Larsens do Alaska

Summer of the Larsen Men

2010-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

From walking along the beaches of Harlequin Lake full of Ice Bergs, building sand castles on Cannon Beach in their boxers too target practicing with their bows to ready themselves, for the season for killing is almost upon us. They have had a great summer and hope to continue through the Fall. Well keep you updated on their adventures!

Sweet Independence & Tart Treats

2010-08-11T14:04:00.001-07:00

while Trace is constantly in his Army mode, he took time to buy his own 52" American Flag. He was unable to bring the flag pole with him back from Sitka so he rigged up a flag pole using an old Halibut fishing pole. I think we are the only house that waves a flag from the porch, so Trace is very proud of it. I bet Grandma L. would love it! Trace was out berry picking and found this HUGE Salmonberry. I can't wait to make jelly! Yummy!

Sitka Farmers Market

2010-07-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today Saije and I headed down to the Farmers Market. I remember the good 'ol days when Lars used to play at the Farmers Market there in Midway, UT. Good times...Good times. Anyhow, there were so many types of vegtables. I sampled what they call Sea Asparagus, it grows in the mud flats when the tide goes out. Delicious! You can cook it with olive oil, garlic, pecans, currents and agave syrup. Oh my gosh, I just love learning about the food that grows right outside our front door! Someday I will never have to go to the store again! Well.....unless I can figure out how to make my own toilet paper. (ewww, guess I could use some old sheets and just re-wash them, oh how my family will hate me after that change) Sorry about that! So, while Saije and I were a samplin', the band "Medicine for The People" showed up as the entertainment, yea! It was the Hope's birthday (the drummer) She asked Saije if she wanted to get up there and play the durms with them, so I got a pic of her jammin'. I swear she should have been born in the 60's! She one of my little flower children.

Hiking Mosquito Cove

2010-07-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today a friend of mine called and asked f Saije and I would like to go hiking so we headed out to Mosquito Cove. It is about 1 mile hike along the shore line of the bay. It was a nice day, and no mosquitos either, whew! Saije enjoyed the solitude but was complaining of some knee pain from head banging in the mosh pit last night. Dang that girl can dance! We saw this freaky little, I mean huge ugly slug....... I swear they have been mutating! Along the way we crossed carved bridges and climbed some more of those damn man made stairs! We were definately feeling the burn. I am so glad that Andrew(my husband), Saije and Trace came to visit me! I Love You!

2010 Home Skillet Music Festival Sitka, AK

2010-07-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Saije graduates from Rural Alaska Honors Institute with 8 credits toward her first semester of College! On her way home from Fairbanks, AK. she stopped by to see her mommy. I purchased us a 3 day pass to the music festival to see about 20 bands, from the Blues to Hip Hop. We decided on a few favorites; Medicine for the People(Hawaii), Breathe Owl Breathe(Michigan), Jed Delong(Kotzebue), Mad Rad(Seattle) and Strummin' Dog(Sitka). The boy crowd surfing in the pic was the son of Phonetic's lead singer. He rapped a little and then jumped out in the crowd! I could totally see Trace doing that! A lot of these Garage Bands had some excellent songs......"It All Starts to Make Sense"and" I Wish I was Swimming". I hope that we hear from them in the future!

4th of July in Sitka, AK 2010

2010-07-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Another rainy day....although it didn't seem to slow anything down. We headed off to the booths, Trace shot up the town at the pellet hand gun booth, winning more tickets than anyone. We sampled the food booths which ranged from the famous Hot dog to Phillipino foods. I ended up with a humongous Navajo Taco. (so much food and so little time) Lars had a great time watching Trace throw a softball and dunking the guy 7 times in a row. What an arm!

For the parade we got front row seats. Trace loved the black powder guns carried by the Confederate Army (supporting Alaska Day) The gals in the golf cart were called the Coho Queens, and a gas car that was converted into an electric car (go green!) And Traces favorite & the high light of our day..... the US Army troop! He had me pull one of the gentlemen aside so he could show him some well deserved respect! I cried of course, I am so proud that he is MY son!

After the parade they let all the kids line up and the fire trucks soaked them with the fire hose.

I hope that ya'all had a great 4th.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want too.....

2010-07-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Yup, once again it's my day to shine! We started out our day at the Fortress of The Bears.

Kilsum and Chieek (not sure of the spelling) are male bears 3 1/2 years old and were abandoned by their mother as young cubs. The fortress takes the abandoned bears in and gets them in good health, both physically and mentally. They do some training like...putting their paws on certain levels of rock to take a closer look at there paws & bodies to check for any injuries or infections from their playful fighting. They also train them to open their mouths and check for any dental or throat problems. The trainers call there names and have them climb up on the logs and wave, very cute!
After that we went to the Matinee and saw Eclipse. Lars and Trace liked the fighting but, Trace could have done without the romance. Next, we set off to the hardware store and bought a machete, in Ak. everyone that loves to hike needs one to clear the trail of Devils Club. (very mean stuff, although after boiled down is good for arthritis)
My gift from my sweetie was replacing my diamond on my wedding band with a Glacier Diamond, I can't wait to get it back next week! Trace picked out a chocolate cake with Grandmas Cake Batter Ice Cream. Yes....it tastes just like cake mix. It has frosting, sprinkles and cream cheese. Girls you have got to try it. It reminds me of how you would eat cake mix with water at Grandma Larsen's house! Love to you all!

Trace caught his first Chinook (king) Salmon!

2010-06-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lars woke up and asked Trace if he wanted to go fishin' in the boat or on the river today. Trace voted to fish the Situk river..... it was a little rainy but who cares, we live in AK. They headed out and on their way to Nine Mile Trace saw a rabbit and looked over at his dad and said, "I have a good feeling about today dad."

When they got there they saw a few Germans fishing so they moved down stream. (after bush whackin' a few hundred feet) They came upon a nice deep hole, they caught about 30 Coho but only landed 5 or 6.

It was beginning to really pour and Lars was ready to go when Trace asked if he could cast a few more times. Trace casted about 6 times and the next was lucky number 7! He had been trying to get a nice Chinook to take the bait, and sure enough it took it hook, line and sinker!

Trace starts saying "dad it took my hook, I got it on!" Lars continued to gather fish as he looked to the side of him and saw this Chinook race past him with line attached. Lars couldn't believe it. Trace started gettin' excited and was afraid he'd loose him, so he asked his dad if he would help him out. Lars looked at his son with a gleam in his eye (and jealousy) and said "Son, you got this one!, remember give him the line and tire him out." So Muck starts playin' the fish. The Chinook runs up stream and then down stream. He circles Trace a few times, because Trace is knee deep in the river. The Chinook takes another trip up stream and his dad yells out, "You gotta turn him son!" and Trace puts on the breaks and starts fightin' him and all the sudden the Chinook is done!

He reels it in..... and it turns out to be a 42 pd 2.5 ft girth and 42.5 inch. length "NICE-ASS" Chinook... caught on 15 pd. test with a little spin rod that Uncle Nick bought at Cabella's!

Yeee Haw! We are going to get it mounted for his 10th Birthday!

Hiking Indian River Trail- Sitka, AK.

2010-06-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all you fabulous Fathers! This morning I woke up and headed out with the girls and hit the trail. What a nice hike. The trail ran along the Indian River then back and forth across a few times on huge trees made into bridges. Way Cool! We came across a nice 5 foot deep water hole with a rope swing hanging from a tree. This brings back a funny memory; I took the 5 girls when they were around the ages of 11 to 15 to the water hole at the bottom of Provo canyon. We had hiked up Bridal Veil Falls and decided to go try the rope swing across the freeway. Elyse and Amanda went together and Elyse lost hold and down she went! When she hit the water all you could hear was her screaming obscenities and dog paddling like crazy for the shore. Holy cow Elyse, I am so sorry that I laughed so hard, but it just couldn't be helped. I was there for you the whole way! Anyway......so the gals and I decided that we need to come back in the afternoon and try it after we have hiked our butts off and need to cool off, so maybe next time. I will definitely bring Lars and Trace, they will love it!
With all of this new exercise that I have been getting we started talking about building our core muscles. I was telling them how Neisha started hula-hooping, one gal said that she wanted to try Belly-dancing, another said that she wanted to get into pole dancing! Yes you heard me right, Pole Dancing! I just about peed my pants. She claims it builds the core muscles too..... can you imagine what her husband is going to say when he comes home and there's a pole installed in their bedroom? I told her she better go see her Dr. and get on Birth Control!
One our way back I was telling the gals that I had attended that Tlingit beach gathering and learned that the Skunk Cabbage is used to cook fish. So we gathered some cabbage and were hiking out when we were approached by two ladies. They turned up their noses at us and asked "What are you doing with Skunk Cabbage?" I turned around and said we are taking it home so we can roll it up and smoke it! No way was I going to give this new learned secret away to just anyone! Suya Quasatine!

