Blueberry Season!

Blueberry picking at Hatcher's Pass. Its a ritual we all participate in every fall here in Alaska. If you haven't, your definitely missing out. Not only for the berries, but the whole experience of it. The picturesque drive, the mountains like something out of a movie. Everything is just so amazing.

This little guy, I would like to steal away from my brother and sister in law, and keep. He's so adorable, and fun, and happy. Thanks for coming blueberry picking with us Jense!!

First day of school.

Chandler, 5th grade. This is one awesome kid with so much personality and potential. I wish everyone would take the opportunity to get to know my eldest. He is so smart, would do anything for you, and the kid always has his mom's back. Gabe, 4th grade. He's definitely my red child. (Chandler's blue/white, just like Matt, and Morgan's so yellow its frightening). It's funny, cause red's also his favorite color. Gabe is excited about 4th grade this year for lots of reasons. Mostly, because he can now do all the after school sports. He wants to try EVERYTHING!! Gabe plays the piano, and is my middle child peace maker.
Morgan is now in 1st grade, and says that since she's no longer a baby kindergartner, she's going to "rule the school". I was also informed by her gym teacher today, that Morgan has told all the teachers to call her 'Rosa' until further notice. ????? Yeah, one of these days we hope this kid comes out of her shell.

Sunday was so beautiful after church, and I'm quickly learning to take my camera with me everywhere, so we made a few stops on the way home. I LOVE this one of Morgan. Matt took this one, he's actually getting to be quite the photographer, hu?

OK, so if Gabe looks like he's in pain, its because he is. I had originally posed him leaning against the tree, not realizing there was a nail in it. He starting sliding, and completely scratched his back up on the nail. Poor kid. Bad mom.

As we were leaving the lake, this car? pulls up. No really. Its a car. Not a wagon? Nope, not a wagon. A car, dressed up, to look like a red wagon. Cool, hu? Complete with handle and everything. Check out the cute little old men driving it. They were so fun.

Hay Flat Photos.

We decided to take a drive after church today, to scout out some places for pictures, and happened upon this spot down at the Hay Flats. The kids were so good and indulged their mom in some quick family shots.

This one is my favorite, but don't ask me what's going on with my hair. Apparently it had a mind of its own and no one told me.

Pack Meeting at the ol' barn.

Our ward's Pack Meeting was held at a member's ranch down on Point McKenzie, and the kids absolutely loved being in the indoor horse arena. It was awesome. Too cute.

This guy was Morgan's favorite. She was so good with all the horses, but Sandy held a special place in her heart, and while the owners assured her that their horses were very well fed, Morgan still insisted on giving them extra hay.

Gabe was a member of the color guard, and carried the flag in. (he was so hot from running around, playing in the arena)

Me and my girl during pack meeting.

Chandler and I had a hard time staying away from the horses. They are such beautiful creatures.

That being said...

Can we be frank? I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things when I go blog stocking all of you, is to see pictures of you and your beautiful families. ... so here ya go.

Well today I packed up the kids, (plus one extra) through in a set of new school cloths, and a set of old grubby hiking cloths, and took off towards Hatchers Pass. I told the kids if they would induldge their old mom in a few minutes of photographing her amazing offspring, then I would take them up the mountain and let them play... I LOVE the old buildings up by Independance Mine. Just amazing.

Whewww, they did so good. We did a quick wardroab change, and off we went. I didn't pack a back pack or anything, so the boys had to cary my keys, and phone, and we had one little water bottle to take up for the 5 of us.

Weekend Cake Warrior

We're celebrating two lovely lady's birthdays at work tomorrow, and our usual cake artist moved, so I volunteered to make the cake. What do you do, when its for two different people, with different like and interests? Well, for Lisa and I, there was a tie died clad girl wearing a halter top and a belly ring. I thought I'd take a chance, and do a pig pen for Chris and Debbie, with these cute little piggies surrounding it.

This poor pig went through some trauma while he was being attached, and had to have an eye patch fashioned for him.

Morgan was so excited to see the "mommy pig" get her flower put on.

On a side note, I did not intend on the little piggie bum having brown stuff dripping from the tale, but it too, had an accident, and rolled into some "mud" during the application process. I took a chance and decided to leave it, hoping the girls at the office have a sense of humor! (luckily, they do:)

And can I just tell you, the inside of this cake is AMAZING!!!! Its one of my favorite easy recipes. Devils cake mix, and instead of the water, use buttermilk, through in some sour cream, and then fold in melted chocolate chips. My kids call it the fudge brownie cake, because it truly taste so moist and chewy, you'd think you were eating brownies.