Back to School Time

Well, the summer basically wasn't all that wonderful. We had so few sunny or even warm days. But now it is time to head on back to school and boy are the kids happy about it (okay so Aidan doesn't look happy but he is). You are Aidan!

I totally love back to school. It gives me a thrill to go look at all the new folders and lunch boxes (Aidan got a new Clone Wars one!) I love the smell of crayons in the morning!

What I don't like is getting going in the morning after watching the Olympics till midnight! I am usually good about getting the kiddos on their back to school sleep schedule but with the O's on...I dropped the ball. We're on it now though and they are in bed by 8:30. (aw, mom!)

I totally love the teachers this year! A has the same teacher D had in 2nd. She's so nice but really has control of the class and doesn't take any guff! D's teacher taught us how to knit last year and has a real kind way about her. Both teachers encourage parental involvement in the class so that means a ton to me. I've always felt that the kid's education was Ed's and my responsibility and teachers are the trained proffesionals we hire to help us.

Anyway, now I have some more time for being crafty and a domestic goddess! (so not) Maybe I'll even update my blog more often!

This Guy of Mine

So I rarely write about my dh, Ed. The fact is though is...he really is AWESOME! I tell people a lot that I married Ed for his IPA because he is a great homebrewer and I'm a hop head by nature. Yes, it was written in the stars or something like that. Actually the thing that really makes me go weak in the knees is how Ed is a FANTASTIC DADDY. He is a busy guy, up at 5:30~workin' till 4:00~home working on his "To Do" stuff. In the midst of all that he finds time to stop and play with the kiddos and teach them important stuff like "Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty!"

Here are some shots of Ed and Aidan playing badminton. Sorry the focus is out...they're still cute! You may notice that Aidan is the only one running....That's the way 7 year olds play badminton.

A mini book for Teacher

I made a mini book for Delanie's Teacher for the end of year. I guess it wasn't really super mini since it was about 8.5x11 but it turned out really cute. I thought this was a "Special Year" because the teacher's daughter was in her class. It was also pretty special because the kiddos really seem to care about each other and their community etc. I have a feeling there will be lots of world leaders in this group!

Just a Swingin'

Here are a few of Aidan during some backyard fun. I love the Sport Continuous mode on my camera!

Air Show Shots!

So it is so very rare that I can get a decent shot of aircraft in flight. That whole speed of sound thing really thows off my lead time and the focus ability for the sport continuous mode is not gonna happen when the aircraft is far, far, away! But I got one!!!!!! I have to say I'm very impressed with myself that this shot is centered and focused.
This shot was to represent the 50 years anniversary of Alaska being a state. Aviation has played a pretty major role in our state so it was a good representation.
These two are of the AF Academy Jump Team coming down with the US and Alaska flags.

Then of course the people shot! This is the way most folks look during an air show! I think Delanie desplays perfect form and air show etiquette!

TOTAL SLACKER

Okay, so the simple fact is that I've been a total slacker about this whole blogging thing! I'd like to say that I have a hectic, super packed schedule that leaves me falling into bed at midnight each night and up and about at 6 am...but the fact is, it just ain't so. We've been spending our summer being LAZY! Okay the first week we were in Reno, then got back just in time to lead crafts and missions for VBS. After that stuff...LAZY! But just to help those who may not have given up on me totally, I'm posting five photos of our summer so far.

These are a couple of our regular summr visitors. The Stellar's Jay comes by every morning to see if we've filled the bird feeder. I expect he'll give up soon since we don't fill it in summer. There has been a lot of bear activity here lately so we'd rather not find one on the swing set eating the bird food!

The zoo hasn't been a regular hang out but it really should be for us. They have set up the new seal and otter habitats and they totally ROCK! My new camera has really impressed me with the photos it takes (note: it is not me~it is the camera!). I have lots more zoo photos I'm sure I'll share sometime. The kiddos of course love the petting zoo part though there was a super grumpy goat that made the experience less than perfect! The one in the picture was pretty laid back so we stuck near him.

Delanie Flew Up to Junior Girl Scouts this summer. We missed the big shabang so her troop had their end of year picnic and a mini cerimony that day. Here she is getting her patches from Brownies. Funny thing is that vest was huge on her in 1st grade!

Water Bottle Packets

Here is my version of flavor packet holders for h20 bottles. I used Stampin' Up supplies I had from last year. These are really zoomy quick using patterned paper then the SU Word Window punch and cardstock stickers. I also like using a jump ring so it is easy to get off and people will hopefully save them. I got some $1 water bottles at Michaels and decided to give those to our NSD group. You could always tie them with ribbon instead of the rings too.

I actually have one extra one of these so the first one to reply that they want it will get a little RAK.

enjoy, D

Chip Topper Challenge

We had a challenge to use some Bazzill Chip Toppers which I totally love! I don't think I really have used them as much as just admired them! I really need to stop that and get to using my stash of stuff. So...

I have wanted to do a photo frame for Delanie's photo with her good friends. I really loved this photo since I don't have any photos of myself and friends in elementary school. I can imagine the same kind of picture with me and my friends Jana and Amy. Don't know what happened to them since, being an Air Force Brat, we moved around a lot. One of these girls will be moving this summer so I hope this helps Delanie to remember her and maybe this crazy internet age will help them keep in touch. Oh I put a couple shots in since they don't really show the depth that well.

I'm also putting a photo of a card I made using one of the winter Chip Toppers. I know you can't win with a card but I really love this since I did a little 3-D scene in it that can be used as a magnet/ornament.

Enjoy!

D

5 DAYS TILL MAY!

Well, there are only 5 more days in April and yesterday we got about 20 inches of snow! It was actually the 3rd largest snowfall ever in Anchorage! I must say I'm a bit disgusted by the whole thing! The kids, on the other hand, really had fun in the heavy wet stuff! They made a big snow cave and could fit 4 kids into it! This was actually the perfect snowman or snowball kind of snow. Plus the temperature was about 32 all day so it was warm enough to stay out a long time! Hopefully the whole mess will melt in a couple of days and Spring can resume!

More Photos for our Fans in NV

Halfway! I ran into a friend o

f mine and told her Delanie was turning 9! She said, "That's halfway done!" OMG!!!! I really wasn't ready for that piece of information! Seems like yesterday I was screamin' at the nurses to just get her out!!!!! I guess I blinked!

Awake at 4AM

Well, I can't sleep since I have a headache and am waiting for the Excedrin Migrain to kick in...So I thought I'd post some photos of our last couple of months. I know I've been an absolutly AWEFUL blogger so please forgive me and I'll work on it!

These are from Grandma and Grandpa's visit. We had a pre-birthday party for the kids. G'pa made a beautiful wardrobe for Delanie's American Girl Dolls. G'ma made lots of new clothes for them and the biggest hit of all, matching night gowns for her and Josephina! She absolutley loved it! Aidan got a great shelf with hooks made by G'pa that we've hung in his room for putting important things on and hanging his camera and binoculars.

We also visited the Anchorage Musuem. Love the photos of the kiddos with the ice glasses on.

Just some photos!

I've been a bit busy with all the STUFF that happens but thought I'd add some photos just to make everyone but especially my sis smile!