Enjoying the Tlingit Culture

2010-06-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Listening to the song was entrancing, very cool!

Suya Quasatine! (goodbye in Tlingit)

Tlinget gathering on the beach - Sitka,AK.

2010-06-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

I was with some clients and we were invited to come down to the beach and be apart of the natives traditions. The Tlingit people were so very kind and generous, not only did they make us feel welcome, they even shared their smoked fish, yum! We began by digging holes in the beach to cook the fish. We then gathered flat rocks to line the pits with and then build a fire. Once their were coals we gathered skunk cabbage ( it didn't smell like a skunk...huh?) and got them set in the sea. Then we layed them over the coals and placed the Salmon that was garnished with lemon, peppers, onions, butter and seasonings then rolled in a cabbage leaf onto the layered leafs in the fire pit. Layering again the cabbage and placing more coals on top then waiting while it cooks! I didn't get to stay around to sample the Salmon, but I did get to enjoy a few peices of smoked salmon (middle pic) Delicious! Goonecheesh! (that mean thank you in Tlingit!)

Hiking Thimbleberry Trail-Sitka,AK.

2010-06-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

This hike starts off right from the road and ends up at a lake that has a small dock that you can jump off and cool off in. On our way up we passed several piles of bear scat. I was wondering if this was the sign to turn around and go back! We had our trusty bear protection Lance and Simon but, I decided to use our "back up device" my marine whistle! Ya, I blew my whistle the whole way up and the whole way back. It kind of ruined the ambience but no bear problems. Thank goodness! Oh how I love the Great Outdoors!

Hiking Herring Cove - Sitka,AK.

2010-06-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! I have never hiked that many stairs in all my life put together! Whew! I am not sure if I have noodles for legs or none at all! It was amazing. The lakes, the cool rocks that form tunnels with trees growing out of them. Once you make it to the top 3 miles up, you can see forever!, and bigger mountains. Tons of flowers and ferns, Beautiful and not one Bear! (Knock on wood) Those are my friends guard dogs that are in the pictures Kia, Lance and Simon, they swam more that did any protecting. I wish Copper could have been there. He may not have made it up those flights of stairs, it was crazy. And if you noticed I didn't take any photos on the way up or down because I couln't steady the camera with all my heavy breathing! I definately want to hike that trail again, that is when I get a little better conditioned!

Hello from Sitka!

2010-06-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Sitka and have finally settled in. I live in a quint little apartment next door to my job. If I don't show up for work they just knock on my door and then I get up. JK! I bet it would work though, well maybe once.....I had better not. I love being in the mountains and relaxing on the beach. Sitka has tons to do, but I wish my boys could be here with me to do it all. Andrew and Trace are trying to take the Ferry for my b-day next month. I will be in Sitka until somewhere around the first week of Aug. I have my weekends off to stroll around and watch the boats come and go. When the huge cruise ships come in this place gets crazy, people are everywhere! It is really good for the local economy. There are amazing peices of Art that I want to put in my house.There are theater shows playing next week put on by an Artist that uses expressions through Masks. I am hoping to be able to see one of them. I will keep you up to date if I do anything fun. Bye!

I'm baaack!

2010-06-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ya, I know it has been quite awhile, but hey I'm here not aren't I?
Actually I am in Sitka, AK for the summer for training for my new position as Behavioral Health Technician which I will take back with me to Yakutat and implement into the school.
I will shadow those children that use our services, which are confidential, and work with them to utilize learned skills to be a productive citizen. I am in the begining stages of the program so I may have a different definition when I get done with training. :)
So, I live in a little 2 bedroom apt. in a 4 plex. the downstairs is joined and is the Family Center. Upstairs in one apt. is our offices, and the other apt. is mine. I do share it with another gal that comes in 1 a month then she is back out in the field, so I am living alone.
I have some great co-workers that love to hike and enjoy the out doors.
We are getting ready to hike Mnt. Edgecomb, a dormant volcano next weekend. We will be hiking small trails in the evening to prepare ourselves. I am sooo excited. And yes I will post pictures.
Andrew and Trace are back in Yakutat catching tons of Halibut and are putting the net backin the water now that the Sockeye are running. I am bummed that I won't be there. Yesterday Trace said the he was tired, they brought in 4 Halibut and a 200 pound Halibut followed up the one he caught and tried to swallow the weight! Yea, it took off with the wieght and along with the hooked Halibut so Andy took the pole and fought it back to the surface an hour later and the 200 pounder was gone thank goodness!
The boys will be coming in on the Ferry for my birthday in July. We will get to celebrate the 4th in Sitka this year. I can't wait for them to get here, I miss them like crazy!
Saije graduated in May! She is in Fairbanks for the summer. She applied for RAHI, Rural Alaska Honors Institute which is a science program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is staying in the dorms, which gives her a taste of how housing will work next year when she attends the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, AK. She is taking two classes in Molecular Biology and leave with 9 credits toward her college degree. They also provide activities like waterskiing, hiking, kyaking along with dances and BBQ's. I spoke with her after her 1 week and she is having fun and getting alot of support with her studies.
The most recent news: Andy's oldest daughter Amanda is engaged! Yes, she is getting married some time in August. We are so excited for her! We don't know much about him, but hope to get to meet him soon.
I will try to keep you posted on my adventures in Sitka, Bye!

Our hike into Situk Lake

2010-05-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

and hiked into the Situk Lake at the end of May. Trace came and brought along his buddy Thomas. This is a shot of them kyaking out on Situk Lake with St. Elias in the back ground.
We took a group of teens

Saije graduates!

2010-05-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well the day has finally arrived! Grandpa and Grandma Larsen flew in to graciously support our Babie Bird. Friends and family gathered at one of our dear friends house for a Chicken Fettucini diner in her honor. Saije requested my homemade Carmel Pecan Cheese Cake and Key Lime Pie. I think we all gained 10 glorious pounds! (and it was worth it) We also attended the awards assembly which Saije recieved 2 scholarships toward her college and another scholarship to attend Rural Alaska Honors Institute for the summer. She will recieve 9 credits upon completion in Molecular Biology and a bunch of new relationships along with a dorm life experience. She has been hiking, kyaking, taking a swimming class to prepare her for the Coast Guard someday and how to kick it Alaska Style!

Saije has been accepted has been accepted to UAS in Juneau, AK. She is Majoring in Science and going to a Minor in Art. We are so glad that she is so close to home, we will miss you Saije!

For entertainment, Marilyn and Lowell got to watch Trace cross the finish line in the 100 and 200 yd dash. He took the 100 yd dash with no problem. In the 200yd dash he raced against a 6th grader, the boys were neck in neck and Trace's foot crossed the line 1st! He is quite the athlete. Go Muckster!

Tour De Yakutat

2010-04-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Trace has been involved in a newly organized race that will be held annually. Trace is in 3rd grade and competed against 4, 5 and 6th graders. There were 4 days and 4 different terrains and Trace the MIGHTY MUCKSTER took them all. He won a gold medal and a new bike! After he completed the final track, he continued on to try and out ride the High Schoolers, which he did give them a run for their money (bike!) Trace has great endurance, stamina and sportsmanship! And we get to try and keep up with him. We are so proud of you Trace!

