The weather hasn't cooperated this summer and we've been left waterlogged. Regardless, we have managed to fill our weekends with fun times and thankfully it appears that summer weather has finally come to Fairbanks this weekend.
Don't feel bad if you don't get all of the way through this blog...it's a doozy. We've just had so many fun times in the last month and a half that I want to make sure to document it all.
I don't blog much about my brother Zach but July brought the anniversary that my family dreads; this year it marked 8 years since we lost him. We all miss him dearly and I wanted to open the "obnoxiously long blog" with his smiling face.
The Twins Turn One
Our nephew and niece, Ari and Marion just happened to be in Fairbanks on their first birthdays so we got together to celebrate.
Midnight Sun Run
Year after year I post about the Midnight Sun Run. Just to reiterate, if you have the chance to be in Fairbanks during this race you must make it happen. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate this year...it was a tad chilly but we made the most of it. Below is Rory with our neighbors doing a little "no rain" dance prior to the race.
Grandma Judy pushing Massie, Rory and the Pletnikoff girls around the block prior to the race. That buggy must be at weight capacity.
Near the end of the evening (likely around 11:00 pm) - tired kiddos with their grandmas.
Enjoying some time with my folks.
Bocce Ball Tournament
Yuri and I were invited to a Bocce Ball tournament by some newly acquired friends. We had a blast although I was out very early in the tournament. Yuri made it a round or two past me. He really knows how to make a statement with the bandanna.
Massie, Isabella and Isabella's dad, Jeremy, hanging out at the tournament. Jeremy was thrilled that Massie finally acquiesced and sat on his lap.
Lisa Turns 50 - Party #2
Sunny skies greeted Lisa's 50th party blow-out! All her family, friends and fellow WWWW'ers enjoyed celebrating her and her fabulousness.
Best picture ever - Lisa (R) and her sister Teresa. These two love life and it shows!
OMG - how am I possibly 40 years old. It goes by fast kids so enjoy every moment! My birthday weekend was made so very special by many people. The weekend began on a Wednesday when my oldest friend (she's younger than me), Robyn Austin (Roderick) flew in from Seattle with her hubby. Friday saw a flight full of friends arrive from Anchorage on Reeve Air - Lanie Downs, Betty and Bruce Tangeman and Renee and Mike Reeve. Bringing up the rear was Dyanne Hicks flying commercial out of Anchorage.
Lisa Sundborg hosted a party for me in the hood on Friday night. I had a wonderful time watching my near and dear Fairbanks friends getting to know my Seattle/Anchorage girls. I can't express how very appreciative I am to be surrounded by such fabulous people. I can't express how very thankful I am for all my wonderful friends and family celebrating this milestone birthday with me. I feel like the luckiest girl in Fairbanks! Lots of love to you all!
Below are mom and I at Lisa's - love this picture!
Below are mom and I at Lisa's - love this picture!
Although we were a bit sluggish on Saturday morning, the Seattle/Anchorage gang and I managed to make our way out to Harding Lake for the evening. Betty made the crazy drink hats - she is quite the creative force.
Dy and Robyn getting goofy.
Another group shot - L to R - Renee, me, Lanie, Robyn, Meadow, Betty and Dyanne. Not only did Betty make the hats but she also provided the party shirts.
Renee Drinking her hat.
The guys cannot get together without a golf club coming out... Gotta love Bruce's headpiece.
Betty and Bruce selfie.
Renee and Mike selfie.
Most of the Harding gang around the fire enjoying the midnight sun.
Betty is so good with the girls - here she is with Massie coming back from a flower picking expedition.
Here I am saying goodbye to some of the gang on Sunday evening. I swear that I didn't realize the shirt I put on was see through. I'm trying to remember how many public places I visited wearing that ensemble - ugh.
The girls got to attend quite a few birthday parties this summer. Below are pictures from two that happened on the same day. The first was to celebrate Isabella's 5th birthday I Love Lucy style. The second was Georgia's 5th birthday a la Frozen of course.
Massie and her dad playing ball. This kid is going to be an athlete - mark my words.
The big kids playing ball.
How many men does it take to hang a pinata?
Definitely my kid - eyes closed when hitting the target. This kid will be the artistic one in the family.
Rory's last slide of the day.
Badminton Tournament
The Johnson's hosted a badminton tournament and Yuri and I were thrilled to participate. I'm happy to report that my teammate, Bill, and I placed. I can't say the same for bandanna head (Yuri sporting the look once again).
Bill and I celebrating our win.
Good Old Hometown Parade
The weather was iffy but not a drop was shed during the Golden Days Parade this year. Following are a few family shots from the sidewalk.
Harding Lake
We've only made it out to the lake a few times this summer but we've certainly made the most of those trips. The neighbor boys, Ryken and Devon, play very well with the girls and are quite protective of them. Here are the Morgan Girls and Gustafson boys.
Grandma Linda gave the girls a zip line for Christmas - below is Yuri testing it out after installation.
One of our evenings at the lake brought a dance party. Rory is the ballerina concerned with the technical aspects of dance - Massie is the free spirited interpretive dancer.
Yup - the ballerina and break dancer.
Feeling the music.
Yes, this was part of the dance party - Massie likes to get down and give 20 right in the middle of her performance.
Some of the Harding kids...
More of the Harding kids.
Rory's first stand-up Jet ski ride (with Uncle Jesse).
Little angles sleeping at the lake.
Leon Turns 40
Yuri's brother Leon turned 40 this summer as well. To celebrate, a large group of his friends and family congregated at Kenny Lake. We had an absolute blast and will cherish the memories forever! Here is a shot of the party goers. P.S. I finally figured out how to set the timer on my camera.
Just the kids. Lucky little buggers.
Yuri, Massie, cousin Estelle and Grandpa Steve.
The little HooDoo Ham.
Yuri and I set up an obstacle course for the kiddos one night. After a few beers, brothers Yuri and Leon, decided to race. The race ended withYuri being surrounded by a pack of dogs and with Leon's son, Tyson, jumping on Yuri's back to enable Leon to make it to the finish line first.
Cousins Quinn and Tyson along with their friend Ginger playing at the swimming hole.
Addy being very patient with her cousin Massie.
What a view.
I love this picture of Massie with her cousin Estelle; it looks like a deep conversation doesn't it?
Massie with her Dad. What a spectacular view.
Other Happenings in July and August
Mom and I attended a champagne brunch fundraiser for the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. Champagne is usually enough to get me somewhere but adding to my interest in this event is that the executive chef from Purple restaurant in Woodenville, WA was the guest chef. My friend Robyn introduced me to this restaurant and I can't speak highly enough about it. The brunch was an absolute treat as was spending three quality hours with my fabulous mother.
Yuri has been playing a lot of golf this summer. Apparently he's getting quite good - upon greeting me before my semi-annual check-up last week my dentist said "I heard Yuri's on fire this summer". Below (L to R) - Ed, Tim, Rick (my coworkers) and Yuri playing in the Morris Thompson Tournament. I hear they were "one stroke away from being in the money."
I picked up the two following pictures on the same day - I get a kick out of how versatile this kid is...Dance photo and t-ball. She is one very special kid. She's top far left below and bottom far right in the t-ball photo.
Rory is definitely my kid; this is totally something I would have done as a child - combine a scooter ride with dance.
Jazz hands...
And the ballerina...
Massie had to get into the "dance while you're on wheels" action.
A sweet father daughter moment.
A girls only selfie.
So sassy.
Coach and his trainee.
Cousin meal time.
The girls enjoying the elusive Fairbanks sun.
Congratulations - you made it to the end! See you next month.
