On the Bright Side...

Things could have been worse. That's usually the case isn't it?

Scott decided to take the girls (the big ones) out halibut fishing. It was a chore getting to the point they could go. It took days to find all the things that they needed that were misplaced in trying to clean up this old house.  Then he haggled for some pricier things he needed for the boat (which belongs to a friend but happens to be sitting here at this old house). Finally the day came and they were off. 

Of course, while packing sandwiches I realized I was out of baggies but no worries, foil wrapped sandwiches are great canvases! Finally with blankets to keep warm, a bucket to pee, and a lunch made with love, they were off! Cali and I were excited to see what they would come home with.

As always, prior to departure I asked for reminded them to take lots of pictures. And the girls didn't disappoint. I am guessing they were bored for a while however it didn't last long. While I was showering, I got 'the' text. 

It went something like this:

Scott- "How's that tackle box looking?"

Me-  "What?"

Scott- "Bad Word, Bad Word,Bad Word"

Scott- "We can't fish!"

Me- "Oh No!"

Scott- "Crying Now"

There were other problems prior to this but I am assuming they were trying not to scare me. And let me tell you , it would have! 

Anyway, as it was told to me, they fished one at a time with a rod and a pair of channel locks. They saw a seal (that black dot just past the seagull) and  they managed to catch one chicken (small halibut). After that, they had to head home because they lost the channel locks. (And the anchor- but again lets not worry ourselves, 'cause they are safe!)

While we were eating dinner the girls were starting to complain about not getting any fish.  I quickly stopped them because after all we were sitting safe in our kitchen, as a family, eating fresh halibut (there was just enough for a meal)  and it was good! In fact, it was delicious! And that is definitely a bright side, don't you think?

I Got the Hippie in Me

After much deliberation, I forced myself to head up to Girdwood, Alaska today for their annual Forest Fair. I heard about it a week or so ago and told Scott I really wanted to go. I thought the trip was going to coincide with Nana's return trip home and figured it was perfect timing. It turns out the fair was a day later and Scott ended up having to work anyway.

I am often game for new experiences but when I have to do them alone, like most every other person in the world, I get a little apprehensive. I'd heard many interesting things about this event, and was expecting to get drugged  and end up in lala land by the time I left. :)

By last night, I decided I was going to go if it killed me. I really wanted to, I just wanted a grown person with me. Since I couldn't make that happen, I took the kids and off we went anyway!  The drive was beautiful, it was unbelievably sunny, unlike Kenai when we left. I just knew it'd be a gorgeous day and it was.

When we arrived, I was mesmerized. It truly was a 'fair in the woods'.  There were tents EVERYWHERE as we drove past it; as far back into the woods as I could see. I felt like I was headed straight to meet Robin Hood, if he and every one of his friends owned a canopy tent of course.

Right when we walked in, we spotted a stage where a guy was singing something I'd never heard before and kids were hula-hoopin'.  I'm not sure what the deal is with hippies and hula hoops but it looked like a blast!

Then we wandered to a little kid area so Cali could make something. They craft was designed to make necklaces but Cali had already noticed the many women walking around with their colorful fairy skirts and tiara's and things and she had other plans. She is a whiz with a pipe cleaner and got right busy making herself her own crown.

While she was hard at work I noticed the neighboring tent was offering a breastaurant. That was a first for me. I laughed more when I noticed the back of their sign was for the beer garden. I guess that's for later after the kids are fed.

I loved snapping photos through the day and was amazed at how colorful everything is when you put in a forest!

We walked further into it and found another stage where there were some Irish singers. They were dressed in costume and while I found them cool, the kids got weirded out and didn't like the music. They did love the assortment of food and even tried things new to us! Seriously, if you ever have the chance to try spinach bread, DO! You'll be glad you did.

While we were admiring the colorful people and all their skills, the kids decided they also loved all the signage.

Every kind of thing is painted on a piece of wood. If it's wood, it's painted and it's bright and pretty. Cori wants duplicates of two signs she spotted for her birthday. I'm not an artist but I'm gonna try!  We even spotted one to make for Wren's room.

Being up in the mountains, made for wonderful scenery.  There were many flowers everywhere and it appears hippies like them too.  Flower wreaths were abundant and lots of ladies carried bouquets of them which prompted Cali to pick an assortment for herself on our l-o-n-g mile walk back to the car. Why we decided to take the shuttle down but not back, I'm just not sure.

I am really glad I braved the hemp-loving, yoga-bending, incense-burning gathering called the Forest Fair. I made it out with all my wits and was still capable of driving us all home.  I did realize that everybody doesn't have to shower every day and hair doesn't have to be brushed; life goes on and people are happy just the same.   I bought a hippie bag the other day. Today I brought it with me, I think it was kind of a security blanket. I fit right in and you can't imagine how many people asked me where I'd bought it. I told them, then asked if they knew where I could get a hula-hoop. :)

The Kenai Fjords- A Fieldtrip

The end of the school year doesn't come soon enough. I love having my girls home and getting out in the world to see what's around us.

To get to summer however we have two unbelievably busy months leading up to it. Our school is notorious for amazing field-trips and 'being there' experiences.

This year both of my girls we able to go on the Kenai Fjords cruise. We've done it quite a few times however it never ceases to be amazing.

I took more pictures than any one person ever should but I have so much fun trying to catch all the kids. The girls took a LOT too!  It helped this year that I managed to take so many since one mom from Cassi's class made a video for the kids.

Here are a few Alaska shots and some shots of the kids I liked. If you ever make it to Alaska, it's a must do. And if you can, take the dinner cruise. It could likely be the most amazing scenery you'll ever see.

And you never know who may be looking for a table-scrap. ;)

The Great Outdoor Challenge #7- Captain Cook Park

So maybe I should call this my touring Alaska challenge.  :)

Yesterday we took a trip out to the end of the road. When you head North, you come to the end of the road, past Nikiski. I mentioned it in my #6 post.

The road stops, and then there is a muddy trail that goes until you run into the ocean.  They've talked about building a bridge to Anchorage but it may never happen!

If you turn left at the end of the road, a short distance in is Captain Cook Park.

We could not drive all the way in because there is still too much snow, we hiked down to the beach.
It  is home to our favorite beach in the nearby area.And although it takes us about 30 minutes to get there we go often in the summer and fall.

This trip was gloomy. It was raining some, snowing some, overall a fairly blah day. I feel like or pictures are sorely lacking color!

We did take some time to notice things around us. There were many massive boulders with melting ice on them.

They melting ice made some interesting designs in the sand.

We found some beautiful seaweed.

I wish I knew if I could dry it out and use it later. I wonder if it would hold it's color and would it stink?  Anyone ever tried it?

We found interesting rocks and clumps of mud balanced atop each other.

There were many areas of water run off and even a log that reminded us of a sharks' head..

Cali found a bungee cord which was stuck under a rock. It caused an intense amount of frustration when we couldn't retrieve it. We had to take a moment to regroup before deciding it was time to make our way back home.

It was a good early Spring trip although we've seen better. We are eagerly anticipating Summer with it's abundant sunshine and warm rays. Until then, we'll keep mucking our way around the Kenai.