Summer has arrived with a big bang! Right now we are into a stretch of over one week of 85+ degree temps with no change in site. We are soaking up massive amounts of vitamin D. One week it was snowing the next it was 80 degrees - only in Alaska.
We always enjoy our home and neighborhood but once summer arrives we appreciate it even more. There are always people out and about, neighbors chatting up each other while watering their yards and the sound of children laughing is a constant. We are lovin' where we're living!
Summer Barbecues
We've had several barbecues this summer and the first one was instigated by a visit from Yuri's Juneau folks, Sid and Karen. They are easy house guests and it's always a great experience when they make a stop in our fair town. Below are the girls with three sets of grandmas and granddads - L to R: Andy, Steve, Rory, Linda, Judy, Massie, Karen and Sid.
A few weeks later, when the sun was finally warming things up, we hosted another barbecue for friends and family in the neighborhood. Here is Yuri explaining the rules of the obstacle course to some of the kids in attendance.
Jesse and Steve at the grill.
Messy (but cute as a button) Massie.
Batter Up
Before summer really started and the grass turned green, Yuri got the girls outside for some good old fashion baseball.
Look at Rory's form - we might have a major leaguer in our future. Massie's not looking too bad herself.
Soccer
My brother Jesse is coaching Rory's soccer team this year. It is adorable to watch eight 4-year old kids running around with a soccer ball. So cute! Rory is having a great time prancing (yes, prancing) around the field. She's not too keen on being aggressive enough to get to the ball (much like her mother was at her age) but she sure likes the snack at the end of the game (also like her mother).
Rory and her bestie and teammate, Shaye.
Betty Comes to Town
Our good friend and former Fairbanskan, Betty, made a visit up to see us. We miss her lots and it was great to catch up. Below is Jesse, Yuri, Betty, me, Meadow and Bill celebrating her visit.
Massie and Rory dressed up for Betty's visit.
Alaskaland
We've made many trips to Alaskaland this summer.
Lucky Massie gets pushed by three girls all wanting to her her mom for the day.
Rory pushing her other bestie and classmate, Gelissa.
Massie Turns Two
Everyone says it but...WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???? I can honestly say that with the exception of the sleep deprivation for the first three months of Massie's life, being her mom has been an absolute joy. I am so blessed to have a daughter I'm proud to call "Sassy Massie".
We had an outdoor birthday party with a few friends (and of course family). Fun was had by all and the afternoon even included a water fight between Jesse (31 years of age) and an 11 year old. I'm not sure that Jesse was declared the winner.
Those of you that had to stay home sick as children probably remember The Price Is Right and the "punch board" that contestants broke through to obtain their prizes. I created a mini version (below) for the kiddos at the party.
After the party Massie enjoyed a ride on her new toy.
Sweet little Massie. You'll notice a few little scabs on her nose...she did a face plant a week earlier and tore up her nose pretty badly. It almost healed for her party.
Massie copying her sister's moves.
Rory's "go to" move.
Massie struggling to copy Rory's "go to" move.
Girls Weekend in Anchorage
About 5 years ago my friend, Shannon Straube, left our beautiful State in search of a higher education and professional opportunity. She succeeded in finding both and finally made the trip back home to visit her "girls". This group of girls has been a constant in my life for many years (most of us met as Juneauites) and they are some of my nearest and dearest friends. We had a whirlwind weekend of slumber parties, stories, food and drink. Below L to R clockwise: Dyanne, me, Renee, Lanie and Shannon - Betty had to leave us a day early and missed the photo opp :-(
Messing around sans Dy and Betty.
While Mom's away the girls (and Dad) will play.
Father's Day
I arrived back from Anchorage just in time to celebrate Father's day with the two best fathers I know. The day started off with Yuri enjoying some man time on the golf course. Next, we loaded up our bikes, took a trip to Alaskaland and had a Father's day picnic.
We had some down time after the picnic and then headed over to my folks' house to continue the celebration of dads. We loaded up 2 boats with food and beverages, 6 adults and 2 children and took a ride up the river in search of a dinner picnic spot.
Here is Rory being secured to the boat by Grandma Judy.
Massie and her mom, wearing a stylish Arctic Man Hat.
Yuri, Martin, Massie and me at our beautiful spot at the merging of the Chena and Tanana Rivers.
Rory, the girl who prefers not to get dirty, learned how to make mud balls. Here she is chasing her Uncle Jesse with one...she never did catch him.
Summer Outdoor Fun
Workin' at the Car Wash...
Rory golfing with Bruce.
Learning Hopscotch...
Rory getting watered by Piper, the most photogenic child ever.
Summer Indoor Fun
Theatre seating with their babies...
Swimming (without getting her hair wet) at Grandma and Granddad's place...
Practicing her skills with the chopsticks.
Massie is now building towers just like her big sister - look at the look of envy on her face as she assesses Rory's work.
Massie at her friend, Janelle's, birthday party.
Our big two year old with her proud, big sister.
Next up...more summer fun!