Yakutat's Beauty

2009-11-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

The William G. Brooks 2009 Reunion

2009-09-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is the first ever William G Brooks family reunion and it was a success! We met in Las Vegas, NV. and stayed at a secret location. I can't remember the name :) We met up with My Dad and Step Mom, Sisters: Anne, her 2 kids Dylan and Dakota, Becky, Jackie and her 3 kids Savanah, Zane & Ruger. My brother Bill, his wife Brandi, and their 3 kids Daven, Reed and Emerson. My 2 step brothers Jimmy & Matt, his son Avery. My two step sisters Tammy, with her 4 kids and Allison. Myself with my 6 kids, Elyse, Amanda, Neisha, Jocelyn, Saije and Trace. we had a complete football team staying in 2 suites with 3 beds and a hide-a-bed. We swam, tie-dye shirts, ate fresh Salmon, Halibut and Octopus from Yakutat, Ak. and visited until the wee hours of the morning! It was so much fun and much needed. WE haven't all been together since 1990. After our Vegas visit we headed to hang with my awesome Grandmother Maxine! She is getting up there in her years and still can remember all the good times we had growing up. I miss and love you all, Thank you for a great time!

Hiking Russell Fiord

2009-07-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

The girls and I met up with Carol and her girls and hiked to the one only, Russell Fiord. The path was covered in a bright green carpet which lead us to an amazing bay that had been under a glacier for many years. The bare white pines shows the line of where it once was. The White Sock mosquitoes were ridiculous! It was so good to be off the water and back on the trail. We look forward to hiking it again, and again and again!

Summer, Summer, Suumer (The Cars)

2009-07-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

I got a job with Fish and Game sampling Salmon, Rock Fish and Halibut. I got to know the boat Captains and invented a summer job for the girls. Grubbies Boat detailing. Elyse began with the Sea Raven, then on to the Glacier Bear. Amanda and Joce got in on it and then they got another client, the Sea Wolf, with off and on jobs with the Happy Hookers. We began our own little business. I am hoping to form it into an actually company in the summer to employ tha girls. We will see. It was nice geting to work down and the dock and see the girls everyday. Lars and Trace would even come down, take the skiff out and bring in some fish for me to measure! Thanks Muck!

We're Goin' on a picnic!

2009-06-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the car with the fixin's for dutch oven and instruments and headed to Coast Guard Point for a picnic. Lou brought her awesome ukulele and Dad brought his guitar. We sat around listening to music and ate some delicious potatoes. Saije slept all curled up on the beach and Elyse made sure we had plenty of memories caught on camera.

Our camping trip to Square Bay, Yakutat, AK.

2009-06-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we had everything planned out. Get all our gear loaded into one skiff and everyone else in the other. We packed as if we were going to start living in the unknown, but we were only planning on camping for 3 days. We arrived early afternoon and got camp set up. Our camp consisted of 4 insane adults, 12 wired children and 1 hungry dog. We had beautiful weather, went fishing, hiking and walking tide pools. I lead a group around the west end of Kantak and looped around until we were on the south side of the island and then cut strait through to the tidal flats and back to camp. Lars took a group out fishing for Halibut and Carol took a group to the tidal pools. Everyone came back with some good souvenirs and stories. Lars got the fire started to dry off those that went for a swim in the sub zero water (on purpose) yes, Trace was one of them. I got a group of girls to start the cutting of potatoes and we began to cook my famous "dutch oven potatoes". We roasted hotdogs and smores then crawled into our bags for an uneasy night of sleep. Every sound that the dog made, made my eyes pop open and prepare myself for getting eatin' by a bear. So not alot of sleep the first night! The next morning we headed into the Harbot to grab Lou and Joce of the airplane. We got back in the boat and headed back to camp. How I wish that the weather we had the day before stayed with us. We played in the rain, we made fresh blueberry cobbler in the rain, and we ate in the rain, and yes we pretty much slept in the rain. The wind came up eary morning and the tide was out, which left the boat in the damn sand. Carol woke everyone up, not even I was going to get up until I saw what position we were in. So we all heaved and hooed until the boat was in the water. Then we all began loading are WET gear into the boat. We ended up doing a few trips because of our not so neatly packed gear took up too much room. But in the end I was glad that I finally got to go camping again, it has been 4 long years since my awesome campout that my family sent me off to Alaska with, I love and miss you all!

Fishing the Situk on a jet boat

2009-06-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yea, today Lars, Trace and I got aboard a flat bottom, jet propelled river boat. It was so fast and scary that I almost wanted a seat belt! Trace and his classmate Emma road in the front as if it were a carnival ride. Her grandfather Bob, slid us up the Situk river with his eyes closed. We drove right over log jams and got into the most amazing places to fish. The guys were catching fish like crazy but not landing them. I was struggling with the technique of fly fishing without an indicator, but caught on and landed my first Sockeye, and then my second, and then my third. I limited out so I sat back and enjoyed watching the Lars and Muck bring in their limits. Nothing quite like watching a salmon jump 3 ft out of the water!

Lars gets to view the Hubbard Glacier

2009-05-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lars headed out with Sam to pick up a group that were out in Yakutat Bay doing some research on the whales. He said that it was pretty scary in a skiff. They were not able to get too close, you can get locked in by the icebergs and have to wait until the tide drops for the icebergs to move out again. The wall of ice is a couple miles high and sounds like gun shots going of when the crash into the water. Awesome!

End of 09 school year!

2009-05-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

For Trace's last day of being in 2nd grade, Captain Gary Klushkan on the Tlingit Warrior, took Trace's class to the the Hubbard Glacier. They had a nice picnic while watching the icebergs calve off the glacier. Thanks Gary, Trace had a great time! Saije had her last day out on Cannon Beach. She and Elyse showed them just how to blast a baseball into next week! They also played football, horseshoes, and layed around a roaring fire roasting marshmellow's for Smores, Yummy!

Saije's Prom 09

2009-05-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Jr. Prom, Yakutat, AK. Saije wore Neisha's Senior Ball gown and rocked it! She looked like a butterfly. First they went to the Glacier Bear and ate dinner with a group, then headed off to the dance. She danced the night away with her good friend Elias. I got to go in and take some photos, and enjoy the music. They had a great time forming a huge circle and taking turns showing off their moves! And yes that is Elyse hiding under Saije's gown, that's how we snuck her in! Hee Hee! JK! Next year Saije will be a Senior!!! Oh my baby girl is growing up. Love you Birdie!

Spring AASG 2009, Sitka, AK

2009-04-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Lars and I took the Student Council to Sitka, AK. We have never been there before and Wow, what a beautiful place. We got some hiking in, but not much sleep! We had reservations with the Gym floor at Mount Edge comb boarding school. It got it's name from Mount Edge comb Volcano. I still can't walk straight! We took the hike on Totem Pole Trail. It was amazing to see the works that take close to a year to make, just for one! Saije got to go along w/2 other students. She also ran for Region 5 Rep, which took a lot of guts and didn't get elected. The competition was pretty much a given before they even began their speeches, but she still went through with it. You Rock Saije Marie!!! One of the classes we signed up for was to do the Army Obstacle Course, which almost killed me,Llars took pictures instead of the challenge. The Army also flew in the Black Hawk Helicopter, which really made me wish that Trace was there. We almost brought Trace, but the schedule wound have bored him out of his mind so he stayed home with a friend. He also had his first Basketball game and he didn't want to miss it. He made 14 points and is already wanted by the pros, Ha Ha! We are so proud of you Muck! We got to see his 2nd game yesterday and made 14 points! Lars and I have created a Monster Basketball Player! He has Lars' talent and my competitiveness, oops!, Like I said, A MONSTER!

Lars' water colors

2009-04-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

I went around Yakutat and took some photos for Lars to paint, The one of the water with boats on both sides was taken by Applesauce Joce. He re-made them with watercolors. Sweet!!!! He's hoping to get really good so he can start making some cashola!

Saije and Trace are enjoying life,Yakutat Style!

