"Grease"

Just got to brag a little on Brandon.......clear back in November he comes home from school and tells me he is going over to Kenai and I thought he was probably going to see a movie with friends and when I asked what he was going to do he ever so casually tells me he is going to try out for a part in a community play. He told me a teacher from school was in charge and the play was "Grease". I thought it was really awesome for him. I had no idea he was interested in theater type stuff. He did his tryout and got a part in the play as a Rydell High School singer and dancer and he was so excited and Gregg and I were so proud!! I was a little concerned because he had just had major surgery on his shoulder in October, but here we are a couple of months later and many hours of rehearsal, hard work and dedication under his belt. Gregg, Brady, Grandma Jones and I went to watch Brandon on opening night and he did AWESOME!!! I couldn't believe that was Brandon up there on stage singing and dancing and having the time of his life!! He had a great dance partner and they were a hit!! I think you can tell by the pictures that it was a fun community event, lots of talented people!!
Gregg and I went to see the dress rehearsal the night before the official opening and Brandon was hoping I would take my camera to get some pictures on opening night. I was a little nervous about taking photos in low light with no flash. I figured all I would get was a bunch of blurry pictures but after a little practice and trial and error I got it "dialed" in and was able to get some fun shots of Brandon and Marquee, his dance partner.

Munching Moose

I spent the day cleaning an army of angry dust bunnies from behind the
fridge and under the stove and vacuumed the dead bugs out of all the lights
and then Brady says " Hey Mom, there's a little moose out in the front
yard." So I grabbed my camera and big lens and went out on the front porch
thinking he was back in the trees a bit and I took most of these pictures with the
moose being about 20 ft. away and as close as about 8 ft. I was on the
porch and he just started right for me walking real slow and not bothered at
all that I was out there. Talk about being at one with nature, totally
staring into this little guys eyes was amazing!! He never once showed any
aggressive behavior and I could have jumped inside at anytime but choose to
stay and take his picture as long as he would stay. He was way to close for
my big lens. I almost needed a different one on my camera but I had no clue he was going to stroll on over so close. The squirrels were out running around today too but
they were too ADHD to take their picture, just wouldn't hold still!!

Happy New Year and T-200

We have rolled right into the new year and I didn't even post anything so here is my New Year post......Happy New Year and bring on 2010!! January brings a new year and usually very cold temperatures. This year it is cold but we have avoided "very" cold I think? January also brings dog mushers and their canine athletes to the Kenai Peninsula for the T-200 race or the Tustumena 200. The kids have had the opportunity to help at the race since moving to Alaska with their Boy Scout troop. So Gregg and I have always tried to attend the start on race day. It has always been memorably COLD!! In 2007 I think the temps at the start was -17. I was going through some old photos from past races we attended and thought I would post a few for old times. I think I will enjoy being inside my warm home on race day this year or not. We'll have to see. Not all canines enjoy the cold and I think driving in general has gone to the dogs or at least some of them. Go T-200 racers and furry friends!!

Our New Eagle

Just wanted to recognize our family's newest Eagle Scout. Brandon has worked hard and been helped along the way by some great leaders here in Alaska and in Utah where he started in the Scouting program. We are very proud of Dustin, our oldest son, for starting a great tradition for his brothers to follow and we're very proud of Daniel, Brady and now Brandon for the dedication and hard work to make it 4 for 4. Gregg and I are very proud of our sons and loved having 2 of Brandon's older brothers in attendance at his Court of Honor on Dec. 16, 2009. Brandon's big brother Dustin is active duty in the military and was unable to make it home, but Brandon found a way to include him by putting a picture of him in his left pocket making sure all 3 of his brothers were there for him. Way to go Brandon!!

Engagement

Brady has been attending Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. While at school he met lots of new friends and a beautiful girl named Samie, she likes to be called Sam. They have been dating for a couple of months and we knew things were getting pretty serious when he asked if he could bring her home for Christmas. We picked the kids, Daniel, Brady and Sam, up at the airport early on the morning of Dec. 14 and we stopped at the Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula sign on the way home and at 3 a.m. in front of the sign Brady asked Sam to marry him, the answer was yes and we will be planning our first wedding in August in the Manti Temple and getting our first daughter!! So excited and happy for the kids!! Congrats Sam and Brady!!

Winter Pictures

Winter Wonderland

It has been very cold and foggy the past few days but today turned out to be beautiful and sunny. It didn't take long for my fingers and toes to notice that it was only about 7 degrees even though it was sunny it was not warm. This time of year you have to make the most of a sunny day. The sun is only up for about 5 1/2 hours, got to soak up a few rays while you can.