~Alaska Weather Today

I haven't done a post on weather this winter so here it is...

Today is Wednesday, December 8, 2010

It is -26 (below zero) at 10:13 a.m.

Lows for today are forcasted at -30 to -40

Highs -10 to -25

The sun is coming up at 10:25 a.m.

and

is setting at 2:47 p.m.

~2010 Pictures

I wasn't going to do pictures this year but Sam's Club had a deal. Anyway, I'm not crazy about the hats, but the boys sure are cute.

~Where did October go?

So October just flew by, not really sure where it went. Before I knew it, it was Halloween. I didn't get any pictures of the boys in their costumes, but Adam carved the ugliest pumpkin ever and I got a picture of that! The boys thought it was pretty cool.

At the end of October Adam did some work in the attic and he found about 30 wasps nests. He cut down the ones he could reach, which was about 15, but he said there were just as many on the other side of the house. No wonder we had such a problem this summer. Noah was the only one that had contact with the pests. He was attacked, but with all the screaming and running around he only got stung twice (one down the shirt on his chest and the other on his forearm).

This nest has some insulation on it, but it is amazing how thin the walls are. The nests ranged from large softball size to quarter size. Some of the honeycombs had eggs in them and some were empty. Very interesting.

EXTREME CLOSE-UP

Noah has lost two teeth in the last month. Very exciting at our house! I pulled one and he pulled the other. Thanks to the cartoon, Little Bear on PBS, Noah thinks the tooth fairy brings a toy as well as money. I only got a quarter! And yes, his lips are very dry...tis the season.

I just had to post this picture of Jett. So funny. Jett is recovering from his first ear infection. By 10 months of age the other two boys already had tubes. In comparison, Jett's doing fairly well. Even though he looks happy in this picture, he can cry really loud. Jett also got his first molar this week. 9 teeth total.

~September catch-up

September was a busy month for us! All three boys had birthdays. I was super busy with Young Womens. Adam was out-of-town a lot. It's getting cold, but the good news is that it hasn't snowed yet!

Jett's birthday was Sept 1. Such a cute one year old. Here are some fun things about Jett.

• First words, "Oh WOW!!"
• Has 8 teeth
• 25th percentile for height and 10th for weight
• Walking for two months now
• Loves meat, yogurt, green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, cheetos and red licorice
• Not a fan of fruit
• Really good at throwing
• Loves his brothers and gives them hugs all the time
• Has only slept through the night five or six times
• Likes slapping the water when he takes a bath
• Prefers his dad to anyone else
• Likes to play with mom's hair, then tries to yank it out
• Doesn't like birthday cake

Jett loved his GloWorm. Adam rolled his eyes when he saw that it was a gift from us, but hey...Jett carries that thing everywhere. It's his baby that lights up and sings.

Jett did not enjoy his birthday cake.
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Sept 17-18th was the first 24 Hour Book of Mormon Read for the Young Women of North Pole Alaska
This was some of the group at the beginning.
These girls were the true survivors! We had several girls come and go because of scheduling, but it was a GREAT time. This was the second time I've done an all night read. Both times it was highly successful. The girls are still talking about it weeks later.
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Sept 21st was Noah's birthday and Sept 25th was Simon's birthday so we did a party at McDonald's. I thought it would be great to just pay McD's a little money and they would do everything. I even called the morning of to make sure the party was set. We arrived about 15 mintues before the other kids only to find that McD's had forgotten we were coming. I was ticked, especially since I had already paid money. Anyway, the kids didn't know the difference. They had fun playing and being together. I was just annoyed because it was so unorganized.


The Birthday Boys!
These are my good friends, Becky and Makell. Missing is my other friend, Cheryl. We survive Alaska together!

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Adam finally had a few days where he didn't have to be out-of-town. In his spare time he's building a garage for some people in the ward. He wanted me to take a picture of him roofing. It's so steep!

And if Adam had more time he might be able to kill something bigger, but for now...
last night's dinner - Grouse with a side of potatoes and carrots

~I got ya! Spear Fishing

This weekend Adam and I got to do something we've never done before. We went spear fishing with some friends from the ward. Late in the evening we left for Salcha (a nearby town). When it got dark we headed up river in the boat. Wes found a nice shallow spot and before we knew it, Casy had everything set up to start fishing. With spotlights and spears in hand we started looking for fish. Casy showed us how it was done by spearing a fish right away. She made it look so easy! It took several tries, and a few injured minnows, but eventually I got a fish to stick. Here is a picture of the poor little guy. (I took these pictures with my cell phone so they aren't very clear.)

We fished for a while, but because of recent rain the river was higher than normal and very murky. We didn't see any big fish and Adam didn't spear anything (he was waiting for the big guys to come out). It was still a great time and before we knew it, it was after midnight.

Our friend Wes speared the biggest fish. I thought he was going to fall out of the boat, but before I knew it, he pulled himself up and there was a fish on the end of the spear. It was pure talent! I was so impressed...

You know, just when I start missing Arizona, I get to have these great experiences with great people. Alaska is beautiful during the day, but I had never realized how wonderful it is at night. With no clouds in the sky, the stars were brighter than I ever remember seeing. It was just an awesome night!