2009-04-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well Trace had a tough go at Soccer the first two games, but has picked it up quite fast. He has made a total of 20 goals. He runs up and down the court, never giving up until he gets that ball in the goal. He gets a little upset at times when he is stuck being the goalie and can see where a weak spots are. He is always wanting to be a forward and kick some butt. I have even received some comments from parents on his great sportsmanship skills. At the final soccer game Traces team was heard singing "We Are The Champions". Trace scored 10 points! The Coho's team was at 2. They had about half of the team sit out and not want to play anymore, so I had our team take turns going over to the other side and helping them out. When it was Traces turn the Steelhead's began to wine, "put someone else on their team, not Trace he is going to beat us!" Well he did score 3 more points and his team members were on the urge of crying, so I switched him for another. The final score was 11 to 5. After Spring Break it's Pee Wee Basketball. Trace is loving life in Yakutat.

Saije has tried out to go to the State Cheerleading Championships! There were 3 girls that were chosen to tryout. They had to do a routine that was a combination of a cheer, a dance & gymnastics. She is very glad that she had the influence from her sister Neisha, it really helped give her the courage. They traveled to the Basketball State Championships and cheer the Yakutat Eagles on to Victory! Which during that time in another building the two Cheerleaders will go and compete against different schools. Elyse was there to give support to our "Baby Birdie"! The Ladies Basketball team has taken State 2 years in a row and this could be there 3rd! The Boys made it to state this year also! Go Yakutat Cheerleaders and Basketball players! Go-Fight-Win!!!

Happy Easter Everybody!

2009-04-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. The village held an Easter Egg hunt down on Cannon Beach. Trace was ready to bring in the most eggs and wasn't going to settle for second. I believe he succeeded, and also succeeded in making a classmate's Easter very special. Let's see, Shortly after the race for the Easter Eggs ended, one of his classmates showed up late. He was sad and Trace could see that if he could have got there on time, his basket would have been half full instead of empty. Being the kind, sweet son that we have raised and taught that giving is more important than receiving, He went up to the boy and gave him some of his eggs. The boy was happy and his father completely stunned. The father shook Traces hand and said that he owed him one. We headed to the Pavilion to see if Trace had found any golden eggs, which he did! After collecting his winnings, $8.00, we headed to the car. The boys father, pulled me aside and told me of exactly what happened and that my son was a very gracious boy. Tears filled my eyes and my face beamed with pride. He followed in is the footsteps of the man we were thinking of on Easter. The following day, Trace was given an envelope with his name and instructions on it: Open at home. When he came running into the house after school and showed me the envelope, he opened it. Inside was a letter thanking Trace for his kindness, and $5.00, that was what the one of the eggs was worth that he gave to the boy. Trace said that he couldn't believe that he got paid, but I told him that it was just as important to receive the $ and not give it back, because the family was so greatful for what Trace had done. Happy Easter to you all, we love you!

Diggin' for Clams

2009-04-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today we had a nice day and a low tide. Trace and Saije checked out the tidal pools and gathered Hermit crabs, baby Dungenss crabs and Starfish, while Lars was digging for clams. Saije enjoyed the challenge and I never did get one. I did collect seaweed to dry and use in my cooking. I just can't tell the kids what that special ingredient is :)

The Friday Dance

2009-03-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Trace is going to give Bry a run for his money with these dance steps.
The moves must run in the family!

A day at Cannon Beach

2009-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today, we woke up to 40 degree weather, with the bluest skies I have ever seen. We threw Copper in the car and headed for the beach. Lars hopped on the 4 wheeler and took off with Samson. It seemed the whole town was there. If they weren't they were walking around town or fishing. It was low-tide for most of the day and made it possible for Saije to find an awesome Jelly Fish. Trace came across a sweet cabin which we definitely will be visiting this summer. Since I was a little girl, my favorite color was Coral. I am so lucky to get to live in a place that ends each day with a Coral sunset.

Happy 10 year Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2009-02-14T12:39:00.001-08:00

well hello my fellow familey fantastic citizens!

this is saijey-poo here and reporting to you live! 5...4.....3....2......ACTION!

today is a exellent day and its all about Cherie Lynn Larsen and Andrew Chugg Larsen!

10 years ago today they got married at on the Jackson Hole Elk Refuge! i still remember that day and i was the ring barrer! Elyse, Neisha, and i looked up at our mom and our awesome

new dad! our eyes were full of joy and exitement! we loved them then, and we still love them

now and FOREVER! i sure wish that jam and lou could have been there! that would have made it 100% much cooler. i miss you gals!

yesterday at school i made copies of mom and dad at their junior prom. mom was in 9th grade

and dad was in 11th. i put the copies up in the halls and everyone giggled! they thought

that was a great idea to put those up. then later on through the day i got a huge

poster board and made it into one interesting card and had a bunch of people sign it!

these two love birds were ment to be from the very start and everyone could tell.

i love dad! i love mom! i love cake! yay!!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GREAT VALENTINES DAY!

haha! MUCHO LOVE! w/ love - Saijey-poo

Saije goes to 2009 Homecoming!

2009-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Yakutat Eagles played 4 games the week of Homecoming. Saije Cheered, attended her job helped decorate for Homecoming and kept up with her homework. She has been very busy, but it was worth a few hours DANCING!!! She asked a boy named Nick from Eagle River, Ak. to accompany her to Homecoming. He has family here and was coming to watch his cousin play basketball, he was so kind to to go with her. They met at the begining of the year and became friends. Saije is wearing her sister Elyse's Senior Prom dress, and her classmate is wearing Elyse's Junior Prom dress.

Jiu Jitsu and The Muckster!

2009-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Trace has begun taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is in a class of about 8 and enjoys learning a more conservative style of stopping an escalating fight. He has learned to do the Roll, the Tater-Tot, the Arm Bar and listen to his instructor so no one gets hurt. He likes that his buddy Gaberiel is in the class and to be able to wrestle at the end of the lesson with Justice. He says that he really likes his Instructor, but once in a while he says the "C" word! You know, the crap word! My son cracks me up, I love ya Muck!

Happy Birthday Neisha, Saije & Jocelyn!

2009-01-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

As time goes by there are subtle changes that come over us. Height, weight, and wrinkles! Well that won't be happening to these beautys for quite some time. We wish each of you a Very Happy Birthday, and with every year that you embrace, may those memories never be forgotten. We love you! Mom and Dad

3 Day Basketball Blackout!

2009-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

The basketball team from Cordova came for a 3 day basketball tormament. Lars and I helped out in concessions and Trace cheered fromt the stands while hanging out with his good friend Gabriel. Saije and the cheer squad have been coming up with some sweet cheers and fast paced dances. Hopefully they will get to go to State and compete to be the Cheer Champs!

Go Yakutat Eagles! Saije is still on the honor roll and starts her internship with the Forrest Service on Thursday. Trace has started soccer, and I found out the day of the first game that Lars and I were the coaches. Thanks Trace!? Ya his teacher asked if he wanted to play soccer and if his parents would be interested in coaching and he said yes. We are very glad, now we get to watch his games and be apart of his sucess. We are really enjoying being a part of Yakutat. The children are a major focus in the community.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-05T19:04:00.001-08:00

Our New Year began nice and quiet. Since the girls all went back home, we just tiddied up the home, packed up Christmas and watched the Star Wars collection, requested by Muck! He says he wants to be an actor in the Next making of anything to do with Star Wars or even an Army flick. Ofcourse he wants to be the one who uses a BIG GUN! About 10:00pm we got a call to step out on our beck and watch the fireworks out on the Ferry Dock and what a display it was. They lasted for about 45 min and Trace screamed the whole time. Even the nieghbors began to scream with him. Here are a few shots including the Christmas Boat that is all decorated and cruised around the bay through out the Christmas Season. Happy New Year to you all and God Bless You All!

