Happy 4th of July from Scar Face!

There hasn't been a lot going on around here except hours and hours of scooter riding, bike riding, and super hero wars.  Such is a lovely summer with my boys!  Yesterday Ian took a header doing tricks on his scooter and this was the result.  Thank God I'm such a stickler for helmets!  I can only imagine what his face would have looked like without his helmet to buffer the coalition.  It was a bit dramatic to clean but he was so proud when it was all said and done.  In fact, he ran out to show his buddies his "war wounds".  I love having boys!

Anyways, hope you all have a wonderful 4th and don't forget to thank a soldier!  Freedom isn't free but it is worth it! Happy 4th of July!

Hiking Mt. Baldy with the boys

So Ryan and I have been dying to get out and hike Baldy (a little info about it is at the bottom). This is a local mountain that is very popular and a fun hike. We decided that we would see how far we could get with the boys in tow. I really didn't think we would get all the way to the top but once again those boys surprised me! The start was a little rocky with lots of whining and tears, keep in mind that this was about 200 yards from the car! But Ryan and I pushed them on and they really got into it!

This was about half way up and they were doing awesome! After all, Ian was "born to climb", or so he claims.

Almost there and complete with M&M stops!

They boys and I above Eagle River! Amazing and kinda chilly!

Cutie boys!

My guys! Love them!

Amazing views and great family time! One the way back down it was harder on us then going up the mountain. Toward the bottom of the mountain Declan was hitting his legs and saying that his legs were "cranky". Their poor little muscles probably never worked that hard. They were such troopers!

When we got home they wanted to play outside for a little bit and they both hobbled across the cul-de-sac. They are awesome and they continue to amaze me!

Trail Statistics & Information

Activity Type:	Hiking
Nearby City:	Eagle River
Length:	7 total miles
Elevation Gain:	2,700 feet
Trail Type:	Out-and-back
Skill Level:	Moderate; rough trail, alpine tundra
Duration:	4 to 6 hours
Season:	Best in the summer months
Top Elevation:	4,446 feet
Local Contacts:	Chugach State Park

Recycling Musicians

The other day I was attempting to cook dinner with Declan underfoot as usual and he saw that I pulled out the recycling to take to the garage. Of course he felt the need to dump it and said "I can use this stuff!". I wasn't really sure what he was up too but I knew I should get the camera. I'm so glad I did. He turned over all the cans and began to play the bongos!

He's so fun! And as usually "hey Ian, come here" was shouted. Ian found a bottle and started making music his way before he dropped it and took off when he saw the camera!

Kids have such great imaginations and I love to watch it happen! And I'm glad I clean out my recycling before I put them in the bin!

Hangin Out with my Boys

The boys and I needed to do something so I decided to make rice crispy treats with a twist. The boys were so into it! I just wish I would have taken more pictures.

Declan wasn't terribly thrilled with patting it down in the pan but Ian was all about it! Just an excuse to get stuff on his hands he could eat off!

Declan kept trying to pick out the berries. Fun stuff!

This was our creation and the twist was making it with this cereal rather than the old fashioned rice crispy cereal. The berries made it very yummy, but a little sweet for me. I think I'll try a peanut butter version next time we use this cereal. Still yummy!

I just had to add this picture of our nightly double piggy back ride up the stairs to bed. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do this. They are getting a little heavy for this! I totally can't believe how big they are getting!

not missing much!

So since the new year we haven't done a whole lot of exciting things but I felt some pressure to put up some pictures of the beloved grandchildren! It amazes me how well they are starting to play together. And I just noticed that at least Ryan was on the treadmill doing something productive! Good for him! Love you sweetie!

As we were putting the Christmas decorations away we found the "Krabby Patties" the Santa was suppose to put in the stockings. Dang Santa and his memory! Apparently they still taste just as good not from the stocking. I find it funny that Ian isn't actually eating them in this picture but just hugging the box. Such a cute kid!

I came downstairs one morning and Declan had gotten up earlier than everyone else and this is what he was doing. Just hangin out playing with his fire station, fire truck, and fire fighter hat. He is such a independent little guy and really growing up so quick! Where is my baby?!!!

Spikey Boys

The boys got hair cuts yesterday and they opted for the spikey do. They loved it! Declan kept saying he was a triceratops and head butting everything. He's such a trip! I love these kids!

Merry Christmas From the Caldwell's

Merry Christmas from Alaska! This was our first Christmas in Alaska with solely the four of us and no other family. It was actually a little weird for me since I'm so use to the craziness of the LaMarca family Christmas Eve extravaganza and then opening presents on Christmas morning at my parents' house and then traveling to Ryan's family's house. The busyness of this season is something that I missed but at the same time it was really peaceful to spend time with just us and then later with friends for dinner. The boys had so much fun and really loved all their gifts. Thank you all who sent love and gifts to us in the freezey north and we have been greatly blessed this year!

Our beautiful Christmas tree that we finally took out of the box after purchasing it 3 years ago! It was well worth braving the day after Christmas sale at Target all those years ago!

Presents!

Christmas eve Ian made sure we left cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer! The next morning we found a letter from Santa sealed with Santa's wax seal.

Ian and Declan both got their Pillow Pets that I really didn't want to deal with but they separately picked them out for each other. How could I say no to that?

It was a very Lego Christmas at this house and I'm sure I will regret that in a few days.

Cabelas' fun action sets from Grandma and Grandpa. Ryan enjoyed them just as much as the boys did. You'll see proof of this later.

Space station for Ian and fire station for Declan from Nana and Uncle Andrew.

Hunter Dan from Cabelas' set up by Ryan.

Lovin the space shuttle!

Future "fire fighter man" as he puts it.

Uncle Zach got us all gifts from the different countries he visited and Ryan had a little fun with Hunter Dan and Ian's elephant.

One more Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy Birthday Jesus from those of us at Fort Rich, Alaska!

First time XC skiing with the kids!

I just have to say that I'm so proud of my boys! (In case you didn't know that yet.) Ryan has been xc skiing for years and I'm still learning but we both love it and really wanted to share that with the boys. We decided to use some of the Christmas money for some new skis for the both of them. The excitement at the REI as we picked them out was so fun to see! Better to get them started sooner rather than later. They did better than Ryan and I could ever imagine for the first time on skis! The excitement was bursting from them, oh wait, that was Ian whining about EVERYTHING! Once we got to Beach Lake in Chugiak they were ready to go!

Declan waiting for us to figure out how to adjust his skis. He didn't seem to mind.

Once those skis were on them there was no stopping them unless they took a spill.

He started out with his poles but they were too distracting so we left them in the van.

Once again, Declan was eating snow. I'm not sure why he likes it so, but he does.

Declan's first spill on the skis!

And I had to do some movies of them. I couldn't get in front of Ian without ditching Declan so I will try again next time. Hope you enjoy!