~It's going to be a GREAT year!

Today was Noah's first day of school. It was a little traumatic dropping him off. He cried when I left, but that wasn't the worst part. As we were walking out of the classroom, Simon joined in the fun practically yelling, "I don't want to leave Noah here...I don't want to leave Noah here!" After I got to the car I admit, I got a bit teary.

When I went to get Noah after school he had a big smile on his face and said, "It's going to be a GREAT year! The magic playdoh said so." Noah explained that his teacher gave all the kids a white ball of playdoh. If you squeeze it and it turns blue that means you are going to have a GREAT year. If you squeeze it and it stays white, then you won't have a good year. Noah said everybody's playdoh turned blue! It was magic!

~Yummmmmy!

Jett's first taste of licorice. I think he likes it!

So funny...hee hee!!

~Reflector Shield

Me: Simon! Do not kick that ball in the house! And Jett is right there and could get hurt.

Simon: He can't get hurt.

Me: Yes he can.

Simon: No, he can't. He has a reflector shield.

Before I could get to the ball, Simon kicked it.

It hit Jett...and amazingly enough, he just sat

there like nothing happened.

Simon: See mom...he has a reflector shield.

Apparently Jett has SUPER POWERS!!

Mr. Jett

Jett decided crawling is for the birds. Real men walk! He's been so cute this week figuring it out. Now he's got it down! He's just like his brothers, walking around 10 months old.

~Celebrating Tomorrow Today

North Pole had a fun little celebration for the 4th of July.

The theme was "Celebrating Tomorrow Today." The day started off with a little 5k run.

Adam was so funny. On the way to register for the race, he started to get nervous. It was pretty small town though. They didn't even have numbers to pin on their shirts.

Adam took 3rd place. He was very happy that he ran 6-minute-miles. He hasn't ran for years and was a bit tired afterward, but I think he was happy he did it. I was proud of him.

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After the race we went to the parade. It was fun, but still not as good as being home. Although, I don't think I've ever seen Santa and Mrs. Claus at the parade in Eagar.

The boys got some candy and Jett even had a good time.

Overall a good day. The only thing missing was a rodeo!

Midnight Sun Run

My friend, Cheryl and I, attemped to do the Midnight Sun Run this year (I know...me and a race, crazy huh). It is a 10k run that celebrates the Summer Solstice. It starts at 1o p.m. and the festivities begin after midnight. It's quite the event around here. Can you believe this picture was taken about 10:20pm? We are having 24/7 daylight.

Anyway, on the way to the race we came across a young boy that needed some help. After weighing our options it wasn't much of a choice. We helped the boy.

We ended up being about 20 minutes late for the race, so we just parked on some random street and jumped in for about a mile and then turned around went home.

I had fun though and I think I'll try it again next year.

I like to EAT, EAT, EAT...

If you look at Jett's eyes, you will see Simon. He looks so much like his brother!
Sweet Boy (runny nose, drool and all...)

~I survived Girls Camp!

Girls Camp was a lot of fun this year. The girls in my ward are AWESOME!!! They were such good sports even though it rained every day. There was no fighting, complaining, drama or tears. Just lots of laughing, helping and memory making. I could not ask for better Young Women.

The theme was "Be Your Best Hero." The scripture hero we picked was Helaman and the Stripling Warriors. The ward camp director and I made two 8 ft. Stripling Warriors that guarded our camp. The girls thought that was awesome. We had swords, shields and headbands too! It was a lot of fun. The picture above only shows one stripling warrior. The other guy was kidnapped and being held for ransome. The girls look pretty serious in this picture, but they were trying to look tough! We were headed to steal back our warrior. Anyway, we are missing the YCL's in this picture, but the total that went to camp from our ward was 20. We had the largest group in the stake.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Adam's mom had lots of fun playing with the boys. She flew in from AZ, just so that I could go to camp. She had the boys for 4 days straight. Go Grandma Connolly!! Anyway, the boys had a great time and cried when she left today. My prayers were answered this week...everyone at home and at camp had a great time.

~Soccer, Fish and Simon's Friend

Tonight Noah had his first soccer game. I was heartbroken I had to miss it. I had to go to Young Womens, but...I knew he'd do great. Noah scored 4 goals for his team. The only one to score. He's a natural when it comes to sports. Reminds me of my brothers!

"WHAT THE!?!" A girl on his team was taking the ball the wrong way.

Last week we went fishing with the Fuller's. The boys were catching fish right and left. It was AWESOME!! They were catching Lake Trout and Grayling.

Simon is naturally curious and will touch anything, but Noah is more cautious. Adam and I were surprised that both boys were getting their own worms and taking care of the fish they caught. Simon actually had one worm stretched out as wide as he is. Then he was pulling other worms apart into pieces. Gross but boys will be boys.


I had to include this picture of Simon's little friend. Don't worry it's dead. Simon carried this bumble bee around for days. He thought it was soft. Notice the hands. Little boys are meant to get dirty. Thank goodness for bathtime!

~Spring...FINALLY!

