few days for "work" which just happened to coincide with the migratory bird fest there. He had a great trip, saw lots of birds, and he made sure he was home for half of Mother's Day on Sunday. Good pappa. While he was away, Rachel said "Happy 1st Mother's Day" with an all-expense paid road trip to Denali on Saturday. We hadn't been driving more than 15 minutes in the park when we ran into some folks we knew. We stopped to chat for a few minutes with Kevin and Andi and to get a break from the car. It didn't take long for a minivan to pull up and for its driver to inform us that we were missing a good show down below...a beautiful golden grizzly sow and two cubs were lazing around in the afternoon sun just across the river. It was early wildlife payoff for the long drive...and as it turned out, about the only payoff we got. Aside from the sun and gorgeous mountain views, of course.


Kieran was far more interested in Rachel and the camera than the bears.

And the gulls. He thought these guys were pretty neat. Not exactly what you think of when you imagine AK wildlife, especially in the interior. But this is a national park after all...plenty of tourists with plenty of snacks to share (bad tourists!).


Kieran had a great time on his first road trip.


Our turnaround spot at Teklanika. We made it to the end of the drivable road just before the clouds started rolling in.


Can't resist a close up of little K sporting his summer lid.

Early May and mortgage day!

We're finally beginning to believe that spring is here to stay. All that April snow has melted, the trails are drying up, the geese and cranes have returned - how wonderful to hear the cranes calling from overhead or down in the valley below us - and the surest sign of all...the mosquitoes are back! It's been nice to get out with Kieran though, bugs and all. We joined the girls on a walk up a local trail over the weekend. There's a core group of walkers that meets mid week after work, led by intrepid Carrie - now 8 1/2 months pregnant and still the most energetic walker in the bunch. This wasn't a sanctioned mid week walk - just a nice way to spend a couple of hours and get some fresh air on Sunday. I think the best part of the walk for Kieran was watching these giant outdoor "kitties" walking with us. This may have been his first time around dogs. Notice where his attention is in the picture! (left to right: Radar, Carrie, Crash, Rachel, Kieran, me, and Diana)

Kieran with Daycare Dana waiving goodbye to mommy. On nice days the kids play on this carpeted deck. There's also playground in the yard - I've been warned that Kieran will come home good and gritty after getting slathered with sunscreen and spending the days outside. Sounds like a great way to spend the summer!

Oh happy day! Max and I signed our mortgage paperwork on Tuesday. It's been a long year and it feels great to have met our obligations with the bank. Well, there's the small matter of mortgage payments, but we look forward to life becoming more relaxed and simplified and FUN! I don't think either of us would call building a house fun after this experience! Time to get life back to normal around here.

Saturday morning at home

Today feels like the first day of spring in Fairbanks. Sunny skies, warm temps, and a muddy, muddy yard! Most of the recent snow has melted in a hurry leaving everyone to deal with the slush and runoff streams - we have our own little erosion gully out in the side yard...traversing the septic field of course. We're hoping the runoff runs off before the ground thaws enough to let much of that snow melt into the septic. Let the worrying of home ownership begin!


Kieran has been working hard trying to master a few new skills. This week he's been working on sitting up by himself. Sitting bolt upright isn't his thing yet, but he does a great job balancing himself enough to play for a minute or two like this before deciding to roll to belly position for a rest.


He's been building up those giant thighs as well! He gets lots of balancing help for standing, but he holds his own weight just fine.


Of course, this position is still a favorite for hanging out and telling stories. This morning he had a lot to say.


Here he is telling a long story - this is somewhere in the middle. I think it's about a bunny that gets mauled by a giant baby.