The Obnoxiously Long Blog

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!

Sydney Turns 40

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!  

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.

Kiddo Birthday Parties
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.

 Massie, Rory and their dad enjoying the four-wheeler.

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.

Rory getting a feel for Granddad's bike.

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.

It's always nice to come home...

Summer is in full swing!  There have been lots of happenings to share so here we go...

Mother's Day

While the women were sipping on champagne on Mother's Day the men were cooking the brunch of all time!  This picture leaves a lot to be desired but it shows all the men in the kitchen at once - L to R: Steve, Yuri, Dad and Jesse (running from the camera).

Rory's Preschool Graduation
Yuri and I were out of town for Rory's preschool graduation but fortunately for her there were lots of grandparents in the audience. 

Rory and her Grandma Linda.

Rory and Massie with Grandma Karen who flew into town to spend time with the kiddos.  Conveniently missing from the picture is Grandpa Sid.

And finally, Rory with Grandad Andy.  Grandma Judy was on her way to Turkey so she also missed the celebration.

Europe - Stop #1 Prague

Yuri and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary on June 12th (I have a feeling that by the time this is posted this sentence should have been in the past tense); to celebrate we hopped on a plane and flew to Europe.  Our first stop was Prague! 

The city is fabulous.  There is no doubt in my mind that once word gets out how special this city is it will be overrun by visitors.  Book your ticket now!

Below is a picture of Martin, Yuri and me shortly after landing.  Martin calls Prague home and showed us the sights and sounds of the town.

Here are Yuri and Martin at my favorite little cafe in Prague.  Because Martin is a regular they took quite good care of us.  

Martin got us an invitation to join a group of local Prague hob-nobbers on the Vltava River for a boat cruise. Unlike our experience with the locals we met on the streets and in the shops, most of the attendees didn't speak English.  Luckily a fun young couple (he was from the UK and she was raised in Prague) sat with us. We had a wonderful time drinking champagne and getting to know them; we were having such fun that we were among the last to leave the boat.  It turned out that the boat party was held to allow for the Bishop to bless the vessel.  It was a pretty neat experience and we will always have fond memories of the fun people we met and the wacky but interesting night.

One evening Martin brought us down to the river walk to take in the nightlife.  There were hundreds of people just milling about, having picnics or just drinking copious amounts of alcohol.  It was a pretty magical setting.  Martin's friend, Michael and his girlfriend (pictured below) also joined us.  

Side trip - Kutna Hora
Yuri and I took a day trip from Prague to a little town called Kunta Hora.  There we visited the bone church which displays the of approximately 40,000 people as decoration.  It may seem creepy but I think I like the idea of my bones being used as art once my soul leaves this planet.

The town of Kunta Hora is a quaint town with unlimited, untapped potential.  At one time the city was more populated than Prague but has since become a virtual ghost town.  While visiting we went underground on the silver mine tour - Yuri loved it; however, I nearly had a panic attack.  Who knew I would have an issue with being in an underground maze, not much wider than my hips, in a country that doesn't have OSHA regulations.  I should have also mentioned that we went on this tour the day after the mines collapsed in Turkey.  Needless to say - I couldn't get out fast enough.

Side Trip - Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krulov is one of the most beautiful and magical places on this earth.  We now know where Walt Disney visited to come up with the European Towns in his Disney properties.  Breathtaking.  

Sitting on the bank of the river at a great little vegetarian joint.

This isn't a picture from Google...we took this!  This is how amazingly quaint this town is.

This is my favorite picture of the trip.  Relaxing while leaning on my hubby and taking in the sites.  What a beautiful day.

Stop #2 - Vienna

We took a train from Prague to Vienna and were pleasantly surprised when we emerged into the city center from the underground station.  The town is vibrant with a historic charm that was unexpected.  There are chic Europeans everywhere - shopping, sipping on coffee and milling about.   Yuri talked me into being the kind of tourist I'm generally not a fan of...those on bus tours.  But, I got over my embarrassment and hopped on the bus with him. 

