Fun with a Laser Pointer

At our first house on Pioneer Drive, Doug would shine a red laser pointer in the backyard snow to get Brown Dog and Squeak all excited. They would have chased that red light for hours!

We found out that you don't need a dog for entertainment. The laser pointer works just as well with a toddler!

Carnival Fun at 10 Above

Andrea's birthday party was close to downtown, so we decided to check out the Fur Rondy carnival after her party. With our upcoming vacation we didn't see another opportunity in our calendar to check out the rides.

Doug, Adam and I first did the Fur Rondy event in February 1998! Doug had already moved to Alaska and I came up to visit, Adam came up a few days later. At the time Doug had a one room efficiency apartment; things were so simple back then! Doug, Adam and I still remember riding the ferris wheel - what a great view of Anchorage at the top. Even then we thought it was strange to be doing carnival rides in the snow and cold weather! This is the 75th year for Fur Rondy, it was started when Anchorage was just a wee-little place and those who lived here were stir crazy from the dark and cold and ready for some fun! The dog sled races were going on today, but we were only focused on the carnival.

Sam rode from the parking lot to the carnival in the sled. He loves to be pulled and gets quite upset when we have to carry him around the dry pavement areas.

We purchased our sheet of tickets which is good for about 3 rides each and 1 game. Just enough. The first ride was a helicopter. Zach wasn't too interested in going on the "baby" ride, but humored us and rode with Sam.

They were so cute riding together and waving/smiling at us every time they went by.

Zach looked over all the games and determined that the fishing for a frog game would be the best one for today.

He caught his frog and picked out a small stuffed sea turtle as his prize. The turtle is named "little dude" or "Crush" after the turtle at EPCOT.

One of Zach's favorite items is the fun house. It has crazy mirrors, mazes, floors that move, etc in it. It isn't one of our favorites, but we aren't 5 years old either.

Sam started to sob as he also wanted to go, but he didn't meet the minimum height. The carnival worker looked at us, took pity on us and told us that one of us could take him in for free. What we didn't realize is that, while a 5 year old fits very well inside, a full size adult carrying a child does not. Poor Doug, I wasn't sure at a couple of points if he was going to make it out or not. Sam, of course, was startled by this point and crying again. Note to self....only send Zach in next time.

The Merry-Go-Round was more everyone's speed and we all had a good time.

There were tickets left for two more rides. Zach really wanted to go on the Tornado. As Doug would have spent the rest of the day ill from going in circles, I told Zach that I would go with.

We got all settled in and the ride started. The ride goes in a circle and then by spinning the center disk on the seat "pod" the individual "pods" also rotate. Our pod much have been jammed, because I could only get it to go 180*, not 36o*. That was just fine, Zach had a great time and we waved to Doug and Sam every time we went around.

Zach did the giant slide to finish off our sheet of tickets.

At the bottom of a large hill adjacent to the carnival is the Alaska Railroad depot. The model train club always does a great job of setting up their best displays for Fur Rondy. Doug took Zach & Sam down there while I went to get the car. A very fun day. It was past Sam's nap time and he was starting to show it, so time to head home.

Sledding Party!

Another Saturday and yet another kindergarten classmate birthday party. Man, there seems to be a lot of toddler and 5/6 year old birthday parties on our social calendar this year. I told Zach that he should enjoy going to birthday parties now, because come summer, we will be spending our time on Prince William Sound, far, far away from six year old birthday parties.

The norm for friend's kids, or Zach's classmates birthday parties is; Bouncing Bears, or Bounce, the Little Gym, or the Anchorage Gymnastics Institute. Then there's Chuck-E-Cheese, H2Oasis, McDonald's, or the Zoo. These parties are really geared towards the kids, and they should be, but it can get kind of boring for the parents. Again, it's winter time, so I'll suffer through so Zach can have a good time and bond with his classmates outside of school.

