Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Testing, testing

I'm trying to update my blog from my phone. Here's our Christmas tree!


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A big introduction

Today was a big day for Philip. Being a North Pole kid, I wanted to introduce him to (the real) Santa before the holiday rush. Santa and I chatted about our recent move back from Iowa (it's important for Santa to know that Philip isn't in Barnum anymore!), the unseasonable chilly temperatures, and Philip's new little hat. If you can't tell, it's a reindeer hat that he'll be wearing for the holidays. Santa said, "put a red nose on this little guy and he could pull my sleigh!"  
If you're interested in where I got the hat, here's the Etsy link. It was handmade by a lady in Boise, ID. Cute, isn't it?

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Harbor

I went for a drive this afternoon while Mom and Dad watched Philip. The sun was out for a few hours this morning, but clouds moved in and the wind picked up after church. The Harbor was quiet- such a difference from the hustle and bustle of summertime. Most vessels are out of the water for the season, but I did find these merganser ducks hanging around one of the last ships.
As I write this Brian is leaving Tok, Alaska and heading for North Pole! Tomorrow will be my last day in Valdez before heading north on Tuesday morning to meet Brian. I think Brian will notice a big difference in Philip when they're reunited.

Can't wait!

Exciting things

There are exciting things to see out of Grandma and Grandpa's front window (apparently).

Friday, November 11, 2011

Philip crawling

Philip started crawling this week. Take a look!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Our Day

Heard from Brian early this morning. Things were looking "better" after a rough day yesterday and this morning. They've been having tire issues, ice issues, and a suicidal deer. But, they're making progress. If all goes well they may even make it to Watson Lake this evening.

As for us here in Valdez, it was a nice day. Hung out with Mom and Dad for the morning. Then Dad went hunting Ptarmigan, Mom went to work, and Philip and I roamed around the floor. He's getting the hang of crawling and is somewhat hard to contain. Anyway, I talked to some friends, Philip had some snacks, I made quiche for dinner while Philip napped, and then we watched Dad snowplow.

The clouds cleared this afternoon and it was a lovely sunset. Here are a few shots from Mom and Dad's south and east windows.
The quiche is smelling lovely in the oven. Going to be a nice evening, though it would be even better if Brian was here. Can't WAIT for him and Daren to make it to Fairbanks.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Quiet Day

Not much goin' on in Valdez today. Mom and Dad are working and I'm hanging out with Philip. The sun broke through the clouds for just a couple of minutes, so I napped a few photos of Philip playing on the floor and during snack time.
And yes, if you were wondering, he is a stud muffin.
On a side note, my cell service is a little patchy here, I can receive text messages, but not send any. So, if you've texted me and haven't gotten a response- that's why.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Hangin' with Grandma and Grandpa

Today was our first day in Valdez, having arrived this morning. It was a beautiful day- the mountains were clear and snow covered.
Mom and I took Philip out to play in the snow.
Good thing we brought his snowsuit!
Mom helped Philip take a few steps in the snow.
And make a snow angel. The kiddo wasn't too much into the whole experience. Although in his defense, it was right before naptime, so he was tired and not so open to new experiences.
 Maybe we'll try again tomorrow.


Friday, November 4, 2011

Philip's first plane ride

This is how Philip spent the majority of his plane rides from Fort Dodge, Iowa to Valdez, Alaska (Fort Dodge to Minneapolis to Seattle to Anchorage (where we overnighted) to Valdez. 
The baby did awesome! He never cried, just hang out, slept, ate, and smiled at the world (and people) walking by. I couldn't have asked for an easier time.

It did help that we each had our own seats in first class. Instead of peanuts and pretzels, here's my pesto pasta...
 and a lovely little salad. (There may also have been a cocktail while Philip was sleeping.) Ahhh...the life!

Can you tell what's going to happen?

Our last outing to Rustix was on Wednesday evening. Daren (Brian's packing/driving buddy) was able to accompany us. Another sad goodbye. We'd had some good meals (and big beers) there.

This photo was taken right before Philip spilled the entire contents. You don't know how much beer is in a "big beer" until an infant spills it across the table, floor, Daddy's lap, and Daren's shoes.

It seemed like a fitting way to end our adventures at Rustix, doesn't it?

Last night in Iowa

This picture is of my last sunset in Iowa. As I'm writing this I'm sitting in my parents warm house in Valdez, Alaska. It was sad pulling out of our driveway for the last time yesterday morning, but I was eager to get out of Brian and Daren's way. I think having the wife and child out of the way made packing easier. The boys start their journey tomorrow. Send good thoughts and prayer their way, please!