September

Holy Cow, how is it already September? Where did the summer go? This was the fastest summer ever, I guess that is what happens when you are in Kodiak for the first 6 weeks, move/organize a new place, and have 2.5 full weeks of visitors. Seriously we only went camping twice this summer, have only have the kayak out twice, I have been on very few bike rides and I most certainly do not have tan.
September means that Marja will be here is TODAY!! I am so pumped to see her!
September means we have been married for TWO YEARS! Holy Crap how does that happen?
September also means that in only 2 short months we are going to Minnesota! I cannot wait to see everyone again and under happy circumstances. My mom is planning a family dinner on Halloween and my cousins kids are going to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. I was thinking about pulling out my wedding dress (which still needs to be cleaned) and going with them. My grandmother thinks I am crazy but I think it sounds fun. We are also planning to go to my parents cabin in Wisconsin for a couple of nights, to get away. Hopefully it is still kinda warm and we can go out in the kayaks.
September 1st I also ran W4D1 of the C25k with out stopping! I had to slow down a bit for the last 5 minute run but I finished it without quitting!!
Oh and it means that my online class started. I am taking Arctic Engineering at UAA this year. It is required to take the PE test in Alaska so my employer is paying for it! Hopefully I will learn something new.

p.s. have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband. He is freaking awesome. This morning when he got done working a 12 hour overnight shift he came home and made me a beautiful breakfast in bed. I had cheesy eggs, hash browns and toast with a yummy cup of coffee. Seriously how much better does it get.

Is it Thursday yet?

I am so looking forward to Thursday Night! One of my best friends, bridesmaids, and my college room mate, Marja, is coming to visit for the weekend. She gets in at 8ish Thursday night and is here through Monday night, a short visit but I am SO EXCITED!!! I really hope that the weather works with us. Not sure what we are going to do yet, but we will see.

Tonight I went on a walk on the Coastal Trail, it is so beautiful out tonight I had to get out, I also stopped by the little coffee hut by West Chester Lagoon and bought myself an ice cream sandwich. It kinda defeats the purpose of the walk but it was so yummy!

Summer

Summer has gone by WAY TOO FAST. I can not believe it is already the end of August. We had an awesome time with Grandpa and Grandma I and Mike Sr. It went by a little fast but we did a lot of stuff. About the time they left both Java and I got sick. Java with her continuing Bladder problems but they have been diagnosed as Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC). And is feeling much better after some pain meds to "calm" her bladder. I started getting a sore throat on Tuesday, came home from work on Wednesday at noon. Slept and took my temp... it was 101.4 YIKES! I took so Tylenol, brought Java to her vet appointment, came home temp was down to 100 so I took a nap. Hung out with our visitor and took them to the airport. Mike and I stopped for McDonald's ice cream on the way home and I went to be EARLY. I woke up at 5 and still had a way sore throat and a temp of 99 so I reset the alarm for 8 to call the doctor. Mike was sweet enough to call the doctor for me and drive me there. It turns out I had strep so we got my meds at Target and head home for a day of crappy TV, apple juice and Kraft mac and cheese.

Today, Saturday, I am feeling 100% better. I even went back to the gym and ran week 3 for the 2nd day on my "running" plan, which I was supposed to do on Wednesday. Mike and I have pictures at church tonight for our church directory. I will try to post them later.

Potters Marsh

Potters Marsh

Will Try to post more Pictures Later...

They Made it

Mike Sr, Grandma I and Grandpa I made it to Alaska on Wednesday! Mike took the day off to surprise them at the airport, they thought he had to work all day. We had some yummy Costco pizza for lunch, showed them around our place and since it was nice out we decided to drive up to flat top to show them the view! It was a bit chilly up there. We walked around the lower trails took some pictures, Mike picked a few blue berries and we headed back down. On the way back down there was a moose on the side of the road! They were all really excited to see it but did not get a picture of it since it ran off to fast.
Once back at the condo it was actually SUNNY out! I sat outside in the sun for an hour or so and had tan lines! Yeah that is how white I am. We hung out talked, watched a little TV. Mike Sr and I walked to Moose's Tooth to get some cream soda in a growler, yummy. While Mike started dinner. We had salmon on the grill, asparagus, rice, and blueberry rhubarb pie for dessert. We spent the rest of the night hanging out at the house. Calling it a night early.
Thursday I had to go back to work, bummer. Mike and the crew went to Earth Quake Park and to Potter Marsh. They saw salmon and eagles and Denali! The sun was out and shining again! When I got home form work Mike Sr was making Goulash for dinner. We invited Samantha and Jacob over for dinner and after dinner we loaded up the kayak and headed down to Westchester Lagoon. Mike Sr and I walked. Samantha tried to take Jacob out in the Kayak, but that only lasted about 2 minutes. Mike and I both went out, and Mike Sr decided not to try it. So we loaded up and headed home for the evening. It is so so so nice to have Visitors.

