From Sid to Annette . . .

Annette,

My mom reminded me of Uncle Sony’s birthday a few days ago, I immediately laughed at fond memories… I also had a recall of a vivid twinge of fear, because even though Uncle Sonny was teasing or playfully tormenting someone 100% of his waking hours, he could easily scare me and Kimball to death until we realized he was being funny… sometimes it took us a long time to figure it was funny… all fond memories.  Gretchen also remembers when Uncle Sonny gave her a congratulatory kiss after our wedding, then he congratulated her with kisses a few more times at the wedding reception… we have many of those pictures and they are priceless.     

Wednesday, shopping

Wednesday we relaxed and watched the snow until about 2:00.  It snowed 4.5 inches.  During that time Lucas and Miranda went to AT&T, Ace Hardware and Fred Meyer.  Miranda came home with a load of candy, flavored water and plane candy despenser and the promise of an iPod.  Miranda saw a moose at the grocery store.  After the kids got up, we bundled up to go out shopping.  Lucas tempted us when he came around the corner in the snowmobile.  He is trying to get them ready so that we can go for a ride.  Our first stop was Elmendorph/Richardson Army/Air Force Base to shop at the BX/PX.  After the base we went to the Alaskan Wildberry Factory to buy t-shirts and candy.  The Alaskan Wildberry Factory has the largest chocolate fountain, 400 lbs of chocolate.  It was very tempting for Preston to climb up the fountain.  We then went to Glacier Brewhouse, but did not stay because the wait was over 2 hours.  It is worth it, but with babies, no way.  We went to Sea Galley and had salmon and halibut, oh and macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese.  It was delicious.  Can forget the corn fritters.  They were delicious as well.  We stayed out so late that we only had time for putting pj's on and going straight to bed. 
What a great day.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Getting ready for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Amanda Wilson made the kids crocheted hats.  So adorable and they love them.

Miranda got really close to the moose and was so tickled.

 

I got to pet the moose's nose and ear.  Very exciting.  It has been one of the highlights of our trip. 

We were walking to the area where the bears are.  It was quite a walk, but worth it.  I kept asking why the bear didn't jump the short fence and attack us. 

We were within 10' of this elk. 

Check out the porchipine. 

Monday

We went to Humpy's for late lunch.  Jenna and I had fish and chips, halibut of course.  Sarah had salmon delux nachos and Lucas had halibut tacos. 
Miranda went to a kids club in Eagle River.  She got to play in the snow with kids closer to her age. 
Fun was had by all. 

2012 Spring Break Trip to Anchorage

Miranda, Jenna, Preston, Presley and I traveled to Anchorage on 3/9/12.  Preston and Presley were lap passengers on Jenna and I.  Each leg of our flight was waiting on us at the prespective airports when we got there and there were no delays.  We arrived in Anchorage 40 minutes early, never the less it
was 2:30 a.m. for us Texans.  Snow is stacked up 12' high in some places.  The snow has layers of ice underneath that keep it from completely melting.  Anchorage has had record highs as well as record snow this year. 
Introductions to Ricus, Major and Sam began. 

Saturday we went to Southcentral Foundation Festival.  Sarah's co-worker Amanda joined her.  We had some traditional fry bread and other snacks.  There was an abundance of strong Alaskan coffee and sat with drunk people at the festival.  Sarah found the artist that painted a picture that I bought for Lucas in the summer and bought another one from him.  I bought the raven, Lucas' favorite and Sarah bought the eagle, the raven's soul mate. 
Several tribes danced their traditional tribal dances. 
Later that evening Sarah's friend Amanda and Ava joined us for some Moose's Tooth pizza.  Sarah and Jenna went to go get pizza and saw a moose on their way back.
The Iditerod, The Last Great Race on Earth is progress.

Sunday dog sleding and church.

PawPaw sayings

Charles is talking to someone on the phone about "ole times" and he is telling the man that Buddy said that we were raising a generation of kids that were going to have square eyeballs from watching too much TV!!  Doesn't that sound just like him????????

Precious Grandmothers

Hey all, just wanted to share the following....

I'm fast at work in my office (at home) this afternoon and James is off of school for the remainder of the week.  He wondered in here a few minutes ago and began asking questions about some of the family photos displayed prominently in the room.  

He looked at a photo of Grandma and I reminded him that she was our dear sweet Grandma and the sweetest woman that ever walked the Earth.  He raised an eyebrow at me and in mild defiance said, "I think that Meme is the sweetest person that ever walked the Earth."  I told him that we could just settle on both of them being pretty darn sweet.

Nice moment, wanted to pass that along to y'all.  Hope all is well down South.
Scott