Christmas in Anchorage

New apron made by Grandma & headlamp from friend Aris.

Favorite froggy scarf.

Reading new books from Bonne Maman & Grandpa

Pillow Pet from Santa

snowy

Snow Hombre

Toolik - too little, too late

Since my research is about changing seasonality, and also because I failed to post summer pics, I'm going to post some pics from summer, fall, and winter up here. Stories to go along with them may be supplied later.

The haul road, of Ice Road Truckin' fame

Chandalar shelf, two seasons

Two things that go buzz on the tooondra
The view from camp
And some of the team at work (or contemplating it) yesterday

Unfortunately things that have been sighted but not photo recorded (well) are: foxes, a wolf, birds (lots and lots), and northern lights. But I have an excellent collection of photos of water, moving and otherwise.

Harper Ann Turns Four!

Harper blowing out the candles surrounded by friends eagerly awaiting the sugar buzz! Now that Harper is four she has in formed her father that she is four and can now "make her own ideas" (that are often contrary to what is asked of her).
My favorite picture: Here's the "Four Musketeers" (Harper's core gang of trouble makers). From the left: Greta, Brooke (on the phone), the birthday girl (pointing to her special cupcake that had about 1 1/2 cups of chocolate frosting on it), and Aris.
The Frog Cake. Jess hopes Harper will be on to something new by the time she turns five. Frog cupcakes, Frog rice crispie treats, Frog cakes...what is left?!
The present - an easel with a chalkboard on one side and whiteboard on the other. Harper has learned (in a matter of days) to write her name. She is obsessed with writing now and carries a little whiteboard and pen with her everywhere to write.
Overall, the birthday was a success. We tried to keep it low key with a simple party and no gifts. Somehow we ended up with three birthday celebrations throughout the week, a party with 20-25 kids, 7 pizzas/3 tubs of ice cream/frog cake, and a load of gifts for the girl. Maybe next year.

while we wait for Malcolm's Alaska photos ...

guess what this is:

Birthday Days

We had a wonderful long weekend in Orwell, celebrating Julie's 21st birthday and lolling about in or near the pond.

There were opportunities to learn new summer sports, like log-rolling, and opportunities not to avail oneself of these opportunities.

We were on the lookout for leeches but didn't find any, alas; fortunately, there were other things aquatic to ponder.

Anne enjoyed spending quiet time with Lily.

Julie and Tim had brought back a bag of goodies from the Low Country.

The yummiest birthday meal ever.

It was sad to say goodbye and come back to the city.

And best of luck with the North Slope skeeters, Malcolm; please post photos, lots of 'em.

wish you were here

Out to the beach before it gets too hot.

Not many people here.

We suspect that it might be because of the sea monsters.  Here is a skeleton.

By 10 a.m. it is too hot to be on the beach, so we retreat to watch World Cup games.  The only thing wrong is that all of you aren't here -- just isn't the same!

Next Year in New Orleans

this is a test.

Hoppy Easter!

Brooke & Joel stayed the night on Easter Eve so the gals got to wake up to easter baskets and an (indoor) egg hunt. Nothing beats jellybeans before breakfast!

1 oz is a lot of chocolate when you're three. Harper immediately noted her chocolate bunny was bigger than Brooke's.

Frogs!

Parental guidance suggested.

Iditarod!

Here's Harper giving Lance Mackey, Alaska's defending Iditarod champion, a high five and good juju for the 1,100 mile race to Nome. Mackey is seeking his fourth consecutive win -- Go Mackey!

Harper also gave some good luck to Sebastian Schnuelle who was the 2nd place finisher last year.

Rocking out

Harper dancing to the Raconteurs ... she digs Jack White

Puako pics

Harper loves her goggles and is quite the waterbug

I think this same turtle came out every evening for our sundowners

Notice the beached whale in the background

Joel teaching the girls to hang ten

Everything Harper and Brooke own must match

Aloha!

View From the Porch

Sam, counting on you for the scientific name of this.

Perhaps it's time for some photos of balmier climes, say, from the 50th state, or even the 49th.