Snow

So after about 3 weeks of no snow. . .we finally have about 6 inches.  So Tate and I did a little playing in the snow today while Eric was fishing.

 Tate thought that the snow felt like a nice blanket, but he didn't want to cover his face, I wonder why?

I even found a nice spot to throw him in to make a fresh Snow Angel.  He did pretty good until he got up, but that is the hard part.

And this is the only fish Eric caught today, but it was a nice size rainbow compared to what we have caught this winter.  Would have been a good eating fish, but we let it go.

And this is a picture of Ellie. . .during our cold spell a week ago I came out and found her in front of the heater. . .Lazy cat! but smart!



Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to everyone!  We are enjoying the warm weather (+45F degrees) but not the lack of snow, which is just about gone!  That's what happens when we have rain and then three days of +45 temperatures.  There were lots of fireworks around but I thought that the pictures below showed the true beauty of light and color in nature.

May you all have a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Adventurous 2011.

Love, Eric, Erin & Tater

Statehood

So today is the Birthday for the State of Alaska!  They became the 49th State in the Union on January 3rd, 1959.  So here is a little more Alaska history if you all care to read.

The official seal of the State of Alaska is an elaborate representation of the state's natural resources and economic assets.  The seal consists of two concentric circles surrounding intricate detailed images.  The outer circle contains the words "The Seal of the State of Alaska" and two images, a seal and a fish, representing Alaska's abundant marine wildlife.

The inner circle shows the mix of Alaska's natural and industrial wealth.  The Northern Lights radiate over the top of majestic mountains.  Sailing ships navigate the waters.  Industry and rail transportation, timber production, and agriculture are all shown on the seal.  Abundant natural resources, and bustling economic activity are the themes that burst to life on Alaska's splendid seal.

A visit from Jolly Saint Nick

Santa didn't have far to travel this year. . . .and Tater must have been good enough, for his stocking was full.

And he also received what he had wished for. . .just how does Ol' Saint Nick know? 

May the magic of Christmas be experienced by all and the reason for the season be remembered and treasured.  Merry Christmas to all from the Sturdivant's!



Ice Fishing

It was a beautiful morning when we headed out to go ice fishing.  No wind, not many other people and the temperature was at about -10F.

We drove the pick-up out close to our selected spot and then pulled the sled over to where Eric chose to drill his fishing holes. 

We used some good old fashioned power to get our holes drilled (we sure are feeling it today).  We estimated the ice to be about 36 inches deep at this time.  I am sure in a month or so it will be thicker.  And of course Tate added in his support and moral cheering as we drilled our holes. 

The first hole was easy but each one after was not quite as fun.  At times seemed never ending, but at least we stayed warm while exposed to the elements.

We are all set and ready to fish!

The troops are snacking, still waiting for a bite. . . .

. . . And finally a bite!  Just a little trout, but it was landed and made the good spirits re-appeared.

Gingerbread House

The last 4 years we have kind of made it a tradition to make/decorate a gingerbread house.  This year Tate did alot of it on his own.  The frosting was a little thick so we helped him frost where and how he wanted and he did the rest.  Here are the boys starting to get things built.

 And Tater showing off his work in progress, looks very neat and particular!

 An the finished project. . .but everyone stay back, this gingerbread house is for SANTA!



First Ride

It has been a while since I have posted something. We have been getting moved into our house and situated as much as we can. With no internet at our house it has been about impossible to get updates on here, but hopefully now I can stay up-to-date.

This last weekend we went on a ride down to the river. It is just about frozen over, so we kept close to the edge. It was cold out (5 degrees) but we were bundled up good and had alot of fun. The sun was out when we started so we could see Pioneer Peak right beside us or at least the base of it. By the time we headed back it was pretty low clouds all around us. But we sure had fun and plan on doing it again soon. It's pretty handy when we can just leave right from our house and not have to worry about trailering our stuff around.