Trip to Anchorage, Day 1

They belong in the zoo!!

The Girls at the Zoo

Ellie, Kate, and Lexie.

Denali/Mt. McKinley

We drove down to Anchorage, stopping at some scenic viewpoints to take pictures of Denali (Mt. McKinley). The kids were good little travelers and we arrived at Ft. Richardson early in the afternoon.

We were too early to check into our room, so we headed over to the mall. The girls were going crazy with excitement. Ellie commented that "There is a store for everthing. There is even a sunglasses store!" I had to explain to Kate what "window shopping" was. She didn't like the idea. We left the mall pretty much emptyhanded, except for a movie for Andy and some gumballs for the kids. The really wanted to do "Build-A-Bear" but I wasn't prepared to buy 4 of them (and clothes and accessories!).

We then went and checked into our room. We ended up paying under $100 a night and we had one room with a queen-size bed, TV, and bathroom, another room with a pullout sofa, fridge, microwave, and dining table, and another room with 2 twin beds and a bathroom - all connected like an apartment. Not bad :)

Next, we headed to the Alaska Zoo. It was pretty small, but the kids hadn't been to a zoo in quite some time and they really enjoyed it. There weren't any huge crowds and we could see most of the animals up close. It was definitely worth it.

We were all pretty tired after such a long day.

Off to Anchorage

We're off to Anchorage early in the morning. It should be a fun trip. I'll be sure to post lots of pictures when we get back on Thursday or Friday!!

Just about the grossest thing on earth.

Really.

Andy ran in to work yesterday to do a few things. He decided to bring his coffee cup home since he's on leave for a couple of weeks. When he handed this to me, I couldn't believe my eyes. Was he actually drinking out of this thing? What kind of diseases is he going to contract?? I hope it's nothing that he will pass on to me :)

He assures me that not washing the cup "seasons" it and makes the coffee-drinking experience all that more enjoyable. I am not a coffee drinker myself, but I still don't believe him. All I can say is YUCK!!!! Am I wrong in thinking this is disgusting???

I ran it through the dishwasher and the coffee is so caked on there that nothing came off. I guess I'm going to have to hand scrub it. He would probably just leave it on there.....

Nick's Daddy Doll is Found!

I found him in the unlikeliest of places. He was zipped up in Lexie's lunchbox in her closet. How he got there, I will probably never know :) What's important is we found him and he now has a voice. I will post videos later!

Daddy Doll is MIA

Pow-Mia Flag

Nick's Daddy Doll is nowhere to be found. We've looked under beds, in toy boxes, in laundry baskets, in the cabinets, behind the couches, etc. and 2 days later he still hasn't shown up. Where could he be?? We didn't take him anywhere, so he has to be in our house. Maybe he's a POW in his sisters' room? They have so many stuffed animals, he could possibly be buried. Andy was ready to put the voice recorder into his doll - now we'll have to send out some major search parties.

I have been busy cleaning and organizing in preparation for the school year. I can't start the year with piles of papers and unorganized books. It would drive me crazy :) Pictures of the play room and school room will be posted soon! I am hoping that while all of this cleaning is going on, the Daddy Doll will show up...

Pioneer Park

Ellie riding the big fish (they all got a turn of course!)
Ellie, Kate, and Lexie

Ellie and Kate in front of a funky totem pole :)

Nick having a ball in the fire truck

The carousel is always fun!

Ellie, Kate, Lexie, and their friend Olivia - waiting for the train ride

Today was "Military Appreciation Day" at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. We went on a free train ride, the kids rode the carousel for free, they got to get in a firetruck, we ate a free lunch, and we had a great FREE time :)

Fun ahead :)

Tomorrow is a training holiday and Andy's leave starts Monday. That means he's off from now until September 1st!! It will be so great for us to have all of this family time together. We're planning on going to Pioneer Park this weekend, Anchorage next week, and possible driving up to the Arctic Circle sometime also. Of course we'll be doing lots of last minute things before he leaves so that the house and paperwork are in order, but hopefully we'll mostly just be having fun together as a family :)

I'm off to watch gymnastics....

Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice

Ellie and I have been working on the newest Nancy Drew game for the past few weeks. Of course we can only play for 1/2 hour at a time when the little ones are sleeping or kept busy. Last night, we solved the mystery and finished the game! I think I enjoy the Nancy Drew games as much as she does. Why didn't they have them when I was a kid??

The latest adventure takes place in Venice. The only part that I could have done without was the part where Nancy had to dance for money. Don't get me wrong - there wasn't anything "bad" about it, but I just didn't like the idea tht she was on stage in a cat suit dancing for money. Is it just me, or could that have come up with something a bit more appropriate than that??

All in all, we had a good time solving the puzzles and playing the game. Ellie and I don't always get a lot of time to spend together. It was fun! Now we have to wait for the next adventure: The Haunting of Castle Malloy which comes out in October.

HER Interactive site (which makes the Nancy Drew games)

Update on Kate

Kate woke up this morning feeling much better. She still has a side ache a bit but she's not throwing up and she is able to get up and walk around. She had some toast for breakfast and is now settling in on the couch for a day of movie-watching. Hopefully she will be up to speed in a day or two :)

Another ER Visit

Medical still life

This evening Kate started having severe pains in the right side of her abdomen. She didn't want to move or sit up. The little girl next door was over playing and Kate came inside and laid down on the couch. That's when I knew something was really wrong. She doesn't pass up playing with friends.

We erred on the side of caution and Andy took her in to the ER. We were afraid that it might be appendicitis. Shortly after getting there, she started throwing up also.

The doctors did blood tests, a urinalysis, gave her an IV, and even did a CT scan on her. Andy said that she was such a little trooper. She didn't fuss or cry and she was polite to everyone even though she felt so awful.

Thankfully, all of the tests came back negative and they are on their way home (after about 5 hrs in the ER). They said that it could possibly be some sort of bug that she caught.

We are supposed to take her back if she gets a fever or if it gets worse/doesn't go away. Let's hope that she is feeling better after a good night's sleep tonight.

I was genuinely surprised at how worried Ellie was. She was crying and distraught when we thought it could possibly be appendicitis. She went and made Kate's bed and made a beautiful mobile to hang near it. She was right by my side whenever the phone rang with an update.

It's nice to know that even though they fight sometimes, they truly love eachother :)

Finally, a Nice Day!

Waving at his shadow.
Having a hard day.

Waiting for rain.

Doesn't she look so grown up?

Preparing to roll down the hill.

Today it was actually sunny out. It must have gotten up to 65 degrees - but most importantly there wasn't any rain! The kids have spent hours outside playing - rolling down the hill, riding their bikes, and chasing Nick all over the yard.

Vacation

The Alaskan highway glistens from rainfall near Anchorage, Alaska

All I am hearing all day, every day is "When are we going to Anchorage?"

The answer is : sometime next week.

The only place that we have driven to since moving here is Delta Junction (and no offense to anyone that lives there, but it wasn't worth the drive!)

We have decided that even though we don't have the extra cash right now, we need to make the trip to Anchorage while we have the chance. I know that I won't be doing it alone next summer and we might be moving before the summer after that. This is our chance :)

I've made the mistake of not doing all of the sightseeing I wanted in other places we've been stationed. When we were in Texas, I always wanted to go to the Space Center in Houston. After 4+ years there, did we ever go? NO! Did we ever go to Alcatraz while we were stationed in Monterey? NO! I think we only made it up to the San Francisco area 2-3 times. So, we're going to Anchorage!!

When we are going will depend on when we can get a room on post. The rooms at Elmendorf AFB are already booked, but the ones at Ft Richardson can only be reserved 3 days in advance for people who aren't on orders/official business. So, we have to wait to see if we can get a room or not.

If not, then maybe we'll just sleep in our truck. Just kidding of course. But really, a hotel room for a family of 7 isn't cheap. Everywhere I've looked, we don't technically qualify for one room anymore. They want to empty our pockets by forcing us to get 2 rooms at over $100 a piece. Yikes! I had wanted to stay 2-3 nights, but I don't see that being an option anymore.

