anyone know an eye doctor?

Thomas INSISTED on having me put a "banden" (bandaide) on his eye. I tried explaining to him that it wasn't a good idea, but ya know sometimes it's just best to learn these lessons yourself:) Gramps, this one's for you!

for you, mom

My mom requests a picture of each of her grandkids by their bus each year. This picture then hangs on her fridge for an entire year! Here you go mom.....:) Ella sat in the 3rd seat and saw me waiting with the camera. She shook her head and mouthed "No!" quite clearly. I think I'm officially beginning to embarrass her! I blamed it all on grandma:)

kids tri

The girls participated in the Eagle River kids triathalon today. They each did such a great job and I was so very proud of them! It was fun to cheer them on & see their gigantic smiles as they heard the encouragement. Kathryn & Kathleen DuHadway also completed the triathalon. What a fun day!

Tanaina here we come!

Back to School!!!! Today was the day. I just LOVE the first day of school. The energy, the excitement, all the brand new supplies, and squeaky clean shoes! Love it. Every year fills me with memories...of going to school myself, first at Dalton, a tiny rural school and then the big 3rd grade move into school in "town." Riding the bus, afterschool snacks, snoopy book bag, & my conversation with mom after walking in the door every day after school.... Mom would ask, "What did you do at school today?" To which I would ALWAYS answer, "Nothing." I would share snipits about my day throughout the evening, but always in my own timing. Hmm....I think I'm raising a girl who does this EXACT same thing!!
I love the first day school photos of my kids. They always wear a nervous smile & this year was no different. I think this just may be my last year of getting away with taking Ella's photo in her class though. She was embarrassed and her teacher had begun giving directions so she gave me a "ok, cut the cord already, lady!" look.....
Nothing eases the nerves like a brother to love on!:) Ella is in fourth grade.
Claire is in second grade.

Good thing her backpack won't always be this full...It was twice as thick as she is!!!!

rollin'

Rollerblades were the summer activity finale for the girls. Both purchased them with their own money and have had a ton of fun with them already. We completely depleted our supply of sidewalk chalk making roads to "drive" on. The roads were named (Minnesota Ridge, Yellowstone Highway, & Friends Freeway) and were complete with stop signs, traffic lights and encouraging notes. Thomas has mastered the pedals on his new trike from Gr'pa Richard & Gr'ma JoAnne and has been riding it with delight!

missing sister

Owen ate supper on a plate one night this week that had the girls' faces on it. Claire was gone for the evening and Owen clearly missed her. He'd point at her face, make a strange little sound and lay his head down on the plate as if to hug her! Precious.

a little girl's garden

Claire picked a bouquet of flowers from her own garden tonight...just makes me smile:) She's on a date with her daddy right now. I can't help but think that one day she'll be going on dates and someone may be bringing HER flowers. Yikes.

harvest

Easter in August

We've celebrated Easter with the Ryan's almost every year since we've lived in Alaska. This year, it didn't happen. So....we had Easter in August, complete with an egg hunt for the kids! (I actually found jellybeans still in the cupboard!) A traditional ham dinner....or pizza iron sandwiches in the gazebo with smores? It was fun to break tradition this year! After all, every day is reason to celebrate that "Jesus is alive!" right?