Fun with 2 daughters

We have been taking several hikes and family outings, designed to appreciate the beautiful scenery that we will soon be leaving. We will miss Alaska and all of our friends but we are excited to move home by family too.

Isabel has become a new fan of the playground.On our hike on the Triple Lakes Trail, Isabel learned the art of throwing rocks into the water.

View from the Triple Lakes Trail.

McKinley Station Trail.

Rock Creek Trail.

Family of four self portrait.

Daddy and Brianna show off their similar hair dos.

Isabel looking as cute as can be. No doubt watching her favorite movie, Elmo sings kids favorite songs.

Our hikes have slowed considerably when we allow Isabel to walk. She could care less when we walk way ahead, she'll even lie down on the ground! This bridge took over an hour to walk across with Miss Isabel setting the pace.

Big sister has become a little helper, throwing away diapers, putting Brie's nuk back in, and pushing her in the stroller.

A family walk by the mighty Nenana River.

Week 2 with baby Brianna

Brianna's first time going to church. The girls are dressed in their Sunday best.

Brianna is hungry and finds Isabel's finger, which first surprised, and then amused Isabel.

Isabel tries her hat on daddy.

Having 2 little kids can be exhausting!

The girls all enjoying a little couch time.

A moose kneeling down to get some good grass.

Brianna fesh from her first real bath.

We had our first cook-out of the year with the Smiths.

Jaime's mom Joanne always makes sure Isabel is well fed.

Brianna enjoyed her very first cook-out, even though she doesn't get to sample the food yet.

Bell and Brie comparison at approximately the same age. Bell left and Brie right. It's hard to believe Bell used to be a dark haired, tan skinned little girl, to look at her now.

Family of Four + dog

Isabel now has another playmate in the house; Cleo seems to be adjusting well and Isabel hasn't totally forgotten her.

Isabel loves giving her little sister hugs and kisses; as well as poking her in the face.

We have noticed however that Isabel seems a little more whiny and quick to tears.

It is getting more difficult to take photos of Isabel as she wants the camera ever time we take it out.

Brianna Arrives

Brianna Irene made a dramatic appearance at 3:56 pm on Thursday May 6th. She weighed 7 # 11 oz., a mere 1 oz. smaller than her sister Isabel. She was 19 1/4" in length. Isabel is warming up to her new baby sister well.

Grandma Priscilla flew in to meet Brianna on Friday. Grandma has been a great help while we get used to the new family dynamics.

Brianna looks a lot like her mother (Brianna is the one on the left).

We're still here, just haven't been taking pictures!

In case our followers have given up on us......we're still here, but haven't had the camera out much lately. We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Brianna due any day now. We're also busy planning the big move to Minnesota!

Our now weekly Dr visits have us in Fairbanks often, and Creamer's Field has become a mandatory stop. It's a great place to look for migratory birds and summer residents. We found a nest of baby Redpolls near this spot.

Isabel stands in front of flocks of Canada Geese. There are also mallards, pintails, wigeons, Sandhill Cranes, Swans, and Greater White-Fronted Geese. Isabel loves to look at them in her field guide and then see them in person. She points at the picture and then points at the field. It's adorable.

Isabel tries on her X-tra Tuffs. They are still too big. Bummer because she's loving the mud puddles.

Daddy/daughter evening story hour.

3 more weeks until Isabel is a big sister!

Our family is getting pretty anxious for the arrival of little Brianna. Just 3 more weeks, or maybe less since the little girl decided to do a flip and she is now heads up. In spite of eating every sweet I can outrun, I managed to somehow lose weight 2 weeks in a row. My nausea and heartburn are keeping my eating in check.

I'm not a fan of pregnant photos of myself, but I suppose I would regret it if I didn't have any so....

Here's another one.

Isabel can't get enough of her Easter hat, and neither can we!

Little fashion plate.

Jaime and baby Jadon come for a visit. Isabel loves him and can't wait to be a helpful big sister. When we visit Jaime, Isabel hands Jaime diapers and burp cloths for Jadon, and she even hands her his pacifier rather than stealing it for herself.