Maybe we can sleep in a cabin somewhere. Or a tent. That would be fun :) Especially since I've been reading about all of the mean grizzly bears that are lurking around the Anchorage area. Ok, so maybe we'll fork out the money for a hotel.

We're planning on going to the zoo and the science museum and we'll be stopping at Denali National Park on the way down.

The girls have begged to go to the mall also. Doesn't that seem silly to want to visit a mall? We don't have what you could really call a mall here. Do 10 stores in a building together qualify as a mall? I don't think so. I guess I don't blame them since we haven't been to one in over a year (and that's a long time in their short little lives).

I just wish that there was a Target. I could get really excited about that. I'm really having Target Marche withdrawals. We only have Walmart here and it's not the same. There is a Target being built in Anchorage and my friend is actually flying down for the grand opening in October - with empty suitcases! After one year, I'm not that desperate yet. She's been stationed here for 4 years without one, so I understand :)

Well, I have been rambling. Everyone else is asleep, so I need to get back to working on setting up the school room. I was making a lot of progress until I sat down at the computer....

My Birthday/Anniversary Present

I have a birthday and an anniversary coming up. Andy says I'm hard to shop for - I beg to differ. I always give him hints and he doesn't seem to catch them - Sorry Andy, but it's true :) I know he reads this blog. He knows that I want a new camera since he's taking ours to Iraq (and ours is way outdated). I am going to make this very easy for him :)

This is the camera I want:


All you have to do is click and buy :) Now aren't I a loving, thoughtful wife? You're off the hook!!

Journey to the Movie Theater

Movie Reels and Film

We never go out to the movies. First, it's expensive (especially since you can't go to the theater without buying popcorn, drinks, and Junior Mints for everyone). Second, you can't really take a 2 yr old and an infant (well you probably could but I'm sure that the other moviegoers wouldn't be too happy with you!).

Today I told Andy that he needed to take the older 3 girls to the movies. I'm sure we won't be going while he's deployed, so I thought it would be nice for them to go together :) They went to see Journey to the Center of the Earth and they all really liked it. That hasn't always been the case in the past, but this was truly a family film that everyone could enjoy. I'll have to wait until it comes out on DVD to see it :)

I went grocery shopping with the younger two while they were at the movies. Now we've thrown the kids outside for some much needed exercise and Andy is busy making shepherd's pie for dinner and apple pie for dessert. Sounds good to me!!!

The Hug-A-Hero Doll, Part 2

Andy has been cloned!!!!

We had to get a "daddy doll" for each of the kids, otherwise everyone would be fighting over Daddy. It's funny though, because everywhere I turn, Andy is laying around the house somewhere. LOL!

Andy's task for this week is to add messages to the voice recorders that came with the dolls. This will make them even more special to them. Then the kids can push the button and hear Daddy talk to them whenever they are missing him.

There are two sizes - 12 inch and 18 inch. We got the smaller version. I figured that they would be easier to carry around. Also, even though they are reasonably priced, I was buying 5 of them so I decided to buy the smaller (and less expensive) version :)

I am just SO happy with them. What a great idea!!



To order go to: Daddy Dolls

Tori Rolled Over!

She rolled over from her back to her belly this morning :) She sure is getting very strong!

Diaper Duty

Andy seems to have weaseled his way out of diaper duty. He has always been so good about taking his turn at changing diapers with all of the kids. This time though he has protested and somehow won.

I have used disposable diapers on 3 of our children and cloth diapers once (on Lexie). This time, I decided that I would use cloth diapers again. Andy doesn't want to change cloth diapers and says that since I made the decision to use them, I can change them :) Not that it matters anyway since he'll be leaving next month. I really don't see how changing a cloth diaper is any harder than a disposable though.It's not like I'm asking him to wash them for goodness sakes!!

