Bushka's visit and Max's 40th

At the end of August we had a very special visitor. Bushka came to stay with us for a week of walks, hikes, and more walks. We had some pretty terrific weather for outside time and the fall colors had just begun to turn the forests yellow.

Kieran took this picture on a walk in Creamer's Field where we saw the last of the geese and sandhill cranes before they left for warmer fields.

Then I got the camera back and made sure we got a good one of Kieran and Bushka to last us until we have another visit.Cranberry munching.

And mushroom petting.

It was an amazing year for autumn colors. Max took this at the top of our driveway.

Just past peak in the back yard. The brilliant sunny days seemed to go on and on.

On the road again...

Max hit a big milestone in September when entered the 40+ age bracket. We celebrated with good friends, a new grill, a bonfire and...rain. So the brilliant sunny days did come to an end after all, and just in time for our deck party. Luckily everyone came dressed for the weather and ready to have a good time anyway. Mike was one of the enthusiastic grill masters. Turns out guys really appreciate a clean, new grill.
With too many people coming to fit inside the house we had to come up with a plan B to make the deck more attractive for guests. If you have a deck and don't yet have a chimenea you should seriously consider getting one. We loved it during the party and kept loving it until the snow arrived a month later. We spent a lot more time on the deck than we otherwise would have. Plus, it's fun!

I surprised Max by bringing up our great friends Scott and Becky and little Quetzal for the weekend. Thanks to them for making the big drive!

We managed to get the party moved down to the bonfire and Kieran in bed before 11pm. We didn't get Max to bed until after 2am...a successful event. Thanks to Rachel for the clean up help. What a mess!

The not-too-tired morning crew. We woke up to pouring rain but seeing that we had such hardy visitors we braved the weather and hiked up Angel Rocks trail, visited the hot springs and had a great dinner at the local brewery. Then fell back into bed for some much-needed rest.

Westport 2011

Since I'm not going to make up for the long blog inactivity over the majority of 2011 I'm just going to post some highlights from the last year, starting with a few posts from a trip we took to California that I started in May (Really? May?!?) and see how far I get. But before I forget...Happy 2012 everyone! Despite our lack of blogging, 2011 was good to us and we hope it was to you too.

Here are some pictures from our time in Westport this year, in no particular order. Max surveyed the mussel beds...not a harvest year, unfortunately. Kieran still pretends to dive for mussels though...in the bath, from the furniture, anywhere really. This tradition makes a big impression every year.

Casting lessons.Marit is a pro!

A warm up lunch in the kitchen after a chilly visit to the beach.


There are always projects to tackle here. Good thing Torin brought his tools. "Team Workers" kept busy for three days fixing everything from doors to floors.
Another happy birthday for Alegra! We were all hosted to a wonderful lunch to celebrate. Can't beat birthday lobster!


A more typical meal in Westport...friends and family around the dining table. If only we could do this all year round.


Wandering back from the wharf.A quiet moment between cousins.



And checking out the critters from the sea floor.

No mussels here!

Time with Grandma and cousin Elizabeth

After Westport we joined my side of the family in Rhode Island. I guess I didn't take my camera out for most of it. Too much relaxing? Here are some from a visit to Mystic Marine Life Aquarium. Our first stop was the sting ray petting tank. This is all Kieran wanted to do for the rest of the day but we managed to check out some other exhibits before returning to the rays on the way out. His cousin Elizabeth gave him a stuffed sting ray that day..."sting ray" has been a favorite companion ever since.

Wow! I'd forgotten how impressive the displays are there. Who doesn't love to see a whale from underwater?

These baby turtles looked like they needed a hug.

In the fish nook.

And in the bird house. Everyone loved feeding the little birds.

A penguin! What's a penguin doing here?!? It was lots of fun at the aquarium and with Grandma and Elizabeth and the rest of the cousins and aunts and uncles. I wish I had taken some pictures at the house...I'm lucky I have these!

Stops on the way home...

We stopped in at Grandpa's farm to visit with Grandpa and Grandma Lee and see how the veggies were coming along. Kieran's favorite thing to do at the farm is go shopping for lunch. Then we have our usual lunch (and supper) of summer squash and onions. Yum!
"Helping" Grandpa with the tomato sorting.

After a quick farm visit we had to make our way back north and had another visit with Bushka and Grandaddy. Kieran helped where he could. He watered some of the garden plots on a hot day.

These could use a drink...

Three generations of handsome men. We had a very nice visit and Grandaddy and Kieran shared an emotional moment over a skinned knee. We've been grateful for the sweet moments we've had with him over our last couple of visits.

Before heading home we had a relaxed, shady walk on one of the trails nearby. Kieran brought beans for the squirrels which he left at every squirrel hole we saw.

Here you go little squirrelly.

Then we found ourselves back in Fairbanks. Our garden had done some fine growing while we were away. We had a great crop of broccoli this year. We planted it in the spot that the corn gerw in last year. Kieran wants to grow corn again. Maybe he had enough broccoli :)

Our little sweaty gardener.