What were you doing back in 2013? Don't remember? Me neither. After a two year hiatus, I realize a blog is a really useful way to document the passing of time and remind me of all the fun things we do (especially during those times when it feels like all we do is tackle the daily grind). 2013 and 2014 won't be the most chronologically accurate posts, but I'm betting it won't matter in a year or two and I'll just be happy to have a few (organized) photos to look back on and smile.
Last ski race of 2013
Skicross!
So proud.
Kieran is still a great little photographer.
Raffle winnings...his first pair of ski sleeves.
Just like the Olympics. Um, right?
Sudden change of scene, we're in Westport, Climbing Point of Rocks with cousins on a perfect summer evening. Not much better than that.
We also said our goodbyes to Grandaddy, sending him off into the water he loved so much. We'll be here to tell these kiddos about their Grandad and how much he loved them, and what a great fisherman he was. Ah, the bass and the full moon...my favorite and maybe even my first Grandaddy fishing story, told during my first time at the Westport dinner table.
Kieran is as at home in the Westport kitchen as in his own. Fresh from the waves he picks up a brush and gets to work.
In another couple of years these two will be heading out past the point and circling Half Mile Rock. Gulp.
Sam and Kieran...poor lobsters, you were delicious.
Another terrific Westport River mussel feast, thanks to Max.
An evening beach walk with cousins. THE best.
Sam and Kieran...adorable.
Moving on to RI, we had a wonderful visit with the Nielson side of the family. It's almost a dream to be able to move from one beach house to the next, and start a second vacation with another group of siblings and cousins and Grandma, just a 40 minute drive down the road. We. Are. Lucky.
Osprey! This one put on quite a show, catching fish and tearing it apart on a rock just down the beach. I always think of the east coast as being completely over developed, but then I'm reminded how wildlife adapts their lives around us. Amazing.
Cousin Maggie...Kieran's counterpart on the Nielson side. How cure are they?
Legendary in Kieran's mind is the water park. We'll go back eventually, but I think a break from this place was necessary after hearing more about the bumper boats over the following year then the beach. We did go back in 2014. And yes, it was fun.
After the beach time we headed into the heart of Connecticut to visit Grandpa and his farm. The black raspberries were just starting to ripen and Kieran picked all he could find. Really brings me back to my childhood on the farm.
This was such a nice visit. I wish we could have had more years to do this. What a wonderful father, grandfather and role model.
We had a day at Dinosaur Park to take in the natural history of the area. When I was little this place was out in the open. Luckily, the town realized what a prize it had and created this museum to display and protect these unique dinosaur prints.
On the plane home with a new buddy. I think this was the text we sent to Rachel to tell her we had landed in Fairbanks :)
Back in Fairbanks, it was time to get down to serious local summer fun. Kieran and Basile debriefing after their soccer games. These green fields don't stick around for long so we have to take advantage while they're here.
Kieran's first team, the Black Ninjas...mostly he's just darned cute.
Yup, cute. But playing like it's the world cup out there.
Post game hug.
Summer isn't all about soccer. Daddy's favorite summer activity is bringing the Whaler out on the Chena River. Might be one of Basile's favorites too. Taking the boat out on a nice day makes for a pretty lovey time.
Planes, trains and automobiles...here's the train ride. We took the train from Fairbanks north, a rarely run piece of track that takes you past the rolling hills and uplands of the Tanana River Valley. It was a one time deal and we were happy to be on board. I think Rachel was too.
Oh yes, there she is being happy to be on board. But what did she do with all those children?
Looks like she handed two of them over to Patrick. What a fun day.
Between the cars you can stick your head and a camera out to get a side view of the train and a bit of the terrain. The weather and the fall colors don't get any better. This is a good example of why we love living in Fairbanks.
Back home...late in the summer we had a visitor. He was a super sweet and calm husky mix who came down the trail and stayed in our yard one evening in August. First night he stayed on the deck. Second night I left the back of the car open and he slept there, third night I brought him in and he was a wonderful house guest, sleeping on the blanket I gave him and causing no trouble whatsoever. Meanwhile, I had brought him to the shelter where he was scanned and had his photo taken and had posted pictures all over the neighborhood. Max was angling to keep him. He was loving the smoked salmon scraps we were giving him. We were getting close to being a two dog household until...we got a phone call..."You have our dog! His name is Brooks. We love him. We were out of state. Thank you for keeping him for us!" And who were the owners? None other than the gym teacher and his teacher wife (who I have since gotten to know and love) at Kieran's soon to be school.
Not long after, we attended the school's ice cream social where we learned which teacher Kieran would have and who would be in his class. It's a great little school, close to home, and it feels just right.
After the social Max, Kieran and Bushka (here for a before the start of the school year visit) went on a work trip into Canada, complete with a visit to a float plane dock. Kieran and Bushka spent the day here mingling with pilots and hunters flying in and out of the lake.
There was also site work to do.
Ferry rides to take.
Furs to wear.
Bushka to hug...
...and do backcountry dishes with.
And don't forget the camping! THE BEST.
After all that road trip fun came to an end, there was kindergarten to face. Kieran was ready. Especially if he could ride with Bushka on his first day!
Walking up to the school with Max.
Posing in front of the school vegetable garden.
And waiting for the bell to ring...butterflies! Kieran was nervous but it turned out to be a great class, a great year, and a great school community. We're very lucky to live where we live.
Fall brought some nice aurora...thanks to Max for staying up to catch this photo. I'm sure I was sound asleep by then.
Grandma came for Christmas again...oh what fun! We went to the usual cabin for a lot of exercise and fresh air and for the bragging rights back east, of course!
Max, Kieran and Fly making sure we and the next 10 visitors have enough firewood to burn.
Oh, and Grandma. She doesn't like to be left out of a work party.
This visit we fit in a second cabin. This one required little exercise but still provided plenty of fresh air and fun (and hot springs).
And silliness.
And firewood stocking.
And outdoor sausage eating.
Then it was back to Fairbanks for Christmas, where we received more coveted Bushka spiced grape jam! Look at that face...he knows what's in that jar.
Grandma was still with us and I'm sure still wears her Bushka scarf.
We have the octopus so I know she doesn't still wear that.
That octopus got some good lov'in at Christmas. He's a great snuggler with all those legs!
And Santa brought some Magnatiles...a favorite from Kieran's preschool days. Still a great building toy for a kindergartner.
And the trike sled...we're still using it this winter. With our long steep driveway, that was a good buy.
Of course after Christmas we have to look to the big New Years birthday. This year's theme was...STAR WARS!
Lando was in attendance from the City in the Clouds.
And Luke's x-wing flew in just in time for cake cutting.
Oh, and of course there was the battle of the Death Star. In the end, the rebels defeated the dark side and peace was restored to the galaxy. Whew, that was a long post.
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