August 18, 2013

Summer Fun

We have had a beautiful summer here this year.  Hardly any rain, many hot days (like in record breaking for days in a row), and no wind.  We have enjoyed many activities including our fire pit, garden produce, and fishing opportunities.
 
 
Tylynn loves her some fresh peas.  Her shirt was full, and she was having a hard time keeping them from falling out.

 
Tylynn always wants to partake in whatever brother is doing, so Tate helped her get ready to go fishing.  She thought that was great fun.

 
And with the closing of summer comes the start of school.  Here is the first day of school picture.  And of course Tylynn wanted to partake so she strapped on her backpack and hat, just like Tate.  She also thought a good luck hug would be appropriate for his first day.

 
Say Cheese!

 
With summer brings yummy watermelon.  Not sure what got more juice, her sleeves or her mouth.

 
Such a goofball.

 
Eric and Tate have done some fishing here in the last few weeks.
The first two pictures were taken down on the Kenai.  Tate was the only one who caught a fish that weekend in their group.  And boy was that a yummy fish!!


 
These last pictures were taken at Jim Creek, just on the other side of our neighborhood.  Some of our other friends were also there to fish and play.

 
Eric still practicing on his fly rod.

 
Checking to see where the drop off is.

 
Playing in the sand.  I think she was wet up to her chin that night when we went home, but she sure had a lot of fun, especially since she was playing with a BIG girl.

 
And the boys telling their fishing stories :)

 
And until next time, we will be busy at the Alaska State Fair.  Wish us all luck, might be a long 12 days of fair!

July 20, 2013

Visitors and Fun

We had visitors over the last month.
 

 
And have had lots of fun.


 
Teaching Tate to ride a bike.


 
And even Tylynn got to take a ride.




 
And the garden is looking very beautiful.  Cabbage, broccoli, beans, peas, potatoes, carrots, onions and cauliflower.

 
And we have had some unwanted visitors as well.  Darn moose have made our garden look not so nice anymore :(


July 4, 2013

Fun in June

June has been a busy time.  Not only did we fill our freezer, but we have been busy with our garden.  This is our first tomato!  Pretty exciting and it sure was tasty!
 
 
The kids trying out the new (for us) jungle gym.

 
Its great FUN!



 
And they even got a merry-go-round.

 
The simple things in life are also fun toys.


 
"Booooo"

 
Enjoying time with Grandpa.

 
And snuggles with Bug-Z are always a great time :)


Freezer Full

CAUTION
The following pictures contain blood and may be disturbing to some individuals.
 
The last walk.
 
Into the cones.



 
Into the scalder.

 
This is the plucker.  Eric, Tate and Dad put together.  And after one little problem at first the thing works like a charm!!!

 
65 rubber fingers to help pluck all the feathers.  The bottom plate spins and tumbles the chicken around plucking as it turns.

 
From the scalder to the plucker, feathers and all.

 
Add a little water to get the feathers to fall out the bottom. 

 
And out comes a naked chicken.

 
Works GREAT!

 
The gutting and cleaning crew....say CHICKEN :)

 
And the large chicken feet and insides that we did not keep.
47 birds in just over 5 hrs, great help, a great time laughing and that equals a freezer full of food.  Thank you to those who took the time to help us out, sure made for a great time!