This weeks plan

I finished week one of the couch to 5K on Friday. Week one was pretty easy, but it gets my legs and shins used to running again. Today I did day one of week 2 which is run 90 second, walk 2 minutes, for 20 minutes. A bit more difficult than week one but I did not feel like I was going to die which is always a good feeling.

Wednesday and Friday I will have to get up early to run. Because Mike Sr, and G&G I are coming Wednesday at noon! I am going to pick them up because Mike has to work, but we are going to go see him on his break at 2:30. I am so excited for them to come, see our new place, show them around Anchorage and just hang out!

Saturday night I have a crop night from 5-11 I am so excited, I have not been to a Crop since ohhh MAY! That is way too long. I have so many pictures to scrap.

Sunday Mike and Mike Sr, along with Hans are driving back down to Ninilchik to try to go Halibut Fishing...again. They attempted to go 2x when my dad and mom where here, but the waves were just to big. Cross your fingers they get to go out and they catch some fish. G&G I and I will go to church and probably do some shopping! I hope there is some sun.

By the way I have not mentioned that Anchorage broke its own record the other day... 32 continuous days with rain fall and counting. I think I am going to start building my ark and rounding up animals.

Visitors Visitors!!!

I love visitors! And Mike and I have at least 5 coming up in the next month and a half. First my parents get here on Thursday, like in 2 days!!! We are going down to Homer for the weekend, Mike and Dad are going Halibut fishing out of Ninilchik. They are here through the 1st of August. Then Mikes Grandma I, Grandpa I and Father, Mike Sr, are coming up the 18th to the 25th of August!! Mike and I are so excited for his family to come up! Not sure what we will do yet, just cross you fingers for good weather!!

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

Grandma, Megan and Grandpa

G&G at Chair Five


Caribou


Orange Sky's (The picture does not do justice)

Dall Sheep

Musk Ox

Majestic Elk

Grandma and Grandpa had a great visit. We hung out a lot at the condo, playing games, went to movies and ate lots of great food. On Friday Mike and I took of work to go for a Drive down to Girdwood. It was a beautiful day. We left Anchorage around 10 just as the sun was peaking over the mountains so the sky was full of orange and pinks! Halfway to Girdwood we stopped to have a closer look at some Dall Sheep who were munching on the grass. Then we went to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. (http://www.alaskawildlife.org/) We saw Moose, Caribou, 2 types of Bison, Musk Ox, and Elk. Mike found an Elk that was posing for him! After the Conservation Center we drove back north to Girdwood and went into Alyeska Hotel and Resort to show G&G the Mountain that we go skiing on and look in the hotel shops. We decide to go to Chair Five for Lunch and then stopped at the Girdwood Bakery to pick up a couple apple fritters for breakfast Saturday Morning. Friday night we played a couple games and hung out with Samantha, Hans and Jacob. I was so sad to drop G&G off at the Airport on Saturday Morning but I know they had a great trip.

So who is coming to stay with us Next?

December = Busy

I cannot believe it is already December! Where has 2009 gone? Is Christmas really only 24 days away, holy smokes that is crazy talk.

Mike and I have tons planned this month. I have a work Christmas Party, Mike had a Retirement party for a co-worked, we have our dinner for nine meeting, I continue to have Lego Robotics twice a week, we have youth group on Wednesday, I go to Bible Study on Sundays, and we really need to hit the gym to get ready for our vacation. We are also going Skiing at Alyeska (http://www.alyeskaresort.com/) with the Senior High Youth on the 27th.

We are going to miss being home for Christmas again the 2nd year in a row. That is one of the down sides about being 2,500 Miles away for our families. At least we have cell phones, facebook, blogs and skype to keep in touch with each other. I am anxiously awaiting the Christmas Eve Candle Light Service! At least this year Mike can come too! (last year he was working nights).

I went to work today... Mike, Grandma, and Grandpa went to the Anchorage Museum. We are having Homemade Chicken BBQ pizza for dinner tonight, yummy. We might go to Blind Side tonight. I love having my Grandparents up here. I have to admit they have spoiled us almost rotten since they have been up here; buying our Christmas gifts, taking us out to dinner, and playing numerous games with us (Sorry, Dominoes, Life, Trouble, and Yahtzee.) I don't want then get on the plane Saturday. :(

Julie and Julie

Tonight Grandma, Grandpa and I walked to Julie and Julia. It was amazing. I loved it and I would recommend it to any one! The movie was funny, genuine and good hearted. I have not seen a movie like that for a while. When we left for the movie there was about 1/2 inch of fresh snow. When we left the movie there way at least 4 inches maybe more like 6 inches! It is perfect for a holiday weekend!!