The Larsen/Bowler Family Christmas

2009-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

As We drove around seeing the sights, we took in all the beautiful scenery. The beach was a the main attraction. Even though it was very cold the kids (mainly Trace) ran around on the beach and played with a stray dog that want to play fetch with a stick that he brought with him. I love seeing the ocean crash onto the beach lined with pine trees it was awesome! The shot of the kids is from shortest to tallest Muck is almost as tall as Amanda, then Elyse, Neisha, Saije & Jocelyn is of course the tallest of them all!

Christmas Vacation 2008

2008-12-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

After two days at the Seattle,WA airport; the girls finally made it to Yakutat, Ak.

There is a sign on the side of the road that says Yakutat 5 (for miles from airport to Yakutat) So it was a must to get the girls to stand next to it since we have 5! We had a great visit, we painted shirts, bear bread (it is a fungi that grows on the pine trees, you pull it off and then dry it out) & canvas, made hemp necklaces & bracelets, ate tons of good food which included cookies from the cookie exchange at Yakutat LDS Church, We sang Christmas Carols at the Native Christmas Program ( thanks again girls). It was last minuet and they were asked if they wanted to participate and they said yes, Neisha just lip sank it was awesome! Trace cut us an perfect tree, we all helped out on the trimming and Lars topped it with the Angel. This Christmas is going down in the books for The Best Christmas Ever!!! We love you all and hope that you make it to visit us in Yakutat someday. Take care, Love & Peace! The Larsen Family

Student of the month!

2008-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

News Flash! Yup, Trace was the "Student of the Month" for the month of October. We just found out yesterday. Yes it is December, but for some reason we were never informed by even Trace Muck himself. This is what they posted below his picture on the poster:

Trace Larsen. Trace has made a seamless transition to our classroom this year. He is respectful, responsible, and super popular. Trace often makes helpful suggestions and is on top of the many teacher corrections that's needed daily. Trace is an excellent artist and we enjoy his creativity.

Keep up the good work Trace!

Thanksgiving Day Fishing

2008-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

The kids were taking a nap and Lars wanted to go fishing & hunting. The last day for the Black Tail deer hunt is Nov. 30th and we still haven't seen an animal with horns. As we combed the back roads we came to a 4 wheeler trail that had a bridge go over a small stream filled with spawning Salmon. Lars quickly gave up on the lure, they were pretty spawned out so not much fighting was going on. But when Lars hooked one below the fin, the fish gave it his all.

Red Bull Athletes Surf Sweet Waves in Yakutat, AK

2008-11-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

The Red Bull Athletes and camera crew arrived by plane Monday November 24, 2008 to surf one of Alaska's well know swells. Surfer's from Australlia, Tahiti, New Zealand and Brazil hit the waves at Grave Yard Beach in Yakutat, AK. in 30 degree temperatures through the week. We were able to video a few shots of the surfer's catching sweet waves. My mom took Trace and I to the school one night to watch a slide show they put together. They included a bunch of cool shots from around the world. They would surf in the morning walk up to the fire, hang their wet suits to dry and a helicopter wound land on the beach, pick them and their snowboards up and go boarding for the afternoon then return in time to grab their surf boards and get back in the helicopter and jump out to catch the waves. Check out these recordings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning asking ourselves, "What are we thankful for?" Walking slowly through the house, rinsing the soap from our eyes, brushing our teeth, draging a comb through our hair & being thankful for water and toothpaste. Getting dressed up in our Sunday's best to gather around the table and share our final thoughts. Sitting around the carefully prepared meal that has made it hard not to sample, we begin with the blessing. As we pass the food around and pile our plates high, Trace begins: I'm thankful for my friends, my toys & my family. Saije follows: I'm thankful for my Family, house, food, friends, bed, music, dancing, school, and just about everything else. Dad was up next: I'm thankful for Mom, Elyse, Amanda, Neisha, Jocelyn, Saije, and Trace, our house & food. Now it was my turn: I have so many things to be thankful for. I am so very thankful for my healthy family that love me, that I am able to be a part of their lives, to be blessed with so many talents and to have found my soul mate to share this life with.

"May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by the ones you love".

Trace & Saije Sing?

2008-11-25T10:32:00.001-08:00

Trace and Saije have a little too much time on their hands! This is what they do when they are all jacked up on Mountain Dew!

Saije makes us PROUD!

2008-11-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Man, Saije has been busy. She and I just got back from Juneau, we attended a Careers Connection workshop for Juniors and Seniors. I took five students and we stayed at a Hostel, which was like renting our own house, it was sweet! The students got to visit with about 10 to 12 different employers including UAS(University of Alaska Juneau). They talked with people from The Union, Keningston Mine, Fish Hatchery's, Bartlet Hospital, Engineer's, Carpentry, Transportation, just to name a few. Saije signed up for a internship and she hopes that she get to work in the Salmon Dept.

While we were in Juneau, Andrew told Saije her great news. She made not just the Honor Roll, which is 3.0 to 3.5, she made the "Special Honor Roll" 3.5 to 4.0! Go Saije! Before we left for Juneau Saije also applied to be inducted into the Honor Society and Andrew received the letter of her acceptance while we were away. Way to go Birdie! For Saije to do that she had to be her own advocate and write a letter of application and include all of her accomplishments in school. We are so proud of her for all the hard work she has put in to succeed toward her High School experience.

Black Tail Deer Hunt

2008-11-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Opening day of the deer hunt Saije's boyfriend got a nice 4 point, weighing in at about as much as copper with just as much meat. So Lars, Trace and I borrowed a skiff and hunted all the small Islands. It was so awesome! I have never seen so much sea life ever. And the waterfowl was outrageous! I don't think that a deer will feed our family more than one or two meals, so we are focusing on the birds!!! You can actually shoot up to 3 swans a year, if Lars is correct. There is more meat on one of those than a deer. You can actually shoot a crane and they say that those are fabulous! I will have to make sure Lars cleans it and everything before I see it, or I won't be able to eat it. Oh Lars just informed me that they no longer have Tundra Swan season here in Yakutat, only on the Bristol Bay side. So we won't be eating any Swan. I am very, very glad because I think that they are so beautiful and I am glad they are protected! Anyway there have been 4 deer taken so far and we will still be on the prowl. Lars is a die hard. I just want someone to give us one! hehe! Thanksgiving is approaching and hopefully it will be a goose and not a crane for dinner! Ta Ta, Cherie

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is that time of year already. Well our festivities began with the Native Youth Olympic Hallow's Eve Carnival. Trace entered his pumpkin in the carving contest and won 1st place! ($10) Go Muck! Trace and Saije made their way through the different booths, winning pencils, soda pop, and paper airplanes only to mention a few. Then Trace got in line to do the softball throw that the chief of police had bravely volunteered to do. Trace was the 2nd in line and yes he dunked the chief. He has a pretty good arm. You can also pay a ticket to pull the lever to dunk the chief and he did that too! I think the chief had been dunked a total of 15 times! Then the wrestling and basketball teams showed up from practice and got in line and that was when the chief called it quits! I felt sorry for the guy. After trying to get rid of all of the 45 tickets they had we gave up and went home. Then on Halloween Saije decorated the gym for the Halloween dance and the get-to-gether for the State Champion of the NYO. They had a raffle ticket drawing and Saije's ticket got pulled and won a sweater. One of the drawings were for a round trip ticket to Anchorage. She really wished she could have got that, but hey it's winter and she'll use the sweater! For Halloween Trace was a toy army man, you know with the green base that they are standing on? Everyone loved his costume. Saije was Bella off Twilight. She had some awesome fangs and blood gushing from her mouth to her waist. It was pretty gruesome. They trick-r-treated until they could no longer pack their pillowcase full of candy.
Saije did say that she knocked at one house and they offered her a band-aid instead of candy, she was a mess!!! Yuck! On Saturday night they had the Halloween Dance, and Saije got all dressed up and danced the night away. To this day she still can't walk. Her legs are killing her!
All the festivities were a lot of fun. Trace is already searching the Internet for next years costume. Give it up Muck! Love ya all, Cherie

Saije is on the Cheerleading squad!