The only negative thing I can say about Vienna is that their cuisine is definitely meat centric.  One restaurant we ended up at only had two options on the menu that weren't meat: french fries and deep fried mushrooms. Luckily, I enjoy fries and mushrooms and I certainly enjoyed the chocolate that could be found on every street corner.

Stop #3 - Paris

Last stop of our trip found us in Paris.  This was the most anticipated leg of the trip for me and it didn't disappoint!  Fresh off the plane, here we are on the Pont Neuf  or 'new bridge' which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris.

And yet another selfie in the gardens at Versailles.

Yuri and I like to travel differently.  He is a "ball of yarn" tourist - the kind that need to see all the 'spots' featured in travel books.  I am a "when in Rome" tourist - I just want to get lost in the city; eat the food, drink the wine and wander the streets.  Our second day in Paris was dubbed the Landmark Day - we went to all the sites.  Obviously we got a shot with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Before arriving in Paris I had envisioned us sitting in sidewalk cafes, sipping on coffee (or champagne) and munching on croissants; this is exactly what we did!  Below is a picture of Yuri and I at one of the cafe's in the neighborhood we stayed in.

While the Parents are Away...

The girls got to stay with all three sets of grandparents while we were overseas.  It appears that Uncle Jesse also hung out with them a bit.  Below is a picture he sent me with Rory posing in front of a mini Harley...so cute.

Rory and Massie with Grandad Andy on the river.

Returning Home
Rory's Dance Recital

We were fortunate enough to get home in time for Rory's dance recital.  She was an amazing performer - she remembered all the moves (even when those around her froze) and most importantly enjoyed her time on stage.  

Here is Rory with her friends, Emma and Angelina.  They certainly are cute little ballerinas.

WWWW Fun - Lisa turns 50

Also immediately after returning home I was able to attend Lisa Sundborg's 50th birthday party (the first of two parties).  Her daughter, Jacyn, gave a roast that included not only the guest of honor but also those of us in attendance.  We had a great time celebrating all that is Lisa!!

Massie's Minion Birthday Party

Little Massie Morgan is three - how is this possible?  As much as I don't want her to get older the fact is that she is...so, we had a party.

Massie on the morning of her birthday party with two of her "despicable me" themed party gifts - an "it's so fluffy!" unicorn and a fart ray gun.  Believe me, I've since regretted the last purchase.

The kiddos posing with the minion pinata before he got bashed in and gutted.

The big kids finding shade on a hot day.

The bigger kids finding shade...

If you haven't seen despicable me I can't help explain the next two pictures.

Summer Sports

Rory's summer has been spent trying out new sports.  Unfortunately Massie is still too young to partake in any of them so she has to watch from afar and doesn't appreciate it too much.  Below is Rory at a "try tennis" event with her good friend Gelissa.

Yuri signed Rory up for Tee Ball and he wasn't too happy with me when she showed up on the field with a pink mitt.  In my defense it was a good quality leather version.  Needless-to-say the next time she hit the diamond Yuri equipped her with a gender neutral version.

Flash dance meets roller derby.

What a great picture of a father teaching his daughter to ride a bike without training wheels.  I wish I could say that she picked it right up but let's just say that they are still working on the skills necessary to take it to the big league.

Kiddo Summer Fun
Rory and Massie playing dress up with their cousin Estelle.

Sassy Massie in a poncho.  Paying homage to Yuri's roots.

Big kids in the big pool - clockwise from the bottom: Rory, Bruce, Estelle and neighbor friend, Symone.

Cutest dirty/grubby face you'll ever see.

Little kiddos in the little pool.  Clockwise from bottom left: Massie, Estelle, Marianne and Ari.

Yuri and his girls on the pond.  Look across the lake at the trees in the far left of the picture.  If all goes well our new home will replace those trees at some point in the next few years.

And cousin Estelle joins the fun...

Next up...more summer fun!