Getting settled

This is the stack of moving papers & boxes that Kristian graciously unpacked prior to our arrival. Eleanor couldn't believe it was as tall as her! They are put away now and we are mostly organizing things & trying to decide where to hang pictures.

I'll take photos of the house once it's clean! :-)
Oscar, being a turkey as usual!

Eleanor took this photo of me with the flowers she "bought" for me

(while at the store with Daddy!) She is all done now with her Kindergarten Prep,

she'll officially start classes on September 8th.

Sitting at the kitchen counter in our new stools. We are enjoying them and sit at the counter often for meals, conversations & projects. Eleanor will proudly tell you that "Daddy put them together, they are X-back stools!"

Kindergarten Prep Class

We arrived in DC late Friday night and on Monday morning bright and early Eleanor was waiting for the bus for her 2 week long Kindergarten Prep class!
We all waited for the bus to no avail...Kristian & I were more worried than Eleanor (mostly for her sake!) and we eventually drove her to school so she didn't miss anything on her first day. The school is less than a mile from the house so she won't have bus service during the school year. Bummer...I'm getting spoiled by it, esp with Oscar still napping later in the afternoon b/c he hasn't adjusted to the 4 hour time change yet!
Eleanor chose her outfit.
The bus pulling up into our cul de sac (or as the kids are calling it b/c it's easier, the "circle.")

Arriving home on her first ever school bus ride!

Her cheeks were so hot, they had fans and windows open but it is so hot and humid here!

Kisses from Jasmine to welcome Eleanor home.

What a big 5 year old!

Our last day in Alaska

Eagle on the barrel leaving Knudsen's Cove
Waterfall at Smuggler's Cove
Silly cousins!

My niece Madisen

watching the bottom for sealife from the bow

Eleanor LOVED standing out back while we were running in the boat. The smile on her face and listening to her sing as she watched the wake splash has been forever cemented in my brain. I hope she will always be such a happy girl!

Meredith & baby Carter

Look Mom! Cold wet hands!

Swimming at the beach

Oscar's sand, er, pebble castle.

Ahh, Alaskan beaches have NO crowds. Ever.

If there is a family at the beach you simply find another one to use!

Uncle Mark swimming with the kids.

What a memorable last day in Alaska!

Settler's Cove

Miranda, Tyler & Eleanor enjoying an afternoon of swimming at Settler's Cove. We had wonderful weather (mid-80's, excellent for Ketchikan!) all summer long!
Exploring on the rocks

A limpit, or China-man's hat.

Blueberry Festival 09

Tundra chillin'

Angie will be the first person from Ketchikan to participate in the Iditarod! You can follow her progress on her blog: www.mushingadventures.blogspot.com

We helped Angie sell photo pendant necklaces she made to raise money for her running of the Iditarod in 2011.
Oscar loves animals!
Here he is getting kisses from Tundra.

Eleanor was a great helper for Angie, not wanting to leave her side even to look at other booths merchandise!

Seahorse Trolley

Angie, Oscar & Eleanor enjoying front row seating on our annual Seahorse Trolley ride.
See us behind the driver? The kids loved being so close!

Oscar fell asleep on Angie's lap...too sweet!

Walking Ward Lake

Eleanor, Madisen & Oscar under an upturned stump along the trail.

Rest Break!

We had a lovely walk around the lake. Carter rode along in the backpack too on Auntie Meredith's shoulders, so all the cousins were present.

Swimming at Settler's Cove

High Tide!

We had a fun evening and enjoyed a picnic dinner on the beach.

My Blue-eyed Beach Boy!

Hiking Lunch Creek

Oscar loves hiking!
Grandma Judi & Oscar

Eleanor posing by the creek

Little Man on a mission. I love how he swings his arms!

Playing at the "sandy beach" turnaround. I was so impressed that the kids made it without complaining OR wanting to ride on my shoulders, Phew! They did complain when I stopped to pick blueberries but not when they got to eat them in dessert later that day!

Raspberry Picking

Look what we found in Grandma's backyard!
Picking in her pj's! Love that "just woke up sleepy face!"

Where's Grandma Judi? Hiding in her raspberry patch! Every morning she was faithful to pick berries. If we couldn't find her inside we knew she was out picking. Because Ketchikan didn't have much rain this summer we had a bumper crop of berries! YUM!!!

One morning's worth, even with two little mouths "helping!"