2008-10-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

When Andy had first got the Art job in Yakutat, we began to check into what the district had to offer and cheerleading was one. When we arrived in yakutat, Saije was talking to one of the cheerleaders that graduated last year and she had mentioned that she was going to be the assistant coach and encouraged Saije to join the squad. After a few weeks of school they had enough girls recruited to have a squad. Saije is a flyer. Neisha has given her some tips and Saije has begun practicing. She will cheer at all the home games and go to region and state to support the team! She has taken on quite a few jobs here in Yakutat and has also become quite an advocate for her education. It is also time to send in letters of application for The Honor Society.
Like I said, she has been very busy. We will keep you up dated. Love to you all, Cherie

Some Pictures of Yakutat

2008-10-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

View of St. Elias, the boat harbor, & out toward the Dangerous River,

Saije Runs for School VP!

2008-10-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ya, Saije is back in the runnings for Student Vice President. She is 16 and a Junior at Yakutat High School in Yakutat, Ak. She enjoys playing drums, dancing, painting and hanging out with her friends and family. She has held many class positions and feels confident about herself as Vice President of the student body. She gave her speach on Friday and the total votes are as follows:
Her Apponant-16
Saije Marie Bowler-35!
Woohoo! Go Saije!

Moose hunting in Yakutat

2008-10-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

The season opened Wed. Oct. 8th. We have been road hunting for the last few days. We are still not familiar wtih our surroundings. There are alot of roads to drive down and 4 wheeler trails. On Sunday we were invited by one of the teachers to drive out on the 4 wheelers to the Middle Dangerous River Cabin. We headed out at 7:00am. We had a horrible storm the last 2 days and it cleared up about 2:00am. So we met at her house and took off. We arrived and the rain was unstopable. We got off the wheelers, I climbed a tree and they did a sweep, but no animals. After a while we headed up the trail. The water was so deep from all the rain that we floated most of the way. It was insane to float on a 4wheeler, those machines are amazing. We road to the end of the trail and checked out the cabin and found the journal and read about a guy that was there opening day and got a decent bull. Lars was out by the river taking cover by the shed and found a moose head. (the guy in the journals) So Lars cut off the horns and brought them back for decoration. "I use antlers in all of my d-e-c-o-r-a-t-i-n-g!" He is going to hang them on the porch. We hunted a prime meadow to find out once again, no moose. The sun came out and we waited patiently and soaked in the sun. At 2:30pm we headed home and recieved alot of thumbs up on our antlers strapped to the 4 wheeler. (smile) The fish and game hastled us at first, they thought we really got a moose. I wish! I am so glad that one of the locals takes us out to learn the area. Well, we are going to keep trying. Way to go Nick on your Elk! There are no Elk in these parts, but there is Black Tail Deer and we got invited to float the river to get a deer. Well keep you up to date!

Esker Stream, Day 4

2008-10-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

I finally got to sleep in! We hung around and read for a while and packed up. There was a cabin log that asks all visitors to sign, date and the reason for visiting. I added our names and read the whole book. When I came upon the Date Sept. 27 to 30, 2208! Hunter's were there 2 days before we were. No wonder why we didn't see anything!!! They took home a moose and 2 bears! Well so much for bringing home a Moose! We left the cozy little cabin to drop off our gear on the beach. When we began our hike it started to rain and rain and rain. I took cover in the deep grass beneath a small willow (not much cover) and Lars tried to fish. The wind picked up so he took cover beside me and before long he knew that I was going to kill him if he didn't take me back to the cabin. So, we left our gear on the beach and headed back to the cabin until we heard the plane coming. Our ride back to Yakutat was crazy! The pilot Hans said, that they had been waiting for clearance for take off to come retrieve us, but the weather was bad. At the last min. there was a break in the weather. (we would have been stuck there for a week!) Our hunt was not successful but our date was long overdue, I am glad that we came even though there were no moose. Maybe next time and preferably in September!

Esker Stream, Day 3

2008-10-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

The alarm went off at 6:30 am and we both went back to sleep. At 7:30 am we got up and ate the same ol' oatmeal and coffee, geared up and headed out. It was a beautiful day. We headed up the trail which came to a quick dead end as it came to a deep stream that couldn't be crossed only floated. We tried another trail that took off out past the outhouse. It was prime moose country. (we guessed, we have never hunted for moose before. If I were a moose I would hang out there) So we hiked around and found alot of moose sign, but no moose. Made our way back to the cabin around 2:30 pm. We ate lunch and I took a nap. Lars went down to the stream that was slowly becoming clearer and caught a few more Coho. We walked the south beach for an evening hunt or you could call it a romantic stroll on the beach at gun point. (just kidding) We came back and packed up our things . Hans was going to pick us up at 2:30pm on Sunday. The tide has been going out around 10:30 am so we will pack out and do a morning hunt before the plan lands. This has been a great experience, I love seeing different country. We are definately going to come again next year.

Esker Stream, Day 2

2008-10-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

It poured long and hard all night. Like an alarm clock, 6:30 am the rain stopped. We heated up some water, had oatmeal and coffee and began our trek to locate a Moose. As we made our way down the trail the rain picked back up. It's a good thing that we brought our waders, that was the only thing we wore. We headed south along the beach to the next drainage & then headed west. We came across alot of moose and bear sign, but no animals. We walked a 2 mile radius back to the beach. On our way back to the creek, I layed on a beached Iceberg and iced my soar back. I picked up one that fit in my backpack to use later on. 12:30 pm We ate some lunch, grabbed the poles and headed down to fish. The water was pretty muddy, but the fish were there. Andy caught a Coho that we couldn't eat. Went back to the cabin, geared up and headed north along the beach. We zigzagged west along Cabin Creek and came up empty handed. As we were hicking I thought we were hearing distant gun shots, but found out that it was ice breaking off the glacier up against St. Elias in Disenchantment Bay. On our way back we saw an iceberg that looked like the Lockness Monster. We followed tracks along the beach of a small bear. But lost the trail as it went back into the forest. My feet were officially killing me! Lars rescued me by letting me rest and carring my gun. (walking in waders for 2 days is not recommended) We arrived back at the cabin at 5:00pm. I heated up some stew & dried off by the fire. Lars took off and checked out a trail that headed west from the cabin for our hunt in the morning. When he came back we ate and I iced my back and hit the sack.

Moose hunting on Esker Creek- Day 1

2008-10-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - Oct.2, 2008 6:00pm: We headed to the airport and checked in with our pilot Hans (yes CJ, Hans) at Yakutat Costal Airlines. We loaded our 2 backpacks ( I am begining to like the backpack idea) 3 guns, 1 fishing pole and provisons. We headed North toward Esker Creek in to Disenchantment Bay which is up against the magestic St. Elias. We flew over many small islands, Khantaak & Johnstone passage and a huge stretch of water. Hans circled around the area to give us a look at where we were hunting and the where abouts of the cabin. No wildlife in sight. We landed 13 min. later on the beach. A smoothe ride and landing. We got our gear and Hans took off. We trudged up the beach and came across some huge wolf tracks. (great,! not just bears but wolf too) We came to the creek Lars went first, Andy turned around expecting me to be right behind, but I was froze stiff! All I could do was think about the wolf, the bear, and now the swift water that was up to his backpack. He tells me to come on and relized that I am not going anywhere. He unloads his gear and wades back to get me and relieve me of some gear. (ya, I was freakin out) We hiked up a small hill which felt like Mt. St. Helens with my pack on. The grass was up around my waist. Anything could be laying down in it waiting to eat me. So, I have my gun loaded and on safety when Andy steps on a twig and I go into kill mode thinking something is attacking us. Andy turns to find me with this crazy look in my eye and a loaded gun in my hand. All he could do is calmly ask, Is the safety on? Then we crossed a smaller creek & went up a trail while I was yelling hello bears, we are here! I thought Andy was going to shoot me. We came into a clearing and found our cabin. I was so happy to have arrived alive. I thought for sure that we were bear treats. We never saw any wildlife. Whew! We opened up the cabin door to find it quite nice. 2 bunkbeds, a propane furnace, & a kitchen table with propane stoves. Sweet! I was ready to stay there and let Lars do the hunting! We unpacked, got the furnace going and heated up some water for cup-o-noodles. There were many provisions already there, so our uneeded provision will be staying here also. I didn't relize how cold it was until I found me scooting my chair closer to the fire. At 9:00pm we hit the sack!

