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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Life in Alaska: Month two

First off, I want to apologize to my sweet cousin Krissy for saying this would be ready THREE days ago. Thanks for being patient with me... A lot has happened in those three days!

Here's a "Happy valentines day" greeting from THE dog, haha!





And yea... We went a little crazy with the stickers ;)-- man, and you think we're bad! Imagine what children are going to look like!! Gracious... Scary thoughts ;)


Yes, it's February and we are learning more and more about our new home. Last week, we became somewhat adventurous and did some walking downtown to see the ice sculptures. It didn't last long because the wind was so chilling, but we got some good pictures of some of the pieces before our hands froze over.








This was my favorite:


This ones a salmon-- pretty cool!!





AND we officially move into our house on Monday! I am so excited!! Here is a picture of it in the summer (I wish it looked like this right now, but in it's current state, it's COVERED in snow!)


Now for the tour! When you walk in you will see both stairs going up and some going down. I am standing on the upstairs taking a picture of the front door on my right and the coat closet straight ahead. The stairs going down are on the left:


This is the living room. When you go up the stairs (which are in the picture, between the white dividers), you will turn to your left and see the living room (where I am taking the picture). That is our gas burning fireplace (yey!) and doors behind it lead to our bedroom and baby's room!


If you were to come up the stairs and look left, you would have this view of our living room:


Then walk towards the windows and turn left and here is our dining nook (not really big enough to say "room", haha!)


Turn right in the dining nook to enter the kitchen:


Here is a view of the bathroom from our bedroom:


And here is our bathroom:


Here is baby's room:


And walk back down the stairs to the front door and then go down one more flight to the study area/ guest room.


Here is where one of our couches will go...


Another view:



And here is the backyard from the downstairs level:


And here is the guest shower:


A little outdated I know, but the whole isn't that bad!


My favorite: we have both carpet AND hardwood floors!!





And I was hoping to get a better picture, but here is a gorgeous picture of the mountains while i was driving to the library. This is definitely breathtaking...


Yes, we have been meeting a lot more people here (what a blessing!). In fact, eli has been making friends too-- this is his buddy Hank!


I quizzed my dad on this, but do you notice anything that might be missing in this picture??


Like... Maybe the fact this is a three lane highway.... Without any lines! Talk about confusing :P

Vehicle update: frankly, neither one of our vehicles have had the best luck up here. The truck has been put in the shop for a whole new engine because of an unfortunate mistake made when installing the freeze plug with a local company :( And just yesterday, someone pulled out of their driveway onto the road I was driving on and hit the front of Sally. Looks like we will be driving rentals for a while....





Up close damage :(


(looks like it did more damage than we initially thought: might need a whole new hood.. It popped out a bit... Hmm)


Well, I will end it on happy note by saying we are now 12 weeks pregnant and baby is doing great!!

Here is our little bean at 10 weeks (he's a cutie huh??):


This is what he will look like this week!! Exciting :)


Well, off for now ;) Much love!!!

In the One who loves me so,

Kati

Monday, February 7, 2011

Alaska: week 3

Ok, I am going to be honest: I am really, and honestly, starting to warm up to Alaska. It's really a beautiful state and we are really enjoying time with one another. We have met a lot more people as well and I look forward to getting to know the girls I met at our Superbowl party the other night. They are really sweet-- and I am so thankful God has given us such a great place to live :)

And here is an outside picture of where we live right now:


Oh! And the eagle feeding: I forgot to post this last blog!

YouTube Video

The driving is still crazy here...


Check out the snow on our hood!! Yikes!


And, as you will come to find out, this week has consisted of house hunting...


Tons of house hunting!! We called 3 pages of realtors here and checked out just a little more than 39 available rentals... Talk about stress. Who knew!!


We did, however, take a break to go cross country skiing on the golf course. It was a lot of fun! And tiring.


Eli has not begun to get bored of this place. He still loves Alaska's snow!!!


Here is Andrew and Eli playing in the snow!





And yes, my lovely husband is taking FULL advantage of the expectant mother parking at the hospital! Haha!


... Having those yummy cravings that goes with this season too: like Mac and Cheese!!! I am almost sure I am going to have a boy now ;)


In honor of my little brother's birthday, I made a pumpkin spice beer cake with cream cheese frosting. It was AMAZING!! Ty, I wish you could have had some, but happy 20th anyways!!


And lastly, we saw a moose!! Yes, we literally opened the door to our temporary living home... And low and behold, a moose and her baby trotted by! Too cool :)

YouTube Video

Andrew ran to the car before she got really close...

YouTube Video

And here is the "hardcore" key to our new home!


Yes, we finally found a rental! We are looking forward to feathering our lovely nest here soon :)

Pictures to come! :)

Blessings! Xoxoxo

'With songs of joy I speak of Thee, for I know not how to cease',

Kati Thornbury

-- Jeremiah 20:9--