Day #101

I think we skipped spring and went straight to summer!! It was unbelievably hot today (in the 70s). Definately short weather. It seemed a little strange to see Adam in shorts playing with a pile of snow.

We had a pretty good day today. We were able to talk with Abrahm for a very long time on the web cam today. He is doing well. He's in the process of planning for some big missions. He is still trying to come home for R and R in August. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

I purchased tickets home for the boys and myself a couple of days ago. We'll be leaving Alaska on July 1 and returning on August 3. We'll be in PA 2-15 of July and in AL 17 July - 1 August. I hope we get to see many of you guys! It should be quite the adventure.

Alden talking to Mommy today. We've been keeping Aquaphor on his cheeks all day long. I don't know if it's really helping or not. 

Our first watermelon of the season! It must be summer. Good thing we ate it outside, because he got quite messy. He's definately all boy :) 

I know this one is blurry, but it just captures his excitement playing with his friends tonight. 

What's wrong with this picture? My son shoveling snow in his shorts and t-shirt smothered with sunscreen. Only in Alaska!!! 

Abrahm before his flight two nights ago. 

Day #100: Time to Celebrate!!!!

It's been 100 days since the boys have been introduced to each other. Looking back it seems we've accomplished a lot in the first 100 days together. Some good, some bad, some really ugly, but most of all memorable. I am sure when the boys are grown and out on their own I'll look back at this time with such fond memories.

Adam has trasitioned better than I ever thought he would. He's had a few bumps along the way, but for all he's had thrown at him lately he's been quite the trooper. He loves his little brother so much now (okay at least most days). He is such a helper. He's grown so much physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. He's such a smart and well rounded little kid (okay, I know I'm laying it on a little thick, but I'm his mom and that's my job :)

Alden has made his way right into our family and our hearts. He has become a happy and loveable little guy (at times I questioned this). He is growing and developing so quickly. He loves watching his big brother. He just stares and smiles at him. He's still working on the sleeping all night thing, but other than that he's just about perfect!! (even if his skin does feel like sandpaper).

And I have managed to survive it all. Alone. Well not really alone. Abrahm has been with us every step of the way. Not in presence, but definately in spirit. I know he has laughed with us (or maybe at us :), cried with us, and even been frustrated with us. It's not the way I would have chosen to spend this time, but somehow it's managed to work out just fine so far and we're all okay. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, thoughts, phone calls, and encouragement. We continue to solicit them. Good night!

Adam riding his "bike" in the driveway. 

Adam tonight playing with Mr. Ross outside. He's enjoying the little bit of snow that's left. Look, you can see lots of grass now!!! 

Alden all smiles at playgroup this morning. 

Mrs. Suzanne with Alden at playgroup 

Uh-oh. Fall down, go boom!!! 

Adam in the school bus at playgroup 

Adam playing hard with Miranda at Playgroup this morning 

Day #98

Poop!! That was my day today. Not only from the boys, but from Peodogi and Moose too!! One of the great things about break up (or the snow melting) is finding what has been buried all winter long. Well let's just say we've had lots of visitors making deposits this winter. And since it is thawing out, I have to pick it all up. Oh so much fun!! I spent my afternoon picking up garbage and poop. Do you know what a used diaper that has been frozen all winter in the snow looks like? Well because I am such a sweet person I didn't take a picture of it, I'll just let you use your imagination :) (I am still not sure how it got in our yard)

The boys had a good day. Both took good morning naps (so I took one too!). We ran a few errands before afternoon naps and this afternoon we spent outside. I think we were outside for 3 hours or so. It was beautiful. Almost too warm. Adam had fun moving what's left of the melting snow around and playing with our rocks. It's so nice to be out getting some fresh air. Alden enjoyed sitting in his stroller watching Adam play.

Adam playing outside tonight 

Adam deep in thought 

Adam playing outside with his balloon 

See what a big boy I am now! 

Hello Everybody :) 

Day #97

It's been a hectic couple of days. Yesterday we went to church, PX and Commissary, and Fred Meyers. For all of the running around the boys did really well.

Today they spent the morning with Suzanne while I went to a LOOOOOOOONG meeting! It was a good thing they didn't go along. She said they were angels. I think Peodogi may have been better today as well :) I feel so blessed to have someone I trust take care of them for me.

This afternoon the boys napped while I talked to Abrahm on Web Cam. We had a nice visit. He is doing well. He flew a short mission yesterday. He starts moving offices tomorrow.

Tonight we had a Battalion FRG meeting. We picked up a bucket of chicken from our new KFC and headed there around 6:00. Both boys were pretty good. Those meetings do drive me crazy though. Too many wild and crazy kids.

Not much else to report. I am very tired this evening so I am heading to bed. Will give more details tomorrow!!

Alden gnawing on his hands. He was starving!! 

Adam playing tonight before bed 

Aren't they just precious? 

Adam and Miranda after church this morning. Already a little flirt :) 

Alden in his carseat after church this morning. You can see he's just about outgrown the carseat. I ordered his big boy one last week!! 

Day #95

Another beautiful day here. Sunny and up to 60 degrees. Although it doesn't compare with Abrahm's temp of 110 degrees today!! We had a good day today. Another yucky night though. Last night it was Adam. He was awake between midnight and 2:00. He was very whiny and fussy. I put him in bed with me, but he wouldn't go to sleep. He finally laid back in his own crib around 2:00. Then he slept the rest of the night. I think maybe his teeth were bothering him, but who knows?

We spent the morning reading books, playing with our toys and taking naps. After naptime, we went to the post office. We had 7 packages to mail. Three full of baby boy clothes the boys have outgrown to a girlfriend having a little boy in October. Three to Abrahm in Iraq, and 1 to my neice who's birthday was last week (sorry we're late Madison). We were quite the spectacle at the post office trying to maneuver both boys, the double stroller and 7 packages. We did it though!!!

Tonight we went to a girlfriend's house for playtime and dinner. Adam enjoyed playing outside in the melting snow with Nolen and I enjoyed visiting with another adult. She grilled steaks and we had homemade chocolate chip cookies. We had a great time.

How many scoops do I need to fill up this truck? 

Adam busy at work at Nolan's house tonight. 

A very happy Alden getting ready for his bottle and bed (you can see his rash really well in this picture)