Happy Father's Day!

Well, today is Father's Day...yeah! We have been celebrating all weekend. On Saturday we drove up north to Hatcher Pass and toured Independence Mine. It is an old gold mine that was shut down in the early 50's. Several buildings are still there and we toured around the mining camp. There were plenty of paved trails so we brought the double jogger for the kids to ride in as we looked around.






There were also some dirt trails to explore, but we just weren't equipped to try those. They were too steep for Nicholas and we just didnt' bring the backpack carriers for the kids. Plus, I had only packed a light lunch and a few waters for us, too, so we couldn't stay longer. Oh well. It was still an awesome trip. And the weather...WOW. We had the BEST weather. The sun was out and it was about 70 degrees- which to us, feels like the sun is just beating down on us! I think the sun is stronger up here or something...the air is clearer...I don't know! But the sun is hot. Days like this push those dark and cold winter days far, far into a distant memory. Which is fine with me. The summer is absolutely perfect here. Or I guess I should say, that it can be perfect. (Last summer was not so great. I don't want to even think about it!!) Just thinking of the Alaska summer is enough to get you through the Alaska winter. I wouldn't trade this weather with anywhere else. Check out these views!!!





I am glad we did all of our running around yesterday, too. We left Hatcher Pass and kept driving to Anchorage. We just bummed around the downtown market and even had dinner on the patio of a local seafood restaurant. It was great!! Today is kind of cloudy. It just looks, you know, "boring" outside. I know that isn't usually a word to describe weather, but I bet you know what I am talking about! Later we are going to have Shawn's requested Father's Day dinner: burgers, hotdogs, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. Pretty easy meal for me to whip up!! I did make a dessert though.

I will miss living here. This time next year, we expect to be moving.

Oh and look at my little cutie pie!

Stella is getting SO big!! Just wish she'd sleep through the night consistently. She was doing great about a month ago and now she is getting up once a night. Although, last night she slept all night. Hard to believe she's 3 1/2 months. Her hobbies include drooling, smiling, and sleeping. Not a big fan of "tummy time" yet. She LOVES her daddy. They carry on secret baby language conversations! Nicholas is starting to enjoy her now. She can focus on him and grab for him. He doesn't mind her sitting with us and reading stories either. He is really cute with her.