I saw this little lady bug and grabbed my camera. I'm so excited that spring is finally here. The trees aren't looking so bare and the temperatures have actually been in the 60's this week!

We're back to weird daylight again. The sun is coming up at 4:13 a.m. and setting at 11:21 p.m. The length of the day is 19 hours and 8 seconds long. Tomorrow will be 6 minutes and 50 seconds longer.

Adam's Bear Hunt

Unfortunately, Adam didn't get a bear, or even see one over the weekend. From what we heard, every other bay was crawling with bears except for the one where Adam was camping. He went with his friend Kary and his brother Steven. Overall the guys had a good time, dispite their misfortune.

This is the small town of Valdez, Alaska

(once again the date wasn't set right on my camera)

Crazy looking star fish with lots of legs. It's such a cool color.
The underside.
I guess these little guys eat other starfish.


This over-sized goldfish is called a rock fish.

They were hoping to catch halibut, but...
Notice the eyes popping out. Apparently when you bring these fish up too fast out of the ocean, the pressure causes their eyeballs to pop out. Poor guy died before he got to the surface. Oh well, he was getting eaten anyway!

Another rock fish. This one got to keep his eyes in his head.
Those fins are pretty interesting too...


Another starfish, but a bigger one this time.
Looks like the head of Medusa.

Lots of iceburgs and such. Adam also saw whales, sea lions and jelly fish. Went clam digging and caught shrimp. He said that bald eagles were everywhere and they actually saw an eagle snatch a fish out of the water, about 20 feet from their boat. So cool!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

well not really rock, paper, scissors...

but there was a rock.

the culprit had to clean up the mess....

~you're a little boy, not a dog

A little while after I put the boys down for a nap, I hear from downstairs, "Mom, come wipe my bum!" Super confused I went to investigate. See the only bathroom we have is upstairs and Simon was supposed to be sleeping, downstairs.

Sure enough, there is Simon, pants down looking at me with a big smile.

Totally proud of himself, he says, "I pooped outside!" Seriously!?! I hadn't even heard the door open...very sneaky.

After making him scoop his own poop and having a talk about why we don't poop outside, he walked inside the house and said,

"I WISH I WAS A DOG."

This is for Whit...Happy Late Birthday

All Whit wanted for her birthday was pictures of the boys. So, below are pictures from the last few weeks - our trip to Arizona. The date wasn't set right on my camera. The pictures really were just taken.

Noah's Freckles

They are so cute. This picture does not do them justice.

Easter at the Connolly's

Look at how white Simon is. He is truly an Alaska resident.

We spent a week in Eagar, but I left my camera in Mesa. Holly has pictures on her camera of the boys flying kites at mom's house. She also has pictures of Jett, Gavin (Jen's baby) and Kinsley (Josh's baby). They are all the same age and just super cute. When Holly forwards the pics, I'll do another post.

We went to the Maricopa County Fair with Amanda, Welcome and Sylas!

Thanks for a fun day!

Noah enjoying the pony ride.

Jett thought it was fun too!

The next day Grandma Connolly took us to the Wildlife Animal Zoo

It took a lot of courage for Noah to touch the star fish...but, he did it!

Grandma had a lot of fun teaching Simon how to pet the Sting Rays. These were just the right size for Simon.

Simon and the Llama...so cute!

I also got to spend an evening with my cousins. We went to the Cheesecake Factory. YUMMY!! We were missing one thing though and that was Jana. I do have a picture with Jana when we were in Eagar, but that's on Holly's camera too.

We also went to Falcon Field Open House. We went last year and it was so fun.

The boys sittin' in the police helicopter.

Trisha, Tyler, Tanner and Nick came with us. It was great to spend some time with them. Can't you just see the trouble these four could cause!?!

Jeremy and Echelle met up with us also. Cousins! This was just a few hours before Jeremy's appendix decided to cause problems. Emergency surgery fixed it though. Poor Jer.

We also checked out the car show. Simon backed right up and sat on the bumper of this car. He liked it because it was orange.

Jett learned to crawl while we were in AZ. Go Jett!

Notice the tongue. It's always hanging out.

A proud papa... Shane's first baby was born while we were there. Oh she is so sweet. (Another picture on Holly's camera) Baby Kamryn looks just like a Slade. Congrats Shane and Jennifer.

Fun in the sun. Jett discovered many new things, like grass!

Playing in the water with Welcome and Sylas at Grandma Connolly's

This was Noah's smile for Aunt Whitney. He sure misses you.

On our 12 hour layover in Seattle we went to the mall to get Jett some clean clothes. It was a rough plane ride for the poor baby. He vomited too many times to count and for some reason, I didn't pack any extra clothes for him in my carry-on.

Just waiting for the cab...being silly.

Some other highlights (not pictured) of our trip to AZ is that we went to the temple a few times. I got to see some friends from Florence, had lunch with Lisa and Jamba Juice with Linda. We drove past our old house. It was occupied and looked terrible. Weeds everywhere. Honestly, I miss the square footage, but that's about it.

The day after we got home, we got Noah registered for Kindergarten. He's going to do GREAT!!