Winding down another winter

Though we haven't taken as many trips this season as we have in years past, we've been just as busy nonetheless.  Malcolm and Chloe are fully immersed in the lives of active kids, flitting between multiple school-based clubs, competitions and workshops, as well as gymnastics for Chloe and Boy Scouts for Malcolm.  And with Malcolm set to move on to middle school and Calvin poised to start kindergarten in the fall, we'll only find ourselves with ever more on our already full plates.


Still, we find time to get out and have fun.  If you're not outside enjoying winter in Alaska, you ought to consider moving south.  With 7 months of cold and snow, the only thing to do is embrace it and make the most of the season.  We've made several trips up to Hatcher Pass, which is only a thirty minute drive from us.  Sledding and snowboarding on those big hills is a blast, and we plan on buying snowshoes and cross country skis one of these days, too.  In fact, we managed to borrow 5 sets of snowshoes from the kids' school for Spring Break (never mind that Spring Break in Alaska doesn't mean it's not still below freezing), and took a quick hike today in the marsh near our house.

Chloe has joined Malcolm by participating in her first science fair this year, and she had a great time.  Both kids have been involved in a lot of school activities this year, from band for Malcolm (trumpet and hand bells) to choir for Chloe, plus various math, reading and science groups.  Malcolm has also been part of a few district-wide academic competitions, and placed 4th, 3rd and 2nd for contests in reading and speech.

As the kids grow, however, it's become clear that we need a bigger house, with space for each of them to have their own rooms (the boys currently share a bedroom).  We've started the long, slow process of looking for a new house, and hope to find a home closer to Palmer, though we don't expect to be moving any time soon.

Later this summer, we'll be flying to Hawaii to meet Brandon's brother Ryan and his wife Heather, plus their boys Jack and Bradley.  We're all incredibly excited, and can't wait to get all the kids together and watch them play in the waves.  We also plan on taking at least one camping trip as a family this summer, plus another with just Brandon and Stephanie on the motorcycle.  Of course, all these adventures promise good photo opportunities, so we'll be sure to take plenty of pictures.

Until next time...  ♥