Road trip day 3

Yesterday, we made it to our old stomping grounds, Pinedale Wyoming!! We lived here for just a year and a half. We moved away when Lance was just 6 weeks old.

Town hadn’t changed too much. There were a few new buildings, but it was all mostly the same. We drove to Soda Lake for some fun. We were ready for some time out of the truck. The kids loved playing in the sand. Lance had bought a remote controlled boat at Cabelas and he was superexcited to try it out. 

We met up with some old friends, Larry & Monica, for dinner. It was so nice catching up with them!! 

We loved visiting Pinedale! It’s such a beautiful place! 

Travel days 1 & 2

We set out on our journey on Friday about noon.we had a late start since we had to wait for Lance to get his boot off. He broke his foot exactly 6 weeks ago! He was so glad to be able to walk normal again!

Day 1 we drove to St.Joseph, Missouri. The weather started out around 95 degrees, then we hita small rain storm and the temperature dropped to 65!! I was so glad, it was getting pretty hot forthe dogs. We have a camper shell on the truck so the sun isn’t shining directly on Happy & Alaska. We put a kiddie pool in the back and we add ice at each stop. This has really helped keep the girls nice and cool.

Day 2. We got an early start today! We were up at 4:15am to walk the dogs and get on the road. Our route took us through NorthWest Missouri, Southwest Iowa, across Nebraska, into Wyoming, stopping for the night in Laramie. I couldn’t believe the flooding in that part of Missouri and Iowa. It really was sad to see all the devastation! 

  We took our time traveling today, making quite a few little stops. One stop was at a lake. The dogs loved that! Next stop was Cabelas in Sydney,Nebraska.

   Once at the hotel in Laramie we hit the pool and ordered Pizza Hut. Tomorrow, will be a fun day! We are enjoying getting into the mountains andsee the wildlife. 

Going back..... for good

So in 2016, we started talking about going back to Missouri to be with family. Andrew switched jobs to a two week rotation, we sold the house and moved to Missouri. 

After almost 3 years in Missouri, we decided thatwe loved our Alaskan life way better. We were constantly having an adventure there and had suchgreat friends that we did stuff with all the time. 

This is where our Alaskan Adventure picks back up. Wednesday, June 26th we closed on the sale of our house here in Missouri and our headed back North to Alaska!!!!!!!!! 

Until we meet again

Wednesday Morning I woke up to the news that Andrew's Grandpa Conway had passed away.

Lance was listening when I got the news and he took it pretty hard. Lance and I had just talked to him the night before. It was hard explaining to him about it. The best I could say was "he went to sleep and woke up in Heaven". I let him stay home from school on Wednesday. He did okay throughout the day, but would have times that he would break down and cry. 

I wasn't able to get hold of Andrew till almost 7 that evening. I hated to have to tell him about his grandpa passing. Thursday morning he was able to take the ferry into Juneau and catch a flight to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His dad and mom picked him up. I'm glad he was able to go spend time with his family through all of this. I know it was important to him to be there for his dad.

I had him send me a picture of himself on Friday. It was nice seeing him all dressed up. We have missed him. 

I hated not being there with the Conway family, but flights were crazy expensive and Lance can't miss much more of school. 

This is the Obituary for Andrew's grandpa, Robert Conway. http://www.ncnewsonline.com/obituaries/robert-e-bob-conway/article_2866a938-5c0d-5671-957a-f37c9adb5a0a.html

The above picture is of Grandpa Bob meeting Lance for the first time. Lance was pretty special to Bob since he is Bob's first great grandchild and Lance's middle is Robert. 

Sunday Andrew was able to spend some time with his brother and his family before flying out of Cleveland. Amelia and Barrett loved playing with Uncle Andy.

Andrew's flights got delayed multiple times because of a snow storm in Chicago, but after 22 hours of airports he made it back to Juneau on Minday morning with plenty of time to catch the ferry back to work. It was a beautiful day so he decided to walk the almost 7 miles from the airport to the ferry. I loved all the pictures he sent me along the way. I'm sure it was good for him to get some fresh air and clear his head. 

Our new pet, Hammy

Lance has wanted a hamster since this past summer, I kept putting it off because of vacations and other things.

