Halloween

This year for Halloween was a new experience for the kids.  They are use to warm Oregon weather, so bundling up to trick or treat was exciting (until they kept falling in the snow 10 x's each).  Dylan and Lindsey had a preschool party, went to the ward carnival and went trick or treating a full two days of celebrating.

 

Our Beautiful Ballerina Fairy:  Lindsey loved being a Ballerina Fairy.  She has been preparing for weeks on her costume down to every detail including the bun in her hair.  

 The Dylasouraus:  Dylan insisted on being a dinosaur.  We couldn't find a costume that we both liked so I tackled making this one.  For a person who doesn't sew well, the fact that Dylan loves it makes me happy and proud that I finished it without too many problems.  

 Another view

 The adorable twinners

Trick or treating at Grandma and Grandpa Lucas' House! 

Fall Adventures: Nancy Lake Cabin #4

We decided to take a break from everyday life and venture out to one of our favorite spots... Nancy Lake.  Devin was determined to get out there and have a good time.  He trekked in with two 3 1/2 year olds, a pregnant wife, a dog, all while hauling a big wagon full of our stuff.  A true Alaskan for sure:)  The over-nighter was just what we all needed.  Although it was raining the entire time we enjoyed the view from the covered porch, played lots of hi-ho cherrie oh and don't eat pete, ate good food and just enjoyed being together.

Don't they look happy?!!

Fall Adventures: Walks

We have been taking advantage of living in the city (Anchorage) and exploring some of the beautiful forested areas they have preserved for us to enjoy.  Here is are some pictures from our different trips.

Cheeney Lake

Campbell Creek

 A view of Sleeping Lady and the city of Anchorage

Coastal Trail

Kinkaid Park

 Above: View of Mt.Mckenzie or Denali and Mt Foraker   Below: We're not sure what the name of the range is but it has Mt. Spur in there.

First Snow Angels of the season.

Fall Adventures: Pyrah's Farm

In Palmer there is a great farm that you can go and pick organic vegetables   We were able to go to Pyrahs twice this fall.  The twin's preschool took a field trip to visit the farm.  We were able to learn more about how vegetables grow and why veggies are so good for you.  There was also a special hayride around the farm that dropped us off at the vegetables   The kids each got their own bag to fill with vegetables of their choosing.  

Our second trip to Pyrah's Farm was for the fall carnival they were having.  They had games, pumpkins, and a cow train.  The kids were in heaven playing all the games and getting special prizes.

Labor Day Hike

On Labor day we decided to brave the wind and rain to go for a hike.  We went up Hatcher's Pass by Independence mine and took a nice trail up to an abandoned cabin.  Round trip was probably a mile, which is just perfect for the beginning hikers.  It was refreshing to get out of the city and back in the mountains. 

The wind went right through your skin.  Once we were protected by the mountains it wasn't too bad.

 Having our picnic on a big rock next to the old cabin.

Lindsey the newly discovered photographer took this of us!

First Day of Preschool

The first day of school.  Both Devin and I are so happy to give the twins the opportunity to go to preschool.  It was a debate whether it was worth it or not but we felt that it would be very beneficial for both of them.  They were both very excited to go and have been everyday since. As I dropped them off a wave of emotion came through me.  I know it's only preschool but I can't believe my babies are already old enough to go.  It's been three weeks and I have already seen a difference in confidence and enthusiasm for being around other kids (this was actually becoming a problem).  I am so grateful they have this opportunity.  Since they have been born I have never had 6 hours a week to myself.  So for now, I am trying to find new hobbies and enjoy so down time.  It is marvelous! :)

Alaska State Fair

At the end of August we went to the Alaska State Fair.  It is the event of the summer up here.  The food, the entertainment, the booths and not to forget the rides are highlights, but the thing that we look forward to when we go to the fair is to see how big the cabbages and pumpkins are.  It's amazing to see how big some of these vegetables can get and surprising that they can get that huge in Alaska (granted they probably have to  grow them in a green house but still... awesome!) 

 The Ferris Wheel.  Can't beat the view at the top!

 The twins loved the rides!  Mom loved watching them go on the rides too!

Flying With Grandpa

A couple of weeks ago we were able to go up in Grandpa Lucas' airplane.  On a beautiful clear Saturday we took a trip around Eklutna Lake and behind the mountains.  Dylan and Lindsey were so excited to go up in "Charley" as they named the airplane.  They were thrilled to have special ear protection just for them and to see all the trees on the ground. As soon as we hit the ground they were ready to go back up again.  Thanks Grandpa for the trip!

News

Since the last post, we have had some excitement in our family.  The first bit of News is we have moved back to Alaska.  The beauty of Alaska never gets old.  We are grateful to be back and are happy to be close to Grandma and Grandpa Lucas

The second bit of News is that we are building a house!  We are excited, nervous, scared and extremely blessed!  We have the land bought which is in Chugiak and the builder should be getting started soon on the foundation.

The third piece of News is the Best of  all, we are expecting our third baby!  It will arrive around the 9th of February!  (Grandma Hartley is rooting for a day later in hopes to share her birthday with the new baby, and Leslie is rooting for a week earlier in hopes to see the new baby!)

Here are a few pictures of random bits of fun we've had throughout the summer.