Alaska Day

Alaska Day! A State Holiday! It was October 18th and Sitka was the site of Russia's transfer of the Great Land to the U.S. Our town celebrates like no other location in the state. Sitka has a lot of parades throughout the year and I've been told Alaska Day is the biggest. That's right, I had not been part of the festivities yet as I was in Anchorage the last two years during AFN week.

So this year I booked my ticket back from AFN to partake in Sitka's Alaska Day. What a super decision. It was a fun day off from work!

My plan had been to merge a bunch of iPhone gritty video together into a montage. But, the reality is I just don't have the time or attention span to do so. In order to share some of the fun, and really, it's worth sharing, I'll just post a couple of short vids. I hope you'll put up with it and try to understand.
First up was my favorite, the Sitka High marching band. Can you pick out the tune and theme attire?

I really chuckle at the creativity of the Coho lyrics.

And, why not?

There was much more like the Seattle bagpipers and people shooting blanks in period costume. But if i can't make one video I won't put up every single one I recorded on fair Lincoln Street. We love Alaska Day, a day in which we saw rain, snow and sunshine.

*Amy

Ten Months

While we were on a trip to Anchorage last week Miss A turned double digits in months. It was a sunny day mixed with work and fun, before flying back home to Dad.
So we took pictures two days later. :)

Miss A is eating a great variety but her inclusion of meat has been slow-going. I think the most success we've had is with pork. Venison was not a winner...yet. She is feeding herself more and more which is fun to watch and support. We think avocados are her fave. I am still breast feeding although there were a couple of days into month 9 that nearly convinced me it would end abruptly. With some creative thinking and perseverance we were back on track, for as much nursing as she's doing at this age anyway.

She's not crawling but if you hold on to her by the mid-section she will walk and cruise around pretty much everywhere (for as long as you have the stamina)! She is pivoting around while sitting, scooting backward and some other fun motions but we haven't had to full-on baby proof the house.

A's babble is vibrant and diversifying. Ma-ma and da-da, or dah-dee, is repeated often but we haven't felt it directed at us. We think her first real word, or near word, is "bah" for ball. She says it when we actually play with it!

She just loooves loud noises. Coffee bean grinder and the like bring big smiles and even some head banging that causes her lengthening locks to float about. Her liveliness, joy and energy in these moments are just beautiful and perfect.

Fall Festivities

Fall time brings with it a certain festivity that I am extremely fond of.  Oktoberfest.  We hosted our 3rd annual Oktoberfest.  It gives us a reason to eat bratwurst, slather on sauerkraut, drink a few choice brews, and hang out with friends who also enjoy the suds.

We have a simple request to our guests.  All we require is they walk into the house with a 22oz bomber of something they normally wouldn't purchase.  We end up with all types of beer. German brew, IPA's, Porters, pumpkin beer, and even Lambic's make an appearance.  We welcome all flavors.  As long as it fits into the beer category, I'll give it an honest shot on Oktoberfest.

It brings a grin to my face just thinking about it.  This is a very small sample of what our fridge contained.  Pure goodness. 

Of course Amy enjoys the event and sinking some suds nearly as much as I do.  Even our little A got in on the festivities this year.  No, A didn't consume this year.  Maybe next year. She was definitely dressed for the event though.

As has become customary at gatherings, we headed to the local Baranof Island Brewing Co. and brought home a beverage for all to enjoy.  This was the Back Draught Ale made for the local Firefighter convention.  My wife is great, she decided to go with the whole gallon vs. those tiny 1/2 gallon growlers.  Excellent choice.

Until next year.  Enjoy your Ale, bratwurst, and sauerkraut.  I hope you enjoyed your own Oktoberfest.  Cheers. Prost!

ps-Amy says to never underestimate the party value of an unexpected Etch-A-Sketch.

Thanks, Alaska!

Last week over 600, 000 Alaskans received their annual pay out from the state of Alaska: the Permanent Fund Dividend. One baby was excited to receiver her first. For some reason her parents didn't choose direct deposit, but an old-school check. So the deposit is ready to be made, an investment for her future.

Miss A is so thankful for the treat she tried to eat her original check. Therefore I made a photocopy to memorialize #1 in pictures. She tried to eat the fake as well. Clearly she's teething again at the moment. Our task is figuring out a smart way to invest (some of) her savings for the next 18 or so years down the road. Ahhh, the decisions parents must make.

Truly, the jackpot is actually living in Alaska. That's what I thought while on our mountainside afternoon stroller "hike" today.

We had a wet, kinda crummy summer weather-wise. I think the number of sunny days can be shown on one hand, maybe the start of a second. I'm not exaggerating. A recent string of lovely fall days has been most welcome. I'm more motivated to get our ugly used Bob stroller rolling. Smell the sunshine, smell the change of seasons.

All else is well and we enjoyed a nice visit from Grandma J last week. Thanks for coming and we'll see you as you come through south from Nome!

*Amy