Well, I had to go to the at&t store to upgrade my phone so I dropped Andrew and the kids off next door at petco. I should have known that was a bad idea. Andrew is completely fine with the kids getting whatever they want. I think it's because he doesn't have to clean up after everything lol. 

When I picked them up they had a new little hamster, a hamster cage, bedding, food and toys for the little guy. I wasn't very thrilled at first, but I've came around. He's actually pretty sweet and neat to watch. 

Lance picked out the name Hammy for him.

Our dog Alaska is obsessed with watching him.

Lexie loves it when Lance is at school and she can have him all to herself.

Hammy even took a trip to Lance's school for show and tell.

Happy New Year!!!

So I am back at blogging! Our time here in Alaska has been so awesome so I've made it a point to document all the fun stuff we do! 

We have some awesome neighbors who throw family friend parties all the time. Their New Year's party was a blast. The weather was warm (for interior Alaska). It was perfect for ice skating on the pond, sledding on the hill and shooting off fireworks. most the kids up here have grown up in the ice and are pros when it comes to skating. This was Lance and Lexie's first time. Lance thought he was going to put on the skates and take off like the big boys. He would go so fast and wreck big time! Each time he got up and would go again. He finally learned that if he slowed down he would have better control. 

Lexie had a rough start. She fell tons and was so frustrated. She was to ice skate so bad. We took a break for a little bit and when she started again the second time was much better. By the end of the night she was doing great!

They both can't wait to go again! 

At 9pm they brought out all the fireworks. Our neighbors have a couple giant pallets of fireworks shipped up from the lower 48. When we left at 10 the fireworks was still going on in full force. 

Our neighbors love to entertain. They have a garage full of all sizes of ice skates  so everyone can skate. 

Ice fishing

This weekend we had our first experience with ice fishing. 

We rented a small cabin on the ice so we could stay warm. The cabin is on skids so it can be pulled right out on the ice. I was kind of nervous when Andrew pulled his 3/4 ton truck out on the ice but once I looked down the holes that they drilled and the ice was over 3 feet thick, so it's pretty safe. 

We fished for a few hours and only caught 1 little fish. It was still fun though. The days are still short so the fish aren't biting much. We will be back though in a few weeks and hopefully we catch quite a few.

Christmas in Ice

The town of North Pole is crazy about Christmas. They celebrate all year long. One of our favorite events is Christmas in Ice. We love all the ice sculptures, mazes, and most of all the slides!!!

Lance's school

I really thought this school year would be a little tough on all of us. I am very happy to say "I was completely wrong!"

Lance loves his school and is doing amazing! 

First, I want to just talk about his school. His school is amazing. Just the other day I received this email from his teacher

"Dear Families,

In early our School was recognized as one of 41 High Progress Reward Schools in Category 2, Closing the Achievement Gap between Student Groups, by the State of Alaska.  In light of this achievement we were invited by the state to apply for the Title I Distinguished Schools Recognition Program.  After a rigorous, team application and interview process we were notified this afternoon that we were selected as the Title I Distinguished School for Alaska for 2014-2015 in Category 2! Our Elementary School will be recognized nationally at the National Title I Conference in Salt Lake City in February.  This is an amazing honor and demonstration of the dedication to children and learning that our staff, parents, and community share.   Thank you for your commitment to our children."

This is the first of Many awards that his school has earned. 

I love the small class sizes and the extra fun stuff they get to do. Lance has an awesome teacher too. 

This school year Lexie and I have gotten to visit his classroom quite often to help with different projects. Lexie loves how she gets to take a seat and jump right in as part of the class. Lance not so much! He thinks that because he is 5 and lexie isn't then school is his thing! So we have to be careful not to steal his thunder. 

Yesterday, Lexie and I were able To get a library card to use at his school. Their school has a very nice library and now it is open to the community. 

Lance's class also has first graders in it. Well, Lance loves to listen to what they are learning. You would not believe this kids math skills!! Seriously, I am so impressed! 

2nd quarter has come to an end. Lance brought home his report card the other day. I laughed when I read this note from his teacher "Lance did great this quarter!.............for this quarter, I would like for him to work on his listening skills. I've noticed a few times when I try to get his attention that it takes me a few tries before he looks in my direction. Overall, Lance is a great student and I enjoy having him in my class!" She wasn't telling me anything That I didn't already know. When Lance is really into something it is very hard to get his attention. 

