Halibut, whale and haircuts

Posing with halibut caught 7/17/12

Pre-haircuts, At Navy Seals beach 7/2012

Whale remains 7/2012

Despite living in the most remote locale of Walmarts in the US (thanks Pitbull), Kodiak life is never dull.  There are wonderful quiet moments on isolated beaches or in our back yard but also moments of awe, surprise or excitement (see first pic of Mike with the lovely halibut).  Our family is blessed with close friends who throw surprise birthday parties (Thursday :)), collaborate in play dates and generally support each other on our green isle we call home.  -R

These are the days...

Busy and beautiful summer days in Kodiak.  So little time but plenty of sunlight.  Here are a few pics from recent weeks...

Our 4th of July...beachcombing

Cece with her swimming teacher...the only girl with 5 boys

Spur of the moment project today...Cece and Sophie's new rock garden

Sophie loving her new dress from Aunt Rosella

Ruby, Cece and Sophie...enjoying a play date before Ruby moves to CA

Pretend fishing poles

Spring to Summer

King Salmon, Kodiak

Sophie's first halibut

Beach exploring

Tiles and flooring for bathroom

 Kodiak is transforming daily into a greener, lush jewel.  With our warmer weather (50's), our family has been busy with planting raised flower and vegetable beds, re-modeling the downstairs bathroom, and fishing.  Mike has only gone out ~2 times but both were successful.  The first outing, he and Sophie caught 2 cod and a halibut and his last outing he caught an enormous white King salmon.  Happy times!  -R

Rolling and Sliding

Recently, Cece and Sophie enjoyed some play time at a local park.  And after playing on the playground equipment and 'riding' their bikes, Cece started another activity with Sophie trying to imitate.  :)

(And don't listen to the lyrics of the song too closely...  didn't hear the verses on i-tunes)  -R

Snowwoman and ducks

One of 'our' ducks

As I mentioned in the last post, we had an impressive snow storm on Mother's Day.  Here are a few more pics of the fun we had sledding and building a snow woman.  -R

Cece's Fish Performance

Our sweet fish

Right after the performance at home...notice the 'light' outside.  It's about 9pm :)

Group pictures the previous week

Last night, Cece performed in her Spring dance recital of Snow White And Rose Red.  Dressed in her sparkling blue and green dance outfit and sequined fish headpiece, she left the 'waiting room' with all the other fish and a few other mothers.  (Cece had asked Mike and I several times to be allowed to go up to the stage by herself.)  Five minutes after they left, a Mom of another fish came rushing into the room and said Cece wanted me but they were due on stage in 30 seconds.  Grabbing Sophie we rushed up to the stage as Cece walked on...the headpiece falling off her head.  The group's dance assistant, Sierha, attempted to put the headpiece back on once but when it fell off again Cece walked offstage holding out the headpiece to me.  I gave her a quick hug and told her to go dance without a 'fish' on her head.  Cece recovered beautifully and we're so proud of our little dancer!

Happy Mother's Day

Awoke this morning to my little Sophie snuggling against me, warm lemon-ginger-honey 'tea', and snow!  Happy Mother's Day!