Today was a Good Day

Today was pretty sweet. First we woke up and had a great breakfast. Scrameled eggs with brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, onions and cheese - I know it sounded odd to me too but tasted great. Then we had to go to Houston to get some sparklers for Helen's and Brendon's Wedding, before heading out we got some coffee at Jitters. While at Gorilla Fireworks Joachim and I saw the Batmobile! Then right before we got back to Wasilla we saw a sign that said 'Train Rides.' We had to stop because Joachim loves trains. The train rides were at the Alaska Live Steamers. Basically it is a bunch of train enthusiats with too much time on their hands. They have built a mini train track with cars that an adult can sit on. The entire ride was about 1/2 hour. It went through woods, over and under bridges and past mini cabins and cities. It even went past a mini Orthodox church! Joachim loved it! And at only $4.00 each it was well worth it. On the way back home we stopped by Peter's Creek park. Joachim threw some rocks into the river then we walked along the Frisbee Golf Course. Even though it was cloudy it was nice. After that we came home and I fixed our lawn mower. It would not start. Contaminated gas ended up being the culprit, but I was pretty proud of myself for being able to take the mower apart and put it back together and get it to start. Off to Church now.

Flying

About a week or so ago, Peter Johnson took his son Lucas, Peter Lamb, Joachim and I flying in his Cherokee Piper. We were going back towards Eklutna Lake when Lucas looked like he was going to throw up. The plane was bouncing quite a bit. We turned around to go back to the Birchwood Airport, but Lucas fell asleep so we buzzed the community instead. We went right over the Church, maybe only 100 feet in the air - it was pretty sweet. After that we landed, brought Lucas and Joachim to their mothers and went back up. Peter, Peter and I made it back to the end of Eklutna Lake before needing to turn around, the winds back there were strong. We did see a black bear walking along the edge of the lake.

Getting ready to fly!

Joachim with his ear plugs on. He was sitting on my lap.

Eklutna Lake.

Relaxing...

Kari and Macrina in the Hammock in the front yard. Macrina is getting so big. She can't quite hold herself on both her legs and hands at the same time, but individually she can, so either her butt or her head is in the air! I'm sure she will be crawling soon.

Last night Kari, since she is the Matrian of Honor (I know I cannot spell) threw Helen Matthews a Bridal Shower. That left Joachim and I at home. We decieded to camp out in the yard. We cooked hot dogs over the fire, had chips and salsa, and drank soda. Joachim, like is Papa, loves fire, he always wants to get more sticks for the fire, and insists he always has a long stick to poke the fire with. JD and Noah came out to sit by the fire with us. Camping was great, even though it rained out.

Memorial Weekend

We are just now getting around to posting what we did over Memorial Weekend. The Johnson family, Curry family and Labrecque family went down to Seward for the holiday weekend. We always camp on Exit Glacier Road, about three miles in on the right. It is part of the 'special use area' ie free camping. It is a great spot, a little below the road, you do not hear too much traffic, not on the river side, so no 4 wheelers or crazy party people and right up against the mountains - a good spot for a family. We got down on Saturday afternoon. Sunday we went to the Sealife Center - very awesome. Monday we were planning on going to Exit Glacier. An old avalanche blocked the road however and we ended up just going to Seward and letting the kids play on the playground. Then we headed home. All in all it was a good trip.

Joachim getting his drink on (its closed).

The Campsite

Joachim and Lucas walking to Ressurection Bay.

Joachim outside the Sealife Center.

At the Sealife Center.

About Joachim's faviorite thing to do is throw rocks in the water. Every time he does, he exclaimes 'Big Splash.' He does this all the time. Yesterday we biked into Eagle River and had to stop at Fire Lake to throw rocks in. And Monday, at Chugiak Pool, everytime someone went off the diving board he yelled, 'Big Splash!'

Well this last friday we got a whole bunch of guys to pick up Al Zink's chicken coop! but the next day when I started cleaning the thing out I realized it was not worth the effort. It is just falling apart, so Ben is building a new one for me. We still dont have the chickens yet : ( I have also started to potty train Joe I realize that if I ask him if he has to go potty of course he says NO but if I tell him to go sit on the potty he will! so far all has gone on the floor : ( but it has only been a day.