Now Andrea, another of Zach's classmate was turning 6 this weekend. I know her dad, Andy, from some of Zach's school events and he is a cool guy. So for the most part I was "in". This birthday party billed itself as an outside BBQ and sledding party. Hhmmm . . . Not been to one of these yet, could be fun.

We showed up, and sure enough, there was a sledding hill . . . right on their side yard. And it is a pretty big hill too. We had brought two sleds along for the kids to rally with. So out of the car the kids went and down the hill they flew.

Sledding down and the return run up the sledding hill was the perfect activity for the kids. I was a little worried about the everyone getting cold, but both Zach and Sam were running around so much I didn't worry long. The hill was just "wild" enough to give the kids a thrill, but safe enough not to be overly concerning.

Whee . . . Zach taking his "rocket sled" down the course.

I wasn't going to go all the way to the party and not take a few trips down the slope myself. Zach let me ride a few times with him and then I spent the rest of the time taking Sammy up and down the hill. Renee got into the action as well. She had a couple of good wipe outs at the bottom of the hill. The snow was soft, so it was all good fun.

Andrea's Dad had build her a two story playhouse in a corner of their yard. It was pretty cool and had all of the stuff you'd expect to see in a kids playhouse. Because the party was mainly outside, some of the adults gravitated to the heated playhouse to talk or just sit down and eat "inside". Sammy, of course, had to check out the playhouse too. The house was just his size and he felt right at home.

The playhouse was all fine and dandy and sledding was cool too, but what Sammy really came to the party for was the . . . food. As soon as he got a whiff of the hot dogs and burgers on the grill, Sammy was a man on a mission. Two hot dogs, half a burger, two bags of chips and a Capri Sun and he was just getting warmed up. After wolfing down lunch he was already looking forward to some cake and ice cream for dessert!!

It took a while, but the kids eventually discovered the "snow tube" that we brought along for Zach to sled with. The tube, or "Cadillac of sleds" was soon the preferred method for racing down the hill. The tube was surprisingly fast for the conditions, yet offered a smooth ride like a big Caddy. What made the tube fun though was it's unpredictability. One minute you were enjoying a speedy luge like experience on the hill, the next you were twisted and turned around like being on a tilt-a-whirl. Above L-R: Ada, Zach, Alex & Brynn.

Sammy wasn't too sure at first about the sledding, but he soon warmed up to it. Both Mom and I took turns racing with Sammy down the hill. It was actually fun for us too. By the end he was all smiles.

Then it was inside for the usual candle on the cake, presents and eating of cake activities. Andrea was having a ball and was "Queen for a day". We are getting to know quite a few of the other parents from Zach's school from the birthday party circuit, so there were quite a few familiar faces to talk to at the party. It is fun expanding our circle of friends and getting to know the group. The parents we've met have all been really cool as well as committed to seeing that their kids succeed in school.

I am glad that Zach is getting to know his classmates outside of school. He has a very nice group of friends and they all get along very well.

Well, it turned out to be a real fun party. It was very nice of Andrea's parents to host such a fun event at their home. The sledding was such a cool idea and the kids just loved it. Plus, the outdoor BBQ seemed more like a house party we would go to at a friend's house rather than one of Zach's classmates six year old birthday party. All of the kids played well together and most importantly, no one had to go to the emergency room. It was a successful day all around. Happy Sixth Birthday Andrea!!

Bubble Ball Tub?

Is there a better use for a garden tub than to fill it full of 400 plastic balls? The shower curtain helps to keep them contained!

Just please don't turn the water on!

First Hair Cut

Today is Sam's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday buddy! We hadn't cut his baby fine blond hair, but as we have been getting comments such as "she is so cute", today is the day. Doug cut his own hair first, then Zach's and now it is Sam's turn.

One more smile with those long locks!

Take a last look in the mirror!

Doug got to cutting away. Sam didn't mind the hair cut, he just didn't want to sit still. We practiced saying all his favorite words and sang a song or two to keep him entertained.