This quarter Lance's school is starting ski club! Lance is super excited to learn how to ski. I think this is going to be a blast!! Lexie and I will be participating too.

Since there is a possibility of having some pretty extreme weather Lance's school has a rule that is the temps reach below -20, then the kids won't go out for recess. We have only had two days this school year where Lance wasn't able to go outside and play. Recess time is spent sledding and playing in the snow. Some of the kids have even built an igloo.

Another thing that has started this quarter is swim lessons! His school does so much for the families and providing free swim lessons (compliments of the PTA) is part of that. Lance's class had their first lesson on Friday. Lance loves it! As much as I want to be there and watch Lance doesn't want me and Lexie to go. So for now, I'll give him his space.

Lance is really picking up on reading. He has learned so many site words and can sound out most small words. Every night we read a few books before bed. It's so much fun now that Lance can help Me read. It's takes a little bit longer, but I love seeing him grow and learn. 

Another Goodbye

My Uncle Bob has been sick for years with a very rare disease called Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome. This disease only affects people with albinism. For years he would get real sick and then make a miraculous recovery and have a few good years. I know it was God giving him extra time (the life expectancy of someone with this disease is 40 years old. Bob lived to 53) Bob was a wonderful Christian man. New Years Day I got the text that he had went to be with the Lord. I am so sad that he is no longer with us, but I know he is with our Heavenly Father and will no longer suffer. 

My aunt Betty is a very strong woman and has been preparing for this for years. Bob leaves behind 4 children; 2 in their twenties and 2 teenagers. They need lots of prayers right now and the future months ahead. 

Welcome Baby Owen

My niece Oaklie went into labor 3 weeks early and gave birth to a healthy Baby boy on Christmas Eve

Owen Daniel James 

Weighing in at 5 pounds 5 ounces 

Mom and baby are doing great!

Hawaii day 5

We woke up Wednesday morning refreshed and ready to go. We had went to bed by 8 pm. The kids wanted to go for a swim so we have in and took the to the hotel pool. It had rained the night before so the pool was freezing. It didn't take the kids long to decide they couldn't handle it. The pool has some coconut trees around it so we picked a coconut and Andrew bashed it against the corner of the concrete and was able to bust it open.

It wasn't completely ripe enough to eat but the water inside was pretty good. 

After getting dressed and checking out of our hotel we went to the Hilo Farmer's Market. 

The Farmer's market was so much fun and to my surprise actually cheap. There was tons of cool looking fruit and lots of home made food. The whole week Andrew had been talking about a food called musubi that he had as a kid. He was so excited to find it at the farmer's market.

Musubi is spam wrapped in a sticky white rice and seaweed. We bought lots of other goodies including a pineapple. Have I mentioned how much I love all the fresh fruit??!!! 

After Farmer's market we drove down to Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park.

One of the volcanoes is currently going off so allot of the park is closed. We were able to see Kilauea Crater from the overlook. It is still steaming. 

All through the park there are steam vents. I expected to see water in the holes but it was just the moisture steaming off. 

Our next stop was Pana'ewa Rainforest zoo and gardens. This place was perfect for our small kids. There are tons of lush plants with  beautiful flowers everywhere. They mainly have birds at this zoo.

Lexie was so impressed when a parrot told her "hello, my name is Max" she acted if it was a magic bird that only talked to her. On the way out we had to go back by him for Lexie to tell Max "goodbye, I love you" to witch Max replied "goodbye, my name is max". 

The zoo's path ended at an awesome little playground. Andrew and I were able to sit and relax while the kids birds of some energy. We all loved the zoo. I loved that is was FREE!

We stayed the night in Hilo but this time at a different hotel because the Hilo Hawaiian was booked that night. That night we stayed at the Hilo Seaside hotel. It was nice but not as nice as the others. Some thing were a little outdated but they had renovations going on so that will help. It did offer a free hot breakfast and free wifi which is a rarity on the island.

We were all pretty tired so we ordered our dinner to go and ate at the hotel. Lance & Lexie enjoyed a nice dinner on the balcony. They were pretty cute acting like they were on a date.