Graduation Time

I know it's taken many more years than I expected but I finally graduated with my Bachelors in Political Science with a Minor in History.  I began this journey at the University of Alaska Southeast, transferred to the University of Alaska Anchorage, and finally finished at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  I know that my family is happier with my nose not stuck in the book!  I couldn't have completed my degree without their loving support.  I also appreciate all the support from friends throughout the years.  Thank you all.

  The day before graduation was pedicure day and Phia got her first pedicure.  I had to include the shot because she's cute and she's actually looking at the camera.

Shawn Turns 8!!!

Shawn had a sleep over before his actual birthday and then an ice cream cake with Phia and I.  He had his heart set on a Pokemon game that included a Pokewalker.  Similar to a pedometer but more fun because the more you walk the more Pokemon you catch. 

Happy 6th Birthday Phia

Phia celebrated her 6th birthday at Chuck E Cheese with family and friends.  Aunt Elena was nice enough to get her a cake since we were running late in driving down from Fairbanks.  It's winter so it's to be expected.  I think it was the birthday she always wanted but as soon as Chuck E came out she was so shy. 

Happy Birthday my Phia. 

Winter Fun

I have been really bad about posting on here. I take lots of pictures I just never get around to posting them so I thought I'd take a minute this morning and load a few. We went to the Ice Park in North Pole last night for Girl Scouts. I only have pictures of Phia as I never could catch up with Shawn. Also, we had to make the customary visit to Santa to tell him what we wanted for Christmas.

Ice cave.

Bowl O'Phia

Fly By . . .

I went on the coolest ride yesterday in a KC-35 refueling plane with the Air National Guard. In early summer Danny signed me up for an incentive ride and yesterday was my day. We flew around for two hours over the Interior of Alaska from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. The first part of the ride involved watching the F-16's fuel up so we took turns lying on our stomachs in the back of the plane and watched the jets fuel up. After fueling up the pilot thought it would be neat for us to get a close up view of Denali or Mt. McKinley. We flew over the peak at 3,000 feet and then he made a 360 turn around the mountain. Denali is approximately 20,000 feet in height and the tallest peak in North America. Besides a crew of four there were about 11 of us passengers. We were seated for take off and landing but were able to walk around during the duration of the flight.

Sitting in the boom area getting ready to watch the F-16 refuel.

Sitting in the cockpit listening to the Captain speak.

We were so close to Mount McKinley.

Fall Photos

Notice the moose bone at the bottom of the photo??? Only in Alaska!

My Phia and her pose. Notice all the missing front teeth.

Had to throw this photo in.

My favorite kids. I love them.

What's new with us . . . Soccer, Fair, and School

This year marked Phia's first year of soccer. She was very excited to play but apprehensive at the same time.


Shawn just likes soccer and he doesn't care what position he plays. He's kind of like the energizer bunny of soccer on the field.
Here's a cute photo of the kids. This was the cutest picture in a series of many. When I started to take their picture some random kid wanted to be in the photo and wouldn't leave so I gave in and took his picture then told him to go away. The kids posed again and the kid tried getting back in the photo. You can see from Phia's expression that she wasn't too happy about that.


In the 7 years we've been going to the fair we finally won some prizes. Phia won the panda in the fishing game and Shawn won the monkey in darts. The big bear came from my Mom beating me at a ball rolling game.
Danny's flower is finally blooming. Too bad winter is right around the corner.
First day of school for Shawn. Phia starts on Monday.