June/July update

I hate to be a bummer but I can’t talk about activities in the month of July without mentioning that July 8th marked the 3rd anniversary of Zach’s death. We miss him as much as ever and think about him every day. He would have loved the weather we are having and would be living at the lake right now.

The last month has been filled with many activities and fabulous weather. A coworker spent last week in Guam where it was colder than Fairbanks (we have been hitting 90 degrees).

A group of friends and family got together to surprise me on my 35th birthday. The night began with dinner at Lavelle’s followed by champagne and cake at my friend, Heather’s house. Heather, Megan and Betty did such a wonderful job decorating and putting together the party - they are so thoughtful and I feel fortunate to have such great friends.

Two weeks ago, a group of 16 of us hit the road to float the Gulkana. It was a wonderful trip that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an adventure that doesn’t require being an avid outdoors person. Immediately upon returning from Gulkana, Yuri showered, kissed Rory hello and goodbye and headed to his grandparent’s cabin at Healy Lake for a guy trip.

All in all, it has been a fun filled summer. Enjoy the pictures.

Rory hangs out with her second cousin Barbara Gelvin who was in town for a month this summer. Rory took a liking to Barbara, who happens to be a natural with babies!

Syd about to blow out her birthday candles on the yummy strawberry cake that Betty (holding the cake) made while Megan Burks watches on.

Jesse Warwick getting a kick out of feeding the messy baby. This is the one and only time Jesse will do this as he prefers to not be involved in the "gross" parts of child rearing, and let me assure you, feeding Rory is gross. He has yet to change a diaper.

John Sadler holding his daughter Sandy at Megan Burk's birthday party. John and Sydney grew up together on Riverview Drive, so it's pretty special that Sandy and Rory were born just 5 days apart.

Rory and her dad passed out.

This wonderful picture was taken by our good friend Bill Bailey (yes, he is a professional photographer). This is the gang on day two of the Gulkana trip. Yuri and I win the contest for best hair (ugh). From left to right (back) - Yuri, Sydney, Melissa, Trish, Mary, Elenor, Josh Burks, Scotty Husband, Rodger and Megan Burks, and Bill Bailey - From left to right (front) - Bonnie (Megan's mom), Heather Husband, Betty & Bruce Tangeman (making out) and Meadow Bailey.

Bill Bailey holding Rodger Burks in the boat while Yuri checks out his surroundings and Josh waives to his adoring fans. This ragtag group had just gotten off the rock in the middle of the falls.

The Healy Lake gang - Paul Kirsteatter, who lives at Healy Lake, is driving the boat. His passengers from left to right are: Yuri's grandpa, Bud Anderson, Leon Morgan (Yuri's brother), Kirill Maurits (Yuri's brother in-law), and Glen Anderson (uncle).

Rory is scooting around well and rolling over all the time but is not yet crawling. She much prefers to be on her feet so we suspect that walking will come immediately after she decides to crawl.