In the beginning of the month I had a great opportunity to meet up with my sisters at Disneyworld. We had an amazing week of relaxation (as much as one can at Disney) and fun. It was great to be able to reconnect with these awesome girls. We were happy to spend some time with Erin McKinnon(hometown friend) and our niece Hannah.
We ran in the half marathon while there. It was a fun time. I love you girls. You are amazing!! 
Earlier this week we got our first snow fall of the season. It was almost 3 weeks later than usual. We were very grateful for the prolonged fall before the winter season began.
All the neighborhood children have been not so patiently waiting for the snow. As soon as it came snow boots, coats, and gloves were found. Sleds were pulled out of their hiding spots.
And the winter fun has begun!
Our children know that their snow fun is limited because once we get to Lajes, they won't see it again for a couple of years.
Curtis' sister, Diannah, came to visit us earlier in the month. It is always fun to have people to come to show off where we live. We were able to do lots of fun things.
You have to visit the Knotty Shop...
for their ice cream!
And goof around with your aunt!
Visit Santa's house while he is in the toyshop and sit on his chair!
Eat huge cinnamon rolls made into french toast!
Check out the firestation!
Enjoy the Christmas theme of North Pole, Alaska!
And enjoy the excitement of the abundant wildlife! Thanks for visiting us, Diannah. We love you! 
Finally!! After all our hard work, we were so happy to be able to walk for our college graduation. It was inspiring to be an example to our children of the importance of education. I hope they follow our example and finish school, but only while they are much younger!
Curtis and I received our bachelors degrees in Human Services. He received a minor in Fire Science while I minored in History. We are happy, proud, and relieved. And now on to our Masters.... 
I forgot to post this last time with our visitors post. While Dennis and Nick were here, they went into a -40 degree room. Curtis went with them. Megan and I stayed out because I would very much like to never feel that temperature again. EVER.
It was fun to see them when they came out, all red faced and freezing. They gave us a little more sympathy afterwards about how our winters must feel. Sympathy feels good.
Last weekend we were lucky enough to have Curtis' brother, Nick, and cousin, Dennis, come for a quick visit. We had a great time and wish that they could have stayed longer.
While here we took them to Creamer's Field to walk through a boreal forest. It is fall here now in Alaska so the leaves were colored and falling.
We celebrated Jake's birthday on Saturday. We went to Pioneer Park where they were hosting a Military Appreciation Day. We went on train rides, carousel rides, ate cotton candy and popcorn, were given free lunch and played at the playgrounds. It was warm and beautiful out.
He thought that he was too cool for a ride, but it is always fun!
Then we climbed a nearby rock mountain(?) which is traditionally spray painted. The kids have wanted to go there for the whole time we have been in Alaska.
It is hard to read, but it says Happy Birthday, Jake!
He invited over a friend to beyblade with(beyblading late into the night). We enjoyed cake and ice cream and sang to our new 11 year old.
We know that our time is running short here is Alaska so we jumped in the car and drove to a popular hiking trail for a quick camping and hiking trip.
Since we are slowly getting darkness back during the night, it was fun to have a campfire (even though it still doesn't get dark til close to midnight!) Campfires are essential because without them you couldn't make.... 
Smores. Though I don't like marshmallow nor the combination of chocolate and graham crackers. Smores are delicious. Caleb makes them look wonderful.
Down by the Chena River. The day was chilly and rainy.
Climbing the Angel Rocks. They were fun to climb around on. I had to look away a few times so that my mother heart wouldn't panic. I know they are supposed to have fun and be adventurous, but sometimes I have to look away and pretend they are not doing something dangerous!
Hiking with Daddy. He is the best.
Nick enjoyed the climbing and liked the adventure of it. He didn't make me nervous because he was cautious.
Caleb pretended to fall like Indiana Jones would. That boy scares me sometimes. He climbed to some spots that actually started to scare him. Curtis had to climb up and save him. It was too much to watch. He needs to learn some fear!
Jake understands fear and would rather stay on the easier climbs...which is alright by me.
This week Curtis went with a friend down to the Copper River to get some salmon. Because the salmon are so plentiful, they used big nets to just scoop them up.
Another amazing Alaskan view. It is hard to find a bad view in this state.
They caught 60 between them. (Which is way more than we will go through!!)
Here is a king salmon that Justin caught. They had to release it though because their season was over!
