Fall 2017 - Matt's Birthday, Military Ball, Northern Lights, Fall Color and a Cousin

A friend of mine said that fall in Alaska can be perfectly summed up in one word: COLOR. She's right! Bright leaves by day, northern lights by night, and trying to cram in as much time outside as we can (before the darkness begins) summarizes life these days.

After playing in the grass at the botanical garden,
she did NOT want to be put in the backpack

Her boot was lost and found again (twice in one hike)

Our navigator, studying the map

From our front yard

The brightest spot of all is that our family is growing - and we're not pregnant! Ellen and Corey's wedding and the arrival of Zac and Whitney's perfect baby boy mean Lydia gets her very first cousin (and we get a nephew), and Matt and I get a new bother in law (and Lydia gets another uncle). All within a month!

Lydia's reaction to meeting her cousin was 'Hiiiiii!' and a wave. It was simply the cutest thing ever. We can't wait to get these babies together in person!

Another reason for celebration was Matt's birthday a few weeks ago. We had a quick dinner of Thai takeout after a long (long) day of work and he opened cards and presents. His buddies at work gave him a cake with his "catchphrase" on it... see if you can read it.

We also had a military ball and have been going to as many football games at North Pole High as we can (two so far). 

I wrapped up teaching the summer semester, and started teaching two sections this fall. I have a record number of students: 45! They have their first big presentations next week and it's hard to believe. 

We've had lots and lots and LOTS of park visits - as many as we can.

"Peek a boo!" And then lots of giggles

"I'm gonna get you!!" And more giggles as she runs away.

Today was Lydia's unofficial first day in primary - we're starting to take her and sit with her, so she gets used to it come December (when she'll start going on her own). In our church all the kids start the nursery program at 18 months. Judging by how much she enjoyed it so far, I think she'll be just fine. But I'll miss this...

Church nap a few weeks ago

In the mean time, here are a lot more pictures from my phone. Mostly family hikes, including the one when we came across a field of sunflowers- so beautiful, and a reminder that Alaska is still full of surprises.

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Interior Alaska is preparing for snow - it's already dusting the mountains and looming in our weather apps. The night temps are dropping below 32, so it's not far. I just switched over to snow tires so there's no turning back now! It's time to bundle up, stock the kitchen cabinets and pull out the skis... winter is coming.