My Wacky Kids

Our days at the pool are limited now that the summer is quickly coming to an end.  The air is turning cooler and Halloween decorations are out.  Summer went by too quickly.   

I love these precious moments.

Valdez Alaska

I had the privilege of attending a conference in Alaska this past week. It was the Alaska Museums/Alaska Historical Society Joint Annual Conference in Valdez. My Publisher, Donna, and I arrived in Valdez late Tuesday night after 17 hours of traveling. We woke early Wednesday morning a bit jet lagged and disoriented (truthfully hungover!) and ventured around this foggy harbor town.

That evening we embarked on the Opening Reception Glacier Cruise with other history enthusiasts (total geeks!). The delicious catered food, open bar and views of several waterfalls thoroughly impressed us. The fact that we didn't actually see a glacier on the glacier cruise unimpressed us.

On Thursday and Friday we attended the conference at the Valdez Convention and Civic Center where we accomplished our goal of making contacts with potential authors for our local history books. 

On Friday we had a little down time before heading to the airport so we took a drive to the Worthington Glacier because we refused to leave Alaska without seeing a glacier (giant ice cube!).  We also drove by countless waterfalls along the way but much to our disappointment we had no run-ins with any wildlife such as bear, moose, baby seals, penguins or huskies.     

We also got a great view of more glaciers from the airplane. I'm not sure what was more frightening—the rickety prop airplane ride to Anchorage or the fact that we didn't go through security to board this flight but the incredible views of the snow capped mountains and glaciers outweighed the fear (the cocktail named Northern Lights didn't hurt either!).  

We had a four hour layover in Anchorage so we ventured away from the airport to a bar called Humpy's where I met an old Newburyport High School friend for a couple of drinks. Steve and I graduated together over 20 years ago and we haven't seen each other since.  He's a pilot up in Anchorage now and if it wasn't for facebook our drinks, shared laughs and sarcasm would have never occurred some 4000 miles away from our home town all these years after high school. I love how facebook makes the world smaller (YEAT!).

After our quick Anchorage outing, we headed back to mainland America feeling lucky for our Alaska experience where the air is cold and fresh, the salmon is something I will talk about for the rest of my life, and the nature is for lack of a better word "breathtaking". We arrived back in Charleston yesterday afternoon feeling thankful for the sunshine, modern conveniences of the mainland and for the lack of camouflage, flannel and facial hair.

Brand New Red Sox Fan

Our good friends, Erin and Art, had a beautiful baby boy on September 6th and we finally got to meet Owen over the weekend.  He is beautiful and wicked awesome and sure to be a Red Sox fan. 

Girl Time

Rya and I had some "girl time" on Saturday.  We got pedicures (Rya loves being pampered almost as much as I do!), had a nice lunch and went shopping.  I can't express how thrilled I am to have a daughter to share these moments with! 

Bridge Ride 2011

I conquered my second spin marathon over the weekend.  It was a cold, wet and windy morning at the Waterfront Park making it a less enjoyable experience than last year's ride.  However, this year they had a live band, more participants and more money was raised for the East Cooper Community Outreach so it was worth it.

 

And I got to ride with these lovely ladies! 

Eat Tacos and Cuddle

On Friday, poor Rya was up all night with a stomach bug.  On Saturday morning I told her we could do whatever she wanted to make her feel better.  "Anything, you name it?" she responded, "Eat tacos and cuddle."  On our way to Moe's Southwest Grill, we took a quick detour to the aquarium to see the new stingray exhibit and meet Dora the Explorer—which she loved!  For lunch her wish was granted and we followed up the tacos with some serious cuddling.  Perfect Saturday! 

End Of Summer Bash

We had a potluck party at our house over Labor Day Weekend.  We set up the jumpy/castle waterslide, the blow-up pool and the tent to entertain the kids.  Our neighbors brought corn hole (I giggled when I typed that) and jello shots to entertain the adults. Good times!

I'm sad to see the summer come to an end. 

Donuts for Dads

On Friday September 2nd, Currier's kindergarten class hosted Donuts for Dads.  Currier got to show Trent around his classroom, escort him to the book fair in the school library and eat donuts with his dad at school.      

Currier also presented Trent with an adorable write up titled "My Daddy", a drawing of Currier and Trent and a hand-made tie.  It was a successful father and son morning!    

This Child Will Be The Death Of Me

As soon as I clean Rya's room, she runs up there and puts things back the way she likes them... MESSY!