Summer Out, Winter In and a Couple More Birthdays

Here we are, and it's already November.  Malcolm's 11th birthday, as a matter of fact.  As Hagrid would say, "It's not everyday yer young man turns eleven, now, is it?"  Chloe enjoyed a birthday as well, turning 8 on August 31st.  And Malcolm will be starting middle school next year, while Calvin will be entering kindergarten.  Our kids are officially growing up too fast now.

We spent a sunny day at the state fair again this year, along with the Live Steamers' new railroad, and even managed to get up to Hatcher Pass for a picnic and a day of blueberry picking, yielding several pounds.  Malcolm and Brandon went on an overnight hike along nine miles of the Crow Pass Trail, which is also the original leg of the historic Iditarod Trail.  Unfortunately, we didn't know about the recent moose kill a grizzly decided to plant in the middle of the trail until we stumbled upon it - Malcolm stayed calm, though, and we continued on a bit before stopping for the night.  We saw a black bear from a distance, but luckily avoided the grizzly.  

We've also added to our family of sorts, buying five laying hen chicks, and Brandon built an open run and insulated/heated coop.  They've grown quickly, and the kids love them.  They eat a mixture of bulk feed and bird seed, plus all the green waste from the kitchen (and whatever bugs they find outside, since they're cage-free) and they've already started laying their first small eggs.  We also welcomed a rabbit ("Bun Bun") for Chloe, and a ball python ("Slither") for Malcolm.  Both are very sweet, and really seem to enjoy the kids' company.

Stephanie and Brandon treated themselves to a date recently, taking advantage of the last dry, sunny weekend to get out and ride the motorcycle.  Some people looked at us like we were crazy, riding around in 20+° weather, but there's no shortage of dull people in the world.  Besides, there were others who waved or smiled, or chatted us up while we ate lunch and saw a movie (Cloud Atlas).  And of course, all our protective gear (which is also waterproof) kept us quite warm.  And after years in storage in our shed, our ridiculous beer bottle collection has finally come back out, and is now proudly displayed along nearly every available wall space in the house.  It makes for an interesting conversation starter, to say the least.

In all, life is very good.  Chloe loves going to gymnastics thrice weekly, and has become very good at it.  She also sings in the school choir.  Malcolm plays trumpet in the school band, as well as hand bells, and will soon be advancing from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout.  He also belongs to the school news crew, producing radio and video vignettes for the students.  Calvin can't wait to start kindergarten next year, and come home on the bus with his sister.  The kids are all ready for winter, and though we've had a light dusting of snow, there's nothing left on the ground.  They're excited for it to really start snowing, naturally.

We'll be sure to post again when we've got lots of winter photos.  Until then, take care.  :)

♥