"T" is for Texas

Kansas wasn't quite hot enough for us, and we figured a weekend run to Texas might just about fit the bill. So off to Grandma and Grandpa Stuarts we went. The kids enjoyed swimming in the pool and fishing with Grandpa at a nearby park. We are discovering that Coleson really enjoys fishing as he and Grandpa stayed until dark to catch a total of nine fish! The girls each caught fish of their own, although they weren't too enthused at having to put worms on the hook.

It's time for .......WHEAT!!!

This time of year it is awesome to see the fields come alive with activity as the wheat harvest begins. Spirits soar as record-setting yields of mid to upper 80's+ (bushels per acre) are a welcome relief from last years disastrous outcome.
Last night our family was given a great opportunity to once again see the wheat harvest up close with some friends. The kids got to ride on the combines, tractors and semi-trucks. I don't know how long they were cutting, but we didn't get home until 11:30pm and the combines were still going strong.

Lazy Mountain Climb

The mountain shown in the header of this blog is Lazy Mountain (3,720 feet) and was a favorite hike of mine in my younger days. Even though the clouds were hanging over the peak for most of the day, we decided to go for it since our time in Alaska was almost over.
We ended up not climbing all the way to the last peak, we got into clouds, the temperature dropped, and the view was of course gone, which was the point of the hike. We still had a lot of fun.

Trail head


Up we go


Looking for Grandpa's house


Almost to the first shelf


At the first shelf




Snow play


On our way to the Upper shelf


Looking back down the trail

What Should You do while in Alaska?

Why go fishing of course!
The two older kids and Grandpa took and evening and went fishing at a local lake. With poles in hand, a box of hooks, and a jar of Salmon eggs, they set out for Grandpa's fishin' hole. The first fish was on the hook within seconds, but landing the fish proved a little more difficult thanks to a tangled line and a broken reel. They finally pulled it out of the water by using only the line. A total of four fish were caught and made for a tasty breakfast the next morning.

Sissy goin' fishing

Grandpa helps Sissy bait the hook

The first fish of the day

Fisher girl


A true fisherman!!

A Rainbow Trout!


Sissy with one of her fish.

After a good day's catch

My Old View

The following is a picture of Pioneer Peak in the Mat-Su Valley. This is the view I had out my front window while growing up.

Anchorage Zoo

Wednesday we went to the Anchorage Zoo, our goal was to see the tigers. Unfortunately, they were no longer on exhibit, but we managed to have a great time any way. Here are some of the animals the kids got to see.

Bald Eagle


Black Bear


Snow Leopard


Cuddly Teddy Bear


Not so cuddly teddy bear


Us at the zoo, not a real zoo exhibit.

Polar Bear


The girls watching a Harbor Seal

Got Moose?

These were standing on the side of the road a few blocks from my parents house when we returned home.