Bear Paw Festival

A few weeks ago they had the annual Bear Paw Festival, a local carnival here in Eagle River. We had a great time checking out the carnival, watching the parade and going to the Teddy Bear's Picnic.


Houston taking a ride in his armored vehichle


Jaxson checking out the sights


Having fun playing all of the games at the Picnic


Food glorious food! The kids loved the hot dogs and cookies


It wouldn't be a true carnival without the face painting


Getting a bear hug


Houston + Helicopter = Happiness


Watching the Parade and raking in the candy

Jaxson's 1st Birthday

I know that everyone says this, but I really can't believe that my baby is already a year old! He is so grown up and learning so many new things, I love it....but hate it at the same time.


While we were in Utah we decided to have a big Birthday celebration for Jaxson and Josh, then all of the grandparents got to enjoy Jaxson attacking his first birthday cake.





Jaxson loved his cake that Nana Cook made him, but didn't enjoy having his hands all sticky and kept trying to flick all of the frosting off his hands.


Happy Birthday Jaxson, We love you!

A Visit to Happy Valley

Josh had a continuing education conference to attend in Midway, so we decided to make a trip of it and visit family while he finished up his classes. We had a great time hanging out with everyone, playing games and staying up way too late!

Nana with her boys playing cars


Papa and Houston hanging out on the porch


Great Grandma White and Jaxson. This picture makes Jaxson look huge, because my Grandma is so little.

It was nice to visit with a few of my friends and their cute families (the pictures are so small that no one should even be upset with me for posting them...it doesn't count if they are that little)







Chloe and Houston- I had to make this picture larger, because I love the look on Chloe's face- Priceless!


Uncle Taylor taking the boys on a ride


Uncle Todd and Chris keeping Jaxson entertained


Josh didn't get any pictures of Houston fishing with Grandpa (because I had the camera) But Houston had a great time with his dad and Grandpa out on the boat. When I called to see how things were going, Houston said he was going to stay out and fish ALL DAY and then sleep on the boat. Like father/grandfather, Like son!




The weather was beautiful on Memorial Day, so we decided to do a little hiking on the back side of Timp. Taylor even made the trek with his foot sliced open from the day before.



The guy at the bowling place told us that we probably couldn't make it through a game in an hour, so we took it as a challenge and got through a game and a half! (Sorry Jess, it was the best bowling picture)


We celebrated Josh's birthday a little early. Any excuse to go out to eat and spend time with family is always good.


Josh and I celebrated a late anniversary with dinner at the Zermatt Resort for his conference and then stayed over at a cute B&B in Parkcity. It was a perfect getaway for us and Nana loved having time with the boys- Win win!


I felt a little like we were going to a school dance in this picture...Prom for OLD people? (Thanks for the dress and shoes Jess)





New favorite pass time with the water balloon launcher


Josh and Jaxson's Birthday party. Grandparents (minus grandpa) enjoying the sunshine and their grandkids. I will post Jaxson's Birthday pictures next post


Jaxson played out on the grass with Sage and Grandpa for almost an hour, it was so fun to watch.

Adventure Time

Josh's days off have become our adventure days. It has really helped us to get to know Alaska a little bit more and have fun in the process.


Our Hike near McHugh creek




We saw a moose about 20 feet from us on the trail. After taking one picture we were a little nervous after it turned to look at us...right in the eyes. Too bad the first picture didn't turn out.


Eklutna Lake. It will be really pretty here in a couple of weeks when it melts.



Out beautiful hike at the Eagle River Nature's Center.

Mirror Lake

We went to Mirror Lake this week for our family adventure. Houston had a blast testing out his pole and splashing back and forth on the shore. We had a great time even though the fish weren't biting.