The 2011 Iditarod in Willow, AK

Yesterday we decided to check out the start of the Iditarod in Willow, AK for the first time since we got here. It is quite an event and something we just had to experience! I'm so glad it was an amazingly beautiful day and warm for this time of year (27 degrees!).

It was quite a hike from the car to the starting point of the race so we opted for the sled for the boys. They loved it! Made for much less whining!

The characters there were fun to watch! Check out the guy behind me with the fur hat! I'm sure the anti-fur people would have had a nervous break down here! And check out the next picture! That is what I thought was Chewbacca but it's just some guy in a fur suit! Oh Alaska!

Of course...the dogs!

Riding in style. The limo of snow machines.

This was the only musher I could get a good picture of. It's #3 Ray Redington Jr. from Wasilla AK. He's currently in 6th place.

They boys squeezed a spot to watch the mushers go by.

Did I mention that this is all taking place on a giant frozen lake! I think that's so cool!

Nothing like some hot dogs to make the day even better for the boys!

The mountains of snow in the parking lot were totally irresistible to the boys!

Gorgeous mountain view on the amazingly clear day! BEAUTIFUL!

Skiing Kincaid and Russian Jack

So, I found these on our other camera this morning. This was our second attempt at taking the boys our skiing. Keep in mind that it was maybe 7 degrees outside without the wind chill and we should have just found something inside to do. But we so wanted to take advantage of Ryan's day off!

It was beautifully clear, check out Sleeping Lady! So gorgeous!

Declan was his normal self, pushing through the cold and skiing with daddy!

Ian on the other hand was not that easy going! Thank God only one of them have a meltdown at a time! But this is how Ian spent most of this outing and then continued to have a fit in the van. Talk about trying my patience!

Yesterday was very, very different and quite a success if I do say so myself. First off, the temperature was about 27, which is significantly warmer than the past two ski outings with the boys. Secondly, we did snacks before we went out rather than after. Last but not least, the promise of sledding after we were done skiing was rather a good one! Thank goodness!

Declan was a trooper as usual. I think he skies better than I do with no poles! But when he's done, he really enjoys falling on purpose and trying to teach them to get up on their own is trying, to say the least!

Ian's still trying to get the hang of getting up on his own, but at least he's happy doing it this time!

Even if we stop for a minute, Declan will just keep going. This time he was waiting for us. Such a sweet boy.

Since I got a good video of Declan the first time I figured I'd try to get one of Ian this time. He was in such a good mood and enjoying himself! Of course, Declan has to ask his usual question of every place we go! Enjoy!

Fresh Snow!

Friday we got some fresh snow and the boys were thrilled that it was above 0 degrees and that I was willing to let them play outside! My boys are definitely outside boys! They played around while I shoveled the driveway and then Declan wanted to go for a walk.

Ian on the other didn't like that idea. I had planned on taking them to the playground down the street anyways to it worked for me and Ian fought me the whole way!

When I say fought, I'm talkin full on temper tantrum in the snow bank fighting! But I love him!

Declan was so not caring that Ian didn't want to go. I think he would have gone without either of us if he could get away with it!

The swings started to change his attitude and a large amount of prayer on my part!

We ended up having a lot of fun and staying until someone had to go potty! It was so much fun to hang out with the boys and be outside! Thank God for fresh air above 0!

Frosty Alaska

With all the East getting smacked with snow we are getting very little snow (for us) but the below 0 temps have made things very frosty. I popped out for a little bit to drive around and check out the mountains/stare in awe of God's creation. I love living here! It really makes me realize how small I am!

I love how the heaviness of the snow causes the birch trees to bend. It just amazes me.

This is just above where I live and you can see the line from where the sun actually shines and where it doesn't. By the way, it's like 3pm when I took these pictures. I'm so glad the darkness doesn't bother me, but I really could use a healthy dose of Hawaii!

First Sledding of the Season

We decided to take advantage of some of the snow and take the boys sledding for the first time. When I say "for the first time" I'm referring to really going to a big hill just to sled, not just sledding down the driveway like they've been doing since last winter! Ian was so excited the whole way there and then he saw the hill when we got there. He was not having it! Declan on the other hand was so excited but would only go down the hill with Ryan or I until the very end. It was so much fun and eventually we talked Ian into trying it and he was all about it after that! I see a lot more sledding in our future!




Ian was totally going down the hill by himself after going once with Ryan! He was lovin it!

I love that he carries his sled back up the hill like this. Like a seasoned pro!

Declan decided to try it by himself and it was too funny!

He decided to bail before he even reached the bottom!

I had to include a video of the boys going down the hill together! I love that they are really becoming great friends! Oh, and don't be surprised at the obnoxious laugh at the end of the video either!