I hope everyone has a happy thanksgiving. If you have no where to go you can come to my place we have plenty of food. If you would like to come here is the menu:
A 22 pound Turkey with stuffing and gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Home made Cranberries
Fresh Candied Yams
pumpkin Pie
and mulled apple cider

Our friends Jay, Melani, and their daughter Anna are bring a salad
Grandma and Grandpa brought Grandpa's Bread from Minnesota!

Happy Thanksgiving!

100th post

Yep that is right since March 29th 2009 I have made 100 posts. Crazy. I have never been one to keep a journal (or like English/writing at school) but I really like blogging. It is nice to be able to post my thoughts, what Mike and I have been up to, and my crafting/baking. (I know our Families in Minnesota like it) It is almost like a digital scrapbook! (which is nice since I am way behind on regular scrapbooking.

Not much is new with us. We have Youth group tonight. Tomorrow I am giving Mike a Hair cut. And Friday he graduates from the Academy!!

We are also getting super excited about my Grandparents coming up! It will be awesome to have family up here for Thanksgiving. Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, stuffing, gravy, salad, cranberries and Grandpa's Bread!! They are going to try to bring up some lefsa too! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

On another note it is getting dark up here. the parking lot lights are on until 10 AM and then come on again at 4 PM. sad sad sad. I hope some snow comes soon, as it will help lighten the darkness.

BEAR

We saw a bear today! We decided to drive towards Girdwood today on Grandma R's last day in Alaska. And what would you know she FINALLY saw a bear, a GRIZZLY BEAR at that!! She still has not seen a moose, they have been hiding but we were soooo excited to see the Bear. We also saw the Beluga Whales again! It was a great day in Alaska but we are sad to see Grandma go.

Carmel Rolls

Mike and Grandma R made a batch of Carmel Rolls today using the family recipe. I went home for lunch to get a fresh one... and boy am I glad I did. They were very good. I told Mike He needs to make a batch every Saturday now... ha! Grandma did the instructions and made Mike do all the manual labor like kneading the dough ect. He still needs a little help with the portion sized some of the rolls came out the size of my head!

We do not have too much more planned to do with Grandma R. We are going out to eat tonight, since Mike goes back to work on Thursday Night. Me and Grandma are going to have girls day Friday when Mike sleeps. Saturday night we (Grandma and I) are going to my monthly scrapbooking get together, maybe I will turn Grandma into a scrapper :) It will be fun. The state fair is going on but we will have to see what the weather is like.

Whittier, AK

Saturday Mike, me and Grandma R loaded into the Versa and drove to Whitter Alaska. On the way we stopped on the side of the road, along with quite a few other cars to take some pictures of Beluga Whales in the Turnagain Arm waters. It was pretty cool. Then we continued to the Whittier Tunnel, a 2.2 mile tunnel that you must go through to get to Whittier. It is a one way tunnel that is shared by both cars/buses/trucks and the train. Really cool, next year Mike and I want to walk the tunnel, which can only be done once a year!

Once we got to Whittier we checked in with the Cruise place which we were going on. Once we got our tickets we still had an hour to walk around. So we went in search of an open store, surprisingly only like 2 stores open. So we went to a coffee hut and got coffee and fresh made mini doughnuts... they were so so yummy! Better then the fair.

Then we went and got on the boat for our 6 hour cruise. It was a little chilly when the boat was moving but we had great weather and saw birds, seals, and otters. Mike says if he had to choose to come back as a animal he would be a otter. The sensory was amazing. The Tidal Glaciers are awesome. We stopped and watched then calf, or break off. All in all it was an amazing day.

Grandma R... T minus 1 day

Mikes Grandma will be here in ONE DAY!! We are so excited for Grandma R to come and see our place. Mike is excited because apparently she told him she would how him how to make Carmel rolls.. my tummy is excited for that! I think Mike might go crazy tomorrow, since she doesn't get in until 10 PM. Tonight we have to set up our 2nd room, clean, and I plan on going to bed early because I am tired.

Visitors

On Wednesday night we had visitors!! My Pastor from the church I attended in Fargo was in Anchorage. Steve and this wife Doris were treated to a wonderful Salmon and Halibut dinner. It was great to catch up on the happenings in Fargo.