Boys on the trail, growing up wild...

I often wonder what my boys will think of growing up in Alaska. They will no doubt see things most people only dream about and do things many people make into a "once in a lifetime" experience. Like moose hunting and King Salmon fishing or watching the Iditarod and Northern Lights, things that they will do every year here . They will also see the influx of climbers that venture here to take on Denali and maybe even want to do it themselves someday... Who knows what they will find on the mountains, trails and rivers of Alaska the adventures they will have. I can only hope they will be prepared and use their heads. I have a feeling they will enjoy the abundant wildlife and nature out their own backdoor and realize how lucky we are to have it.

Today we went for a walk at Fish Lake, the sun was out and the fresh snow was fluffy. I decided to neglect the dishes and laundry for some quality time with my boys, what's more important a clean sink or enjoying the sun and snow with my two little boys who will all too soon be men? No question and I think it's worth it...

Baby Laughs

He's 1 now and already laughing at me when I say "no" that can't be good!?

What to do at -30 below...

The yearly cold snap is lasting a little longer than it has in the past few years. Every January since we have been up here it hits around -30 below for about a week. Pipes freeze, cars don't start and it's too cold to do much outside. We are now in our second week of it and everyone is going to have "cabin fever" soon. Last year the freeze came on my due date and the car wouldn't start, luckily we were home with him the day before. I guess he knew he needed to come a little early because the hospital is 75 miles away. Needless to say homebirths are not real popular up here. We do have a medical clinic but they won't deliver babies, I guess they probably would if they had too... On my "town" trip a few days ago to make some Christmas returns it got down to -39 below around Willow, bbrrr... Town is 70 miles away, Wasilla, Anchorage is another 30 or so from there and I avoid that trip unless necessary. The closest stop lights to us are 60 miles to the South and 250 miles to the North (the new ones at Denali hardly count, they are only on for 3 months a year). So the term "town" here is relative to what part of the boonies your in. True Talkeetna is a town too but it is usually referred to as a community or village due to it's size, limited services and small year round population of around 800 or so. It would be nice if it would warm up a little so I can get back on my "dog-sled", I can handle a few degrees below zero but that's about it, it's also been windy which makes it even colder out. This weekend should be a fun one, we are having a full moon bonfire and birthday party for our littlest man. We're constructing an igloo/snow-fort in the yard for it which the kids are going to love. It's always nice to have friends over, food, kids and dogs everywhere, enjoying a big fire and a full moon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAWK!