Working on our Alaska land

In spite of our opposite work schedules, we are making some progress on the land. This was the one day we had off together since mid May, and it happened to be on our 11th anniversary of being together. We went to our land to enjoy the sun.

Our driveway is in, and our shallow foundation is dug, and here we spread out our fabric and are spreading crushed rock for the foundation base.

While we work, Isabel often spends time in her pack and play. A girl has to be resourceful when it comes to protecting herself from Alaska's many large critters.

Front yard adventures.

Isabel loves exploring the outdoors, even on the grass. We're enjoying an unusual summer with many sunny and warm days.

Bell is getting stronger every day and taking steps, but she still needs a little support.

Cleo is very relaxed about having baby Bell around and enjoys being petted and tugged on by her.

Just cute indoor photos of Bell from July 2009

Isabel getting ready for bed (July 19). As you can see she is rarely sleepy at bedtime.

Mommy has stopped waiting for special occasions to put dresses on Isabel. Every day is special and she looks so cute in dresses.

Isabel has discovered the wonderful world of finger foods!

Another pretty dress.

Another adorable bedtime shot. It makes me want to go wake her from her nap right now and squeeze her!

More summer photos

Isabel enjoys a campfire on Jaime's lap.Jenny's favorite moments of summer 2009 are coming home to Isabel after work.

For Summer Solstice this year, Isabel and Jenny rode with Scott out to Wonder Lake where he was stationed for a few days. Since we have no days off together this summer, we have had to find alternative methods of spending time together. This photo taken at the Wonder Lake Ranger Station is dedicated to Jeff C. who is terribly missed by all. We wouldn't don these ugly hats for just anyone!

Isabel was very happy to spend time with mom and dad together!

We stopped by the East Fork Cabin on the way.

Another Monday Play Date

We went over to Colin, Karen and Jake's house, and hiked from there.

Jake was eager to show Isabel just how all of his toys worked.

Colin barbecued while Jake did a bit of yard work.

Isabel opens a big package from Grandma Priscilla.

Hiking

Isabel and mom hike the Rock Creek Trail by our house.

On Mondays Isabel and I have started having a hiking/play group with Karen and Jake. On this particular Monday we hiked up toward Montana Creek by the canyon just outside the park so we could bring the dogs.

Jake likes to get out and walk on his own when he can, and Isabel seems to wish she could too. Our dogs are getting older so they are staying nice and close for a change. Sisu and Cleo will be 10 on Halloween! Lucy and Cora are 11 and 13.

A view from the trail.

Just before Isabel fell asleep.

More Yard Critters

These moose photos were taken the same day as the last ones I posted, but this was after they came even closer! The cow brushed by our living room window.

I opened the back door to find the calf right there!

A pair of Great Horned Owls nested in the vicinity of our home, in late February. We heard them for months. In mid June the 3 owlets fledged.

When we got home one night this one was perched right outside my truck door. I got out on the other side to avoid disturbing it. One of the parents was uttering several low and deliberate whos.