Fishing on the lower Situk

2008-09-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

Today we went fishing with one of the teachers for some silvers. We took out her skiff and gill netted. We were able to get quite a few fish and almost a seal. It was beautiful! I got to show Lars just how to fillet a fish! JK!

The first day of school in Yakutat, AK.

2008-09-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Saije and Trace were very nervous about the whole new school , new friends thing. They were welcomed with warm smiles. Lars was excited to finally teach what he has always wanted, ART!

The first week went by quick, 8:00am to 1:45pm. I stayed home trying to sort out a path from our front door to the rest of the rooms. Andy still ask me why I pack all this crap around with me. He says all we need is a backpack. Each have a sleepingbag, pillow, canteen, mess kit, tp, tooth brush, soap, towel, washcloth, two changes of clothes, 5 underpants, 5 socks, brush, bug spray & sunblock. Well I am not quite ready to give up my bed and I am sure it won't be in the near future either. But I do have to admit he is on to something. Especially after moving 5 times in the past 3 years. Ya, 5 times in 3 years!!!! I better rethink the backpack idea. Saije has already got girls giving her compliments on her dressing skills. She has also been given some direction to stay away from certain kids. Thursday was Traces swim day. He asked if I would go with him, I am guessing because I am so cool. I went and he showed the life guard that he can swim accross the pool and back without any help so that he could swim in the deep end. He did awesome! He puts on those little flippers and he goes everywhere at top speed. I taught him how to dive for weights in the deep end. We both had goggles on so we could see, about half way down he looked at me with this panic look in his eyes and I shoved him back to the surface. When he caught his breath he said, I need a bigger breath than that next time. So we took a break and tried again and he succeded! He is so cute, strong and growing like a weed. He does need help on the diving, that belly flop has got to hurt!

When Friday came we took a load to the dump and got to see 11 bears. They are everywhere! Black bears, brown bears & grizzly bears. They just sit and wait for the trash so they can go through it. I am glad I cut up my credit cards before I threw them out.

The Ferry ride to Yakutat, our new home.

2008-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful ride to Homer. It felt like we took half of King Cove with us. A few families were going out for their vacation or to the Palmer Fair. Trace got to ride all the way to Yakutat with his friend Alex. They were headed to Sitka.
The second day of the Ferry, Trace wanted to go to the vending machine to get a drink and witnessed a fight which ended up in blood and handcuffs. When we reach Kodiak the police came and took the man off the boat and straight to jail. It is good to know that there are officers on the boats to protect people. We took copper for a walk and got some McDonald's for breakfast. The next day we arrived in Homer and began our trip on the road system to Whittier. As we approached the top of the hill on the way out of Homer, we heard a bad sound and saw smoke. I quickly pulled over and figured out that I needed to get to a mechanic asap! I took the truck out of low gear and continued to drive slowly until we hit the nearest gas station. I went inside and tried to get ahold of Lars, who was not at home but at school. So I asked the attendant if I could look at their phone book to look up a shop in Ninilchick. While I was standing there a gentleman with hair longer than mine came to purchase some jerky and water. I asked myself if asking him for help was a good idea, and I said to myself, he reminds me of Jesus so I introduced myself and asked for his help. He was glad to look under the truck to see if anything was missing. He found out that there was nothing serious and offered to follow me to Ninilchick were a friend of ours works. We safely got there and when I looked back to wave thanks, he was gone. God is so amazing, I love him so much! I then found our friend Mike and he took a look at it and found that I popped a u-joint on the front right wheel. He advised me to drive as slow as possible and I would get to Whittier just fine and Andy could fix it when I got home.

When we arrived in Whittier it was 9:00 pm and not a soul around. We locked the doors and tried to get as much sleep as one could in a chair. We were the last to get on the Ferry, 12 hrs. later. I found out that we will be the first to get off. I sat there watching car after truck after Motorhome go one and noticed that they were having the motorhome and truck/trailers back down this steep incline to get on the boat. My heart was racing, I began to get sick. I was trying to figure out how I was going to this with such a heavy load, going down hill Backwards!!! I thought about offering to pay someone to drive, but I didn't want anyone to wreck my sweet suburban. Saije kept trying to calm me down and reassure me that I was the best mom ever! And that I could do it! It came my turn, I slowly proceded and began to make a wide turn and the guide rushed toward me waving his hands and pointing to the other direction. I got to drive down front wards! Yipee! I was so happy and once again thank the Lord for staying with us. We made it to our cabin and took a nap. We ate at the cafateria and Trace hung out with Alex at the arcade. It was a short trip, we arrived 22 hrs. later. Not much for sight seeing, we were pretty far off the beach and rainy. When we tied up to the dock, there stood a man with the look of worry in his eyes. Lars was so relieved to see me waving that he came on to the boat and gave me a hug. When we pulled off the boat Andy got in the suburban and showed us the way to the house. We were finally home!!!!! It is a nice home on the hill with neighbors all around us and a beautiful view of the bay. I hope that you may all see it someday soon! Here are some photos of yakutat. Grizzly Bear, Situk River & Ice Berg on Harleqin Lake.

Saying goodbye to King Cove

2008-08-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

It was very hard to say goodbye to everyone in King Cove. I am so glad that we were able to be apart of the community for the last three years. Thank you all for coming to say goodbye. Hey don't worry it is a small world and we will probably run into you in Anchorage.

On befalf on the Pheonix, behold the Gibson.....

2008-06-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn & Amanda were given a guitar from their father, Andrew. They recently got it restored. Mean while, Lars has been doing something similar. I had recieved an electric Mandolin for Christmas in 2004 and Lars' Mando needed some electronics, so he did his magic to his Gibson....

"Let The Music Live On".

Lars & Trace building a deck onto the beach house.

2008-05-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

The owner of the house has asked if Lars would put a deck on the back of the house before he left fishing. He worked for 4 days straight drilling, sawing & nailing with Traces help of course. Here is the completed project! I will sure enjoy it through the summer. We also hung our hammock and built a fire pit. We had a nice BBQ and got out the Kayak and took a row out on the Bay. We saw Sea Lions and 3 nice Killer Whales feeding on the Salmon that are getting ready to run. I love living in Alaska!

Fishin' out on Pat's skiff.

2008-05-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dad got a phone call to go fishing for Halibut and asked if I could go also. So we took off in the skiff with life jackets, jerky, and bait. As we set out, it was a little freaky being in such a small boat out on the big beautiful body of water. As we came to Pat's fishing hole we prepped the poles with octopus. Lars and Pat dropped their poles and came up with Skulpen. Yuck! I put my pole in and came out with a Star Fish? I finally got a nice tug and pulled out a 35 pound Cod. I could barely get it in the boat for Lars to wack over the head. Did you know that the only part of the Cod that you eat is the tail? Who knew? I sure didn't! Next Lars and Pat pulled in the same, but Lars' was a 2 pounder and Pat's was about a 30 pounder. After bringing in a few more smaller ones we headed back in. We got our first sunburn of the summer, it felt good!

Our Family Picture Clock!

2008-05-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Before we moved to Alaska we had a family photo taken in Heber, UT. 2005.

While we have been in King Cove we have met many talented people.

One being a clock maker, Mr. Barney Mack. He has made many awesome clocks, even one out of a crab shell!

So, we had him make one for us.

We gave him our family photo and this his masterpiece. We Love It, Thanks Barney!

(the picture looks like it is in a fish bowl, but not in real life)

Our new view!

2008-05-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

We finally got moved into our new beach house. This is the view from our living room window.

It is so nice to listen to the waves crashing while drifting off to sleep. The past week has been rainy and of course windy. But ya know it isn't as bad as living across the bay in the bushes. The wind dosen't sound like it is going to rip off the roof! Trace really likes being able to ride his bike and play basketball with the neighbor kids. I love being able to walk every where. Being on the board walk rocks!

