One of MANY family trips to Hatcher's Pass...

April Bowl has always been one of our favorite hikes in Hatcher's pass, and this was the FIRST time Mike has  been able to make the trip with us - mostly b/c we're not patient enough to wait for him to come home from work.

 The trail takes only about 20 minutes to get up to the second set of lakes and past the waterfall. Switchbacks, and a LONG drop down...

Near the top!

 Mike is an expert rock skipper, and is always trying to help the kids. Sadee was super fascinated, which led to a lot of hilarity.

 Mike took a ton of geology classes in college, and we all find rocks pretty interesting, so we have to inspect. Also. There  are  gold mines up there for a reason...

 After SO many rocks had been tossed in the lake by Mike and the kids, Sadee was determined to pull one out for herself. She seriously dunked her whole head under the water to get the massive rock at her feet.

 Oh. This was also the day before our EIGHTEENTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Go us ;-)

And so it Begins...

SCHOOL.

Both kids whined about school until open house, and then they were both excited about school, and now, a few days into school, it has already lost its excitement ;-)

My little Emma started MIDDLE SCHOOL, which still makes my hyperventilate a little to think about... She is now in the land of schedules, lockers, and no more recess.

And here's Jack on his first day of school - the kid in the middle in the grey sweatshirt. He was most excited to learn that he got an OPENING DESK. Apparently when you're in elementary, this means you've arrived ;-)

A few pictures to catch up...

The force is still strong w/ my lego builders, and they're still forcing mini figures to walk the plank into the deep pit of the sink...

Mike still makes better fettuccine alfredo than any restaurant. Ever.

Jolene got ARCs (advanced reader copies) of her next book, which is super fun (should be in Barnes and Noble Sep 1)

Emma in a dress she and her mom designed together, and thrilled that Dad was able to get to the concert JUST in time

Emma and her "gang" of 5th grade choir pals

We still sometimes reign chaos in Dad's office...

Sitka roses in front of the house always make me happy, but they last for such a short time...

Jack took full advantage of the taxi service Emma started...

Adventures on our hike to one of the nearby lakes...

 Frogs...

 and swans...



We always spend a LOT of time in Hatcher's Pass since it's so close to where we live :-D

Jack helped build the raft at the Bagley grandparents' house - been a LOT of fun. More pics of this project soon...

Emma is getting to be a good kitchen helper

 And dog sitter...? (yes, the convertible is totally practical in Alaska - the whole family AND the dog can fit)

GOLF! our little 3 par nearby course is a blast.

More Hatcher's Pass w/ neighbor friend.

 Me and Sadee have a lot of fun together. Such a great dog.

And that's a quickie recap in pics :-D