I am using a few different kinds of diapers right now. (I was trying out some different brands). Last time around I only used Bumkins All-in-Ones. They are just like using a disposable diaper, but you have to wash them :) I really like them, but they are pretty expensive. I bought one of them this time in the bug print (that is what Tori is wearing above).

This time, I bought some proraps, bummis, and bumkins diaper covers (which are much more economical). You just change the white cloth prefold inside (unless something gets on the cover). They are really easy to use and cheaper than the all-in-ones. Plus, as she moves up in size, I will only need to buy more diaper covers and not the prefolds. I think I'm saving money by doing this - and I will never be "out" of diapers and have to make a midnight run to the store. I might have to do a midnight load of laundry though :)

I am now looking for a wipes "recipe" so that I can start using the cloth wipes I have also. It's much easier to throw the cloth wipes in with the diapers instead of using regular baby wipes and having to separate them out.

So, anyway for now Andy doesn't have to change Tori. Nick is still in disposables though and Andy can have all of those diapers he wants!! Yuck! Changing a 2 yr old is much grosser than changing a 2 month old :)

I have told Andy that he needs to have Nick potty trained before he leaves. I wish that the weather was nice, then we could throw him outside in some underpants and call it good. I suppose that's what we're going to have to do though. Just shut ourselves in the house for a few days and be prepared for a mess. At least we have wood floors :)

Here is a website with more information on cloth diapering: Diaper Pin

Where is summer?

Looking For Summertime

After our super long winter this past year, I was forever looking forward to enjoying summer. Last summer here was absolutely beautiful - warm days and sunshine. I can't say that this year has even felt like summer yet. We've had nothing but rain the past few weeks - which is great for the lawn, but not so great for summer activities. I just looked at the forecast for the upcoming week - every day is supposed to be a low of 45 and high of 60. How depressing is that for August? I bought the kids a small pool that they were only able to use for one day in June. It just hasn't been warm enough since then.

I just hope that since we're not really having a summer, maybe we won't really have a winter this year. Wishful thinking!

Mysteries

I like BBC movies - preferably of the Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell type. Andy loves to watch anything with lots of action. So, when I watch one of his movies I tend to "multitask" by working on kids' schoolwork or folding laundry. This bugs him to no end, because he insists that I'm not paying enough attention to the movie. I insist that I don't mind if I miss certain parts (ie. shoot-em up or chase scenes). He of course feels the same way when I put in "Pride and Prejudice" for the 500th time :)

A couple of years ago though, we found that we BOTH immensely enjoyed mysteries. We were both paying complete attention to them. You can tell when you're paying attention - when you want the movie paused when you have to leave the room for a moment :)

We quickly worked our way through the Poirots and Miss Marples, Midsomer Murders, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Foyle's War, Rosemary and Thyme and a few others. After the first few shows, you really start enjoying the characters and you just want more, more, more. Unfortunately, we watched all of these series and have since been on the lookout for more that we might enjoy. We've had a few failed attempts that just didn't live up to our expectations and we were starting to get discouraged.

Today I found on Amazon.com that three of these series have new DVDs coming out in the next month or two!! Hooray!! We can watch more Inspector Lynleys, Midsomer Murders, and Foyle's Wars (and I though that Foyle had retired!! Apparently he was pulled out of retirement - lucky for us!) I just had to share my excitement :)

Congratulations Andrea and Dan!

Congratulations are in order. My little sister got married on July 26th to her best friend Dan. I wasn't able to make it to the wedding since Andy was gone and the thought of making a trip alone from Alaska to WA with 5 kids was frightening to me. I will have to just enjoy the pictures and pretend I was there. I know that it was a wonderful day!

I just have to comment that I think it's so funny that Andrea and I went completely different directions in the age department. We're only 2 years apart, yet I married someone 12 years older than me and she married someone 7-8 years younger than her. I guess you just never know who you'll fall in love with :) We are both proof that age really doesn't matter.

Andrea and Dan -

I'm so happy for you both! I promise to give you guys a little bit of time before nagging you about a baby - remember though that my kids are waiting for cousins :)