What's new with m&m&k?: Creamers Field and Prince William Sound

Okay, so when my dad calls and asks what Kieran looks like these days I know it's time to get something new up on the blog. Not so easy when you can't even remember how to log on. Sorry Dad, it has definitely been too long! Here's something from September that I almost finished 4 months ago. Check back soon for a deluge of pictures that, I hope, will bring us up to date!

We were all in town for the Sandhill Crane Festival this year which happened on a gorgeous weekend with the cranes actually in attendance. The festival, the weather and the migration don't always align so nicely!

Kieran was less interested in the birds than he was in running...everywhere. Our walk through Creamers Field turned into more of a jog as we rushed to keep up with Kieran while still taking in some of the poems lining the trails and getting a few glimpses of cranes when we could. At least until he tripped and fell on his bare knees. When he calmed down he only wanted to ride on Max's shoulders which gave us a chance to slow down the pace and take our time strolling in the sun.

Strolling through the woods bordering the fields.

Snack break. Kieran is a big fan of fruit leather. He's still working on the "F"...he pronounces it "hoot"

Back on his feet and back to running. This boardwalk was just too fun to resist! Now all the leaves are yellow and the cranes have moved on...I'm so glad we were able to visit with them while they were here.

On Labor Day weekend we made the long drive to Valdez with the boat in tow. We stopped overnight on the way down and camped near the Gulkana river. Kieran was asleep when we arrived at the campground so waking up in the tent must have been a bit of a surprise for him. He loved it! It was a clear and chilly night with a bright, late moon and coyote pups howling and barking in the distance.

Time to re-stake the tent! In the morning Kieran had to explore the gear and the campsite after sleeping through the set up the night before. He's a cute little camper :)

A few more hours of driving, a few stops in Valdez and a chilly and wet ride down Valdez arm brought us to the head of Jack Bay and our little cabin home for the next two nights.

There's the cabin behind us.

The next morning we woke up to clouds and sprinkles. We took advantage of the drier weather and visited Shoup Bay, one of the nicest spots in the sound and Max's old seabird research site.

This was Kieran's first time to Shoup. I think he was most pleased about how dirty you can get playing in the gravel left behind by the glacier.

Time to load back into the boat. Not before testing how far out toddler Extra Tuffs can go without being flooded.

Our second morning brought clear skies and gorgeous sunshine. And Kieran's first fish!

Max had a bit of work to do during the trip. Kieran was obviously proud of his daddy for the important work he was doing. He was very serious about helping, keeping a stern face while screwing and unscrewing tripod parts.