May

May has been a crazy month around here. We got not one, but TWO late snowstorms, which got us off to a strange start. But the end of May has brought some gorgeous sunshine, and we're looking forward to a great summer! Here are some of our memorable moments from May.

Each month seems to need at least one picture of Claire just being her cute self. Here she is wearing my tall boots.

 Here is Parker helping Claire get her coat on to play outside. She's still wearing my boots, apparently. Parker is such a great brother - he and Claire are great little buddies.

 Ah, the month of May in Alaska. Snow and sidewalk chalk.

 Here's a little moose that made its way into the neighbor's yard. Moose in the neighborhoods are not uncommon around here, but it really never gets old.

 Claire modeling her new romper. And a Star Wars helmet.

 And just the romper. Can't wait for her to wear this when it finally gets warm!

 Playing and creating over at the art station in our living room.

 Gorgeous sunset. It's May 26th as I'm writing this, and now the sun has not set at midnight when we go to bed. But this was a beautiful sunset mid-May, when we were still awake to see the sun set.

 Here's Parker getting ready to leave for his first tee-ball game.

 And here's his first at-bat.

 Yesterday we took a walk/bike ride down by the creek. One of my favorite things about Anchorage is how there are lakes, creeks, and trails that run through the neighborhoods. We have this great trail right by our house, and it's perfect for running, walking, and bike riding. The kids and I were so happy to finally have some sunshine!

 Claire and I basking on the front porch.

 Silly sisters!

 The kids played hide-and-go-seek in our front yard for almost an hour. Do you see Claire?

Next stop, San Diego!

Space Camp

Kenley's Girl Scout troop had the opportunity to go to a Space Center for a weekend trip this year. I guess the families of the astronauts killed in the Challenger explosion fund these Space Centers all over the country that teach kids about astronomy, rocketry, space, etc. It was such a cool experience. I was able to go with them for the weekend as a chaperone, and we had a great time together! The first picture is our pit stop halfway through the drive. Luckily it's not still that snowy where we live!

Here's Kenley doing some crafting.

In the afternoon on Saturday, the younger Girl Scouts took a Rocketry class. They learned all about the history of space shuttles and rockets, and then they were able to make their own paper rockets and launch them outside.

Here are the dorms where we stayed. Pretty cool. And comfy. However, next time I go on a weekend Girl Scout experience I will NOT forget earplugs!

On Saturday night we went to the "beach" and walked by the water and collected shells and rocks. Here's me and my sweet girl. She is getting so big, and I love sharing these cool experiences with her!

Crazy 5K Day!

Today we ran the craziest 5K ever. Marci and I were signed up for the 5K, and James and Eric and all 6 kids were doing the 2K. Sounds fun enough.... So we wake up on May 4th and it is snowing. For reals.

This was the view from our front window. :(

The elementary school where the race started.

Luckily my kids are turning into true Alaskans, and didn't even mention the cold and the snow. It didn't even enter their minds that we might not still run the race. So we all bundled up in warm running gear, snow gear, and some Star Wars costumes and headed to the starting line!

I was so glad we did it. The kids had a great time - no whining about the weather at all. And look how proud they are with their medals!

Four pairs of muddy, wet running shoes. Can't get better than that! Love including my family in my favorite hobby!