Alaska in Spring

Here are a few of those scenery shots I was telling you about.

These first two were on the 1st of March. We were on our way home from Anchorage and it was about 4:30-5:00 in the afternoon. The moon is visible but there was still plenty of light out.




A few days later on the 7th, while my Mom was visiting, we took a trip to Anchorage. Neither Scott or I thought to check the weather report the night before. When we woke up to a little snow, we didn't think much of it as if is often snowing a little here in Kenai and means nothing as to the weather in Anchorage. That day, it meant a lot! My Mom took these through the front window. She rode home in the backseat!




I think I heard 12-14 inches of snow had fallen that day, while we were away. This is our driveway.




Here are few of the girls and Scott the next day.







The day we drove to Seward was a much nicer day and we captured several great pictures. These were ones my Mom took.





This last one is at our house, looking into the woods at the end of the road.



We also saw a coyote on the way home. It was a little hard to catch on film but Scott managed to get these off before the little guy ran off.




The last day my mom was in town, we took a trip to the beach. There was still too much snow to walk around but looking out over it, the view was amazing. It was so clear that day you could actually see some of the platforms in complete view. I told my mom, it was so clear we could see guys waving at us! I don't think she believed me but it was so clear it wasn't hard to imagine.





It is days like those that make my heart swell. I feel closest to heaven those days I am at the beach looking across the at the mountains; my heart fills with joy. You may not feel it looking at these photos but maybe knowing it's what I feel will help you see it.

Grandma's Visit

Grandma made it to visit this year. She was here for Cori's second weekend of the play and for Cassi's birthday. I sent you all a link to view the photos of the Beauty and the Beast play. If you didn't receive that link, be sure to let me know. They are worth viewing, even if you only opt to view the ones we took.

While Grandma visited we were very busy as is common with the Holmes family. Amidst all the chaos of schedules and performances we did manage to go visit the Seward Sea Life Center which is always a favorite trip for the girls. Cali was a tad bit under the weather while Grandma visited which made things interesting at times but all in all, it was a really fun visit with a lot of cool animals.

I took a boatload of photos while we were there. Digital has sure made things easier in that regard. Here is one that was fun. Right when we walked in there was this tank and Cali noticed Grandma on the other side. It made a fun photo.



There is also a cute little boat for the kids to climb on. We could hardly keep Cali away from it. We went back to it several times.



There is an outside deck at the SLC where you can be amongst the birds. When they are calm it can be a nice place to be. Scott decided to get Grandma to try and touch this bird; look at his face. I'm not sure he was thrilled with the challenge.



There are a couple touch tanks and we stayed at those a while too. The water is so cold in them that is a hard to really reach in. There was a really neat black starfish there. I had never seen one before so I was quite fascinated. I understand they are primarily in colder waters.





Scott had fun taking a lot of pictures. He was trying to get cool photos of all the animals. It isn't an easy task being that they are mostly behind thick glass walls. He and Cori spent a lot of time with 4 harbor seals testing which things would attract them to the glass. He also had fun with the jelly fish. Here are some he managed to get that were pretty cool.







There was one tank that was being serviced and cleaned. It usually contains a large seal lion named Woody. I think Cassi and I had just as much fun with the gal cleaning the tank as we might have had with the sea lion.





There a lot of interactive things that can be done. One idea there which I thought was really cool was a poster cut up like a puzzle with a magnetic back to it and a magnetic wall to stick them to. The girls liked it.



Scott had some interactive fun of is own. I caught him in action.



On the way home we stopped to take this photo of Grandma. It was gorgeous day and clear. We have had some fantastic scenery photo opportunities lately. This is just the beginning.



We really miss Grandma and I especially love having more family around. So do the girls so if anyone is bored, we can always make some room.

A Story About Cali

I was in my bedroom putting clothes away and Cali started digging around. AS you might notice she found a really cool cowboy hat. Then she found some really cute shoes and spent a good 10 minutes getting those to stay on her feet. As she was strutting around, she found a soooper cute belt, which she promptly put on her roly poly tum. She has become quite the pageant queen.


After some great photo ops, I started goofing off with her. Apparently my compliments were inappropriate; she got mad-at me! She found a nice sulking spot in the closet.

Being the GREAT mom that I am, I was able to turn the situation around quickly. Whew!

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~

Hi all. I hope 2007 has brought a good start to all of you. In case you were waiting, here is our first picture of the new year.

As most of you know by now, we take a photo early in the new year by either Scott or myself holding the camera out and snapping a quick shot. I don't know why I enjoy this so much; maybe mostly because it's a different tradition that usually ends up in a fit of giggles. (Actually it ends when everyone decides they won't take ANY more photos and we will just have to use what we have but there are always a lot of giggles getting to that point!)

Often in years past we took the photos in our bed, first thing in the morning but this year we stayed up rather late horsing around and this was the end result. As you can tell by the view of my nostrils, I was the picture taker. And as you can also tell by the fact that I am displaying this photo, there weren't many to choose from. Oh well, such is life.

We had our normal rowdy poker game at which I was very lucky. Actually it was a lot of skill but of course to appease Scott, I'll just call it luck! WE had lots of food, far more than we could eat in one night and the kids had lots to do to!

We twirled a few sparklers, cracked a few crackers, and sprayed a whole lot of silly string and confetti squiggles. Cassi really wanted the confetti flicker sticks like we have most years but I couldn't find them anywhere this year. We made up for it with the silly string!

Every child made it to midnight and beyond and of course we all slept late the next day. It made for a tiresome return to school but it was worth it.

I hope you are all enjoying your new year and hope you enjoy our pictures!
Here's to another good year!

Here are the kids doing there first sparklers of the night. It was so cold we could hardly keep them lit!

Here is that Cori looking mighty grown, don't you think?

This is me, hiding my glowing poker face! Everything I know I learned from the WPT!

This is after midnight; the kids made a joyful African celebration dance to accompany the sparklers. It was very entertaining.

And here is the joy still flowing freely!

Cali said it was too cold, so we let her sparkle away inside!


This is some sillyness with Dad...

and Mom...

and a little more proof of the fun!

Love you all.

Vicki sent me an email adding this the Happy New Years news. There was a little poker going on in VA around the holidays as well. I think we've all watched a little too much WPT!
Left to Right: Alan, Mark & Andrew

We Believe!

Merry Christmas from the Far North! It's a cold and pretty dismal day but it's certainly feeling like Christmas around these parts. We are finally accumulating a little snow, not that I long for it but it does make it feel a little more holiday-like.

On Sunday, our local Boys & Girls club sponsored a Fun with Santa day. The girls were able to go visit with the REAL Santa. There were projects to make and tables with gifts to purchase. There was lots of goodies to try and fun to be had by everyone.

Cali had only one other experience with Santa ( a helper) this year and she really didn't like it. I wasn't prepared that time so I wasn't to upset not getting photos. I had high hopes on Sunday though and the angels were looking down on us!

Right when we got there we took a number and waited for our turn. Cali looked on while we waited eyeballing the big guy. I was getting nervous, wondering if she was really going to go through with it. I had been preparing her for weeks. She told me she was going to ask Santa to bring her presents. When I asked what kind of presents, she always responded with a color; red ones or green ones.

Well our turn came quickly. Cassi went first. I am unsure what she asked for but she seemed to enjoy chatting with him. Cori went next and made it quite clear that she was taking part in this for my benefit only! I'd had a rough couple days previously; I think she was feeling bad for me. Whatever works I guess.





















Cali went up last. She was a little apprehensive but up she went. She got on his lap and took a couple of pictures. Then I asked her if she was going to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. She brightened up so much, glared right in his eyes and said "I want Dora Fairytale. You bring me Dora Fairytale?"





















For a while now, she has seen a Dora commercial on TV and when she does she says " I want that. I love it, my favorite." The funny thing is I didn't plan on getting it for her for Christmas. Now I've been looking for it. I told my older two Santa better find it because I can't. Of course, I am sure Santa will come through. I AM A BELIEVER!

Merry Christmas from Alaska.

Merry Christmas from Cassi the Angel

Cassi's long anticipated debut was last night. The annual Christmas performance was held with almost 200 1st and 2nd graders giving one fantastic performance.



Cassi and her friend Lara were chosen to be angels this year. It was Cassi's first ever special solo-like part in a school show. The had to sing 2 short verses of a song titled "Snow is falling".

Even though Cori did not perform in this particular show she was asked to be a greeter and pass out programs. She was very festive and full of spirit. It was a good job for her.
She also spent some time singing with Grandpa and her friend Emily during intermission. It was very fun.





















Since Cassi's part of the performance came a little later in the night, we had some time to waste in the corridor. While we were waiting we took a couple photos with friends. Two of them showed up unplanned in identical dresses. On the left is Cierra and on the right is Ericka.



















After the performance we took a few photos. Cassi was very excited to receive roses from Mommy AND from Grandpa & GiGi.
We decided to be a bit untraditional and give her music teacher chocolate rather than flowers which she adored. Her name is Mrs. Larson and she is incredibly talented. She has been teaching for over 20 years in the area and is truly loved!



















After the show there was a Santa helper there visiting. We tried to talk Cali into chatting with him. She stared at him a while and thought a lot about it but in the end decided now wasn't the time.
All in all Cassi was our shining star in the night. Her voice was beautiful and I couldn't have been more proud. Neither could she. I would imagine this will be one of those memories that are burned into her thoughts for a long time. She was glowing all night. Looking at the photos, I'm sure you understand when I tell you I was as well.

Here area a few photos I managed to snap of the girls prior to leaving the house.












































Merry Christmas!

~Something to make you smile~

Since Cassi and I spent the weeknd in Anchorage for another cheerleading event and Cori had a show to participate in here in town, Cori had to stay here with a friend while we were away.

I went to pick her up Sunday night. Things were pretty quiet in the car for a short time ( we were all pretty tired) but then Cori said " Mom, I have decided what I am going to be when I grow up". I was certainly excited to hear she was thinking about it so I asked her what that would be. The conversation went pretty much like this, "Well Mom, you know how boys always get to do everything and often girls get looked over, I want that to stop so I am going to be President. Or I might be a proffessional soccer player." At this time, I was smiling and thinking of something clever to say when she added "Or I am going to work in a coffee shop." At this point I was trying not to choke on the coffee I was drinking and trying hard to keep it from coming out of my nose. About 30 seconds passed when I she spoke again. She said, "Hey Mom, that last one, is only if the first two don't work out!"

Anybody have a tissue...my nose is dripping!