Home(r) of the Brave...



Lil' Monster enjoying his Independence Dinner

Being newcomers to the area, holiday traditions are having to be reinvented and remade based on our surroundings. When Mamma was looking to plan something special she found lots of options to be explored. The cities and towns here all had something planned, it we just figuring out what to do, and what the weather would allow us to do.

So, the decision was made, Pabbi would take Lil' Monster to an early parade in the neighboring city of Kenai - while mamma prepared at home. That afternoon the American Legion Post # 18 in Ninilchik was hosting activities and an Independence lunch/dinner. After that we would drive to the farthest town south on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer, for their late afternoon parade.

When the Fourth arrived, we were astounded by the beautiful weather and couldn't wait to get out in it. The "Guys" went to the parade and collected some sweets. Then we all headed south. Instead of going straight to our destination in Homer, we stopped several times along the way marveling at the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula.

Homer Parade

Don't eat it, darling!

Trying to figure how these work.

Yeah! He did it!

Look, Mamma! Candy!!

Vehicles and candy were the favorites.

Who's coming?

 What parade is any good unless without a special guest appearance?

Santa was a highlight of the Parade.

What a wonderful day it was.

We took so many photos.

It makes living here feel just a little more like home.

...How Does Your Garden Grow, Too?

We are back at it:

Garden Growing.

We decided to make some more pots 

and planted some more  tomatoes 

UPDATE on :

...How Does Your Garden Grow?

Only 10 days later and we already see the blossoming of our Pea plants.

In it's little greenhouse-of-a-jug it stays pretty moist and warm.

But add water once in awhile to keep it that way.

Don't forget the occasional hug!!

...How Does Your Garden Grow?

How do you grow a garden in the bitter cold of the far north?

By this time of year, most of the country has already planted the beginnings of one.

Yet, here in Alaska we are still wearing coats and boots.

So how do you plant a garden?

You begin your garden indoors.

Actually we are late in planting;

most Alaskans have already begun theirs.

This year, we are going to practice.

Next year we hope to begin a real garden.

So we thought to begin the lessons by letting the wee little ones plant this year.

Steps to an indoor garden.

1. Take a jug (milk, water, etc.) and cut the top off.

2. Decide what crop you want (we chose peas and tomatoes).

3. Have a bag of dirt. 

3. Pour dirt into your cut jug.

4. Plant the seed in the dirt.

5. Water it. 

6. Seal the top on.

7. Label it with the initials of what you planted.

8. Give it a big hug

(we know love makes little things grow strong)

9. Hang it in a sunny place.

10. Wait to see what happens....

(* No child was hurt in the making of this post; knives were given only under extreme supervision and merely for the aesthetics of a photo. No child had actual use of knife. DO NOT allow your child use of knife without supervision - and preferably when they are of a mature age. *)

My Mini-sized Hero

Doesn't this little strong man make you quake in your boots?

He fights for the Right!

Pray to never meet him on a dark street after having done something wrong.

He will bring justice...

and set the world right again!

He certainly is MY Hero!!

My Little Easter Bunny

This year we joined a family from church who hosts Easter celebrations for several families.

The kids were supposed to be lining up with their buckets, preparing to race off to hunt for Easter treats. But this little guy saw a "car" and just had to go for a ride.

Cars or Candy???

That is the Question!

What a dilemma for my sweet bubby. Pabbi encouraging him to get ready for the race for candy instead of playing on the car. Standing to the side as the big kids are about to race off.

Someone thought it would be easier to race with the bucket on their heads.

Lil' Monster decided to join in last minute sans car.

Such contemplation...

though it also looks like he is following in the footsteps of Mr. Elskan

and

Picking His Nose!

The race is on.

I was really surprised at how nonchalant

Lil' Monster was about the whole "hunting for candy."

He wanted to play with the toy car and then...

he seemed more content to just wander around the forest.

Can you imagine the conversation going on here?

I thought it went as such:

Lil' Monster: "Pabbi you are so TALL."

Pabbi: "Do you want to stand up here?...."

etc...

But in all actuality-

Lil' Monster: Pabbi, jump! Play Wipeout. You jump and I take this stick and hit you.

Pabbi: I don't think so.

Lil' Monster: JUMP!!!

Pabbi: I think not.

etc....

I guess all's well that ends well.

No one jumped, no one was hit, and many treats were found and enjoyed.

Back at home:

The Lil' Monster discovered the Easter Bunny had dropped by while we were at the

Waffles and Egg hunt Party.

He was thrilled:

Baseball caps

and

STAR WARS figures!!

...not to mention some more candy.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Our Uncle the Hero

Uncle M (my youngest brother by a decade) has always been my favorite pal-around-with brother. We have great memories together of teasing and torturing each other while growing up.

Two years has passed since Lil' Monster came into our family and he had yet to meet Uncle M.

(Uncle M is one of the great soldiers keeping this country safe).

Lil' Monster only heard stories about the GREAT Uncle M.

Then this last week...

he finally got to meet him

and another child met

his childhood Hero:

UNCLE M

What is cooler than trying on a soldier's outfit and playing an electric guitar?

Lil' Monster could hardly stand up with just the vest on,

so Uncle M had to hold him up.

Here is Lil' Monster is trying to do the sign of the horns and be cool.

I like his version better.

Auntie B. showing us how it's done.

What child wouldn't love to jam out on an electric guitar
hooked to an amp that makes the house rock?

Uncle M - our hero.