Hello all. As usual, it's been too long since the last entry, but inevitably life's little details keep preventing it from being updated much more often, sorry. Summer is officially here (it arrives a little later 'round these parts), and we're loving every bit of it. Last weekend was downright hot in the mid-70s. Mercifully, it's cooled off again to the 60s. :)
Chloe and Malcolm are as wonderful as ever. They're both in their new preschool now, and have really become a favorite with the teachers and other kids. Every day someone is remarking how polite, smart and creative they are, and who are we to argue? They've been spending every possible moment outside lately, especially on the weekends. The sun doesn't set till well past bedtime now, and the sky glows till the early hours of the morning. Darkness only lasts a couple hours before 5am, so we get to enjoy twice the Summer.
Next weekend will mark our camping season. We still don't have a canoe yet, which we hope to remedy by next year, but we still have plans to visit some great campgrounds, trails and lakes. Brandon's long-standing dream of owning a sailboat may not be as far off as previously thought, now that we've discovered the Alaska Sailing Club, just a few minutes away on the shore of Big Lake. Brandon plans to begin sailing classes there next year, and we'll all start using the club's sailboats, picnic areas, beach and campground. One of these days we hope to have a cruising sailboat in Seward, about 2 1/2 hours south, at the mouth of Resurrection Bay. Despite what you may see on Deadliest Catch, Alaska is actually great for sailing.
Malcolm starts kindergarten this Fall at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, about a mile down the road. We're both excited and a little wistful that he's growing up so fast. Naturally, he can't wait to go to the "big kids" school. Chloe will turn 3 about the same time, and they'll still be at preschool together before and after kindergarten.
Stephanie is pounding the pavement for a new and improved job, and has had several interviews so far. It won't be long before she's snatched up somewhere, and once she's in a new position, we'll start working on baby #3!
Brandon was lucky enough recently to see his brother, Ryan, and sister-in-law, Heather, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The boys had the difficult task of watching movies, playing video games and telling rude jokes. It was the perfect vacation. We'll also be flying down to San Francisco in October to visit Stephanie's parents, Barbara and Joe. While there, we'll show the kids around the City by the Bay and take them to Monterey Bay Aquarium. We'll also have a chance to see our old Lower 48 friends, culminating in a rowdy party called Baytoberfest (only click the link if you're not easily offended). We're really looking forward to the whole trip.
Otherwise, it's fun in the sun these days. The weather's warm, next winter's firewood is already stacking up, the grass is green and we're loving life. We miss everyone down there, and we hope you're enjoying your Summer as much as we are. Take good care.
Love always,
Chloe, Malcolm, Stephanie and Brandon