Sam's hair is so fine. We can't take the electric clippers to it like we can to Zach's. Almost done now!

Ta Da!! So cute! Such a handsome little guy. He looks like a little boy now, a good style for a big 2 year old!

Thanks Dad, you did a great job! Mom put some of the cut hair away for the baby book. Not a baby anymore.

Sleepy Sam

This video is from January 23rd. Sam was ready for a nap, he just couldn't keep his eyes open! We meant to post this in January, but forgot. I found the video today while sorting some pictures. Enjoy!

Charlie's Bakery

Dustin, Cecile, Ian & Lucas and Dustin's Dad, Jim, were headed to Charlie's Bakery and Chinese Restaurant for lunch. We had never been there, actually we had never even heard of it. We are always up to try a new Chinese restaurant!

Ready for some Mongolian beef!

Charlie's bakery was busy! Cecile suggested we get carry out and walk to her office building next door. We could sit at the tables in the atrium and enjoy a quiet lunch. It is a beautiful 4 story atrium with plants and a waterfall. Sam thought it was pretty neat to yell and hear his echo. Wow, is he loud!

We had a nice lunch, the company was good, the food was tasty and the building was toasty warm! We liked the Mongolian beef, but it doesn't come close to our favorite at the Panda Restaurant!

Parade Time!

The big day is here! We were up early to ensure we were all warmly dressed, fed and the trailers were ready to pull out around 8:30 am. We convoyed downtown with Terry, Arlynda's husband, and found our designed spot in the parking lot by 9:30 am. A few last minute preparations and we were ready for the 36 kids to arrive by 10 am and to be on the street in line at 10:30 am.

Time to pose for a quick family shot. Zach had already chosen his place on the float and was happily chatting with friends.

The big kindergartner, ready for the parade to begin!

Sam was to ride in his car seat in the back of the truck, he would have a good view out the window. He enjoyed being part of the action and playing on the bales of straw until it was time to go.

Zach's school mascot is a panther. Last year at our church rummage sale my Mom found a black faux fur vest that was just my size. I was skeptical at first; when would I really wear it? As it was only $2 I figured I would put it back in the sale if I didn't wear it. It turned out to be the perfect thing for a FUR Rondy parade and a panther outfit. I sewed a Rilke Schule patch to the front chest and found on Amazon.com a fun faux fur hat with little cat type ears. So much fun!

Zach sported his faux fur hat. Not only was it appropriate for the Fur Rondy parade, it kept his head warm!

Playing on the trailer, we are about to go. Everyone take their places!

And we are off! Doug & Sam, Dustin & Lucas and another little boy later on rode in the truck.

The kids had pom-poms and their Rilke Schule gear on. They were very festive!

Janese and Lola having a great time!

Terry's Jeep was fun for pulling the second trailer.

The trailer had a blow up igloo and black panthers who were harnessed to a dog sled. Two children and an adult dressed as panthers rode on the float.

Doug was in the lead with the main trailer. We were float #54 of 60, it was a good size parade. Doug's truck bed had the large easel that held the Rilke Schule signs. All of us parents walked along side the floats and handed out small packages of German gummy bears and brochures on the school.

Having a good time!

There were 8 bales of straw for the kids to sit on and two adults in chairs on the front.

On the back was the large Mylar/chicken wire panther head. The panther head and 3 flags (US, Alaska & Germany) were neat to see blowing in the light breeze.

Zach sat next to his friend, Grant.

The Cancer Society was ahead of us in a really nice vintage convertible. When we bought the Saab Convertible in Houston I figured Doug would have the chance to use it in a homecoming parade or another event - I didn't think it would be a truck pulling a trailer of kids in winter conditions!

The parade went down 6th Avenue and then back up 5th Avenue. As we rounded the corner from 5th to C Street I spotted Chris, Mae and January Jewel. They had come out to brave the cold to see the parade and cheer us on. It was a fun day and after a quick clean-up in the parking lot we were ready to get some lunch and sit somewhere warm!