Saije Goes to 2008 Prom

2008-05-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

It is Prom time! Saije went to Prom and danced the night away. Her and her friends had a great time. The boy in the picture is Charley, her best "guy" friend. She looked so pretty! I can't believe how tall she has grown. Trace got to go to mini-prom they have it the day after the big kids and keep up all the decorations and the little kids get to dance. We found out he takes after his uncle Gordon. John Travolta all over again! "Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive!" He was mauled by all the girls and actually had one crying because he wasn't ready to dance yet. He came home with 4 dollars and he would have came home with 5 but he paid his little phillipino girlfriend 1 dollar to dance with him. He takes care of his girls, and that scares me!

It was so dark & may camera kept doing tracers because of the lights so I didn't get a picture of Trace. I will try and get one from a friend and put it on later.

Dad goes to the teaching fair in Anchorage

2008-04-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Y'all! Well we got to spend three years in King Cove, AK. fishing, hunting, hiking and riding 4 wheelers. We have met some lifetime friends and will take many memories with us.

Andy didn't get rehired for the 08-09 school year so he is going to Anchorage to find another awesome place to live.

After being in Anchorage for a few days and meeting with different School Districts, Andy got a job teaching Art & Music in Yakutat, Ak. which is located in the South East of Alaska. We will be traveling to our new home Aug. 27.

We are very excited to see a new place in Alaska. There is great fishing, hunting & surfing there. Yes, surfing! They are holding a surfing extravaganza there in Yakutat during the month of June. I looks like we may get to learn how to surf!

We will take alot of pictures and let you see how our new home is. Take care! The Larsen's

Saije goes to Juneau for ASAG

2008-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Saije is the Vice pres. so for Student Government, 2 of them got to go to Juneau and meet the Governor. When she got into Anchorage she called home saying the flight was ok, but there is a blizzard! For a minuet she thought she was back in King Cove! She stayed over night at the Millenium and got to see Elyse and Terence and eat at Taco Bell! She then flew out the next morning to Juneau. They stayed very busy, she didn't even have enough time check out all the shops. It is a cool place, all the buildings are on the mountain and the mountain runs straight to the water where the cruise ships dock. Saije began hugging trees like she never saw one before. She wants to move there! While she was in her meetings she met a 16 year old Native Flute Player. She bought me one of his CD's, the proceeds go to FASD (fetal alcohol syndrome research) He preformed at the conference, I never knew that she liked guys with long hair? JK!

Trace swallowed his tooth?

2008-04-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

Ya, today the Muck was eating school lunch and the dessert was cake. Oh, how he loves his cake!
I was in my class when Traces teacher came in and asked me into the hall. It has been happening a lot. If it's not Trace having girls fight over him, it is girls trying to hold his hand. Anyway, she let me know that Trace has swallowed his tooth. He stood there looking at me as if it was no big deal. I asked him if he felt ok and how it happened? His reply was, "I was taking a bite of cake and my tooth got stuck in it so I went a head and ate it!" He never wastes a good thing. All he wants for Christmas is a Wii, and his teeth before he turns 8! He is doing great in school, we just got his midterm and he is in the 97% in his class. His reading level is at 3.5 (almost as good as the 4th graders) Lars saids that he reads better than his 4th graders. He's Awesome! Even if he is toothless!

Saije & Trace

2008-03-18T10:40:00.003-07:00

Saije is Student of the Week! She is so out going and really turning into an awesome chick! Every day she tries something different. She is getting ready to go to Anchorage for ASAG, a student government conference. On Friday Saije and her friends entered the Talent show and took 2nd. They stole the show! A 2 year old dressed as a star sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and won 1st. She was adorable! AND!!!!! Trace lost his first front tooth! Him and I were actually racing to the restroom and I won! By accident we collided and his tooth got stuck in my shirt and well..."A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! " So he said hey mom stop! My tooth!, I looked down and his tooth was sideways and dripping something red, EEK! He wanted to look in the mirror, but I side tracked him with a tissue and removed the horrible thing before he saw it and started screaming! I am awesome I know. He did thank me and said I beat you, and I simply replied, "don't make me take out your other front tooth" & he ran. Like I said, "A girls gotta do, what a girl's gotta do!" Love ya all, Ree

Mom visits Elyse in Anchorage

2008-03-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last month I applied for a traveling scholarship to attend a Child and Adults Basic Food Program for Head Start and was awarded it! It paid for food, hotel and my flight. I was also able to visit Elyse & Terence and their new addition Swiper! Yes, he is a ferret. They bought him when he was a tiny baby. I was afraid of it at first but before I left, I wanted one of my own. Swiper fits him perfectly, he sneaks into the toy box and picks out a toy and high tails it under the couch. Elyse thought she had lost her cell phone and she found it under the couch. She is always reminding him, Swiper no swiping! Elyse and I had a great time, I got to watch her play inter mural basketball, we got to go to an indoor football game Alaska Wild vs. Fairbanks Grizzlies. Alaska Wild kicked some butt- 58 to 9. We played Wii until the wee hours of the morning almost daily. I love that system. Trace asked me to bring him back a Wii, but my pocketbook wouldn't let me, but know I know why he wants one so much. I am going to save some cash, that is a must have! I also had been working on a portrait of Elyse and this is the finished project. I found a beautiful frame while in Anchorage that compliments it beautifully. I spent most of my time having Terence run me and Elyse around town trying to fill all the orders for people back in KC. Thanks so much Eddie, Linda and Terence for letting me stay at your house to visit with my baby girl! Ree

Bike ride to Indian Head

2008-02-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

We took off on a ride to Indian Head to gather sea egg's, badarki's, and octopus. It was a nice ride, the tide was perfect so we were able to get a lot of beach combing in. I tried sea egg's for the first time. They were hard to look at but the small orange eggs were delicious. I had already tried badarki's and didn't like them. But I decided to try them fresh off the rock. Oh man are they better straight out of sea water. Very tender and full of flavor! You cut out the pink part and pop it in your mouth. I went searching for a cuttlefish (octopus) and found one. I took it home and steamed it up. I think that is my absolute favorite! Lars went in side of a huge cave, but I stayed with the 4 wheeler, waiting for him to push me some ducks to shoot. But no luck! Next time we are going to check out the cave and take some photos. I did come across a huge ice field and used a cool piece to take a photo through.

Happy Birthday Saije & Jocelyn

2008-01-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today Saije turns 16! Tomorrow Jocelyn turns 17! Saijes favorite food is Italian so, we took her to Mon Che'ries Italian Restaurant. We had Chicken Fettuccine with Green Beans and Focacia Bread. Trace decorated the cake and placed the candles on it. Saije got a coin purse from Costa Rica from mom, Dad gave her a pencil sketch of snow capped mountains and Trace gave her 4 quarters to go in her coin purse. And then we sat down and watched black and white videos of Abbott and Costello.

The Spy Kit

2008-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

Trace, Saije & Dad took the boxes that we got our boat order in and made quite a hide-out!
It comes complete w/knife shelves, gun rack, door, a trunk w/flashlight & extra clothing, and last but not least a spy hole! And we all fit in it except Dad. We have to get another box and put in a sun roof. Trace says, "this is were I get to live!" And he hasn't left since.

Christmas with the Larsen's

2007-12-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Christmas has changed some, last year missing Saije and this year missing Elyse and Neisha. It was also Saije's first Christmas back and she had hoped that the girls would be able to come home. Trace loved having Saije here, what a Christmas present that was! My mom wanted one of my painting's for Christmas and she loves horses so this is what I did just for her! For the school break we took the kids snow boarding, they are getting quite good. The cold keeps Saije in front of the heater, but not Muck he is out boarding all the time.

Noah's Ark in King Cove!

2007-11-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I was on my way to School and out in the Bay was Noah's Ark! I quickly assembled a few belongings along with my family and 2 dogs until I found out that it was a fish processor. Well you never know, it could happen!

Bears in King Cove?

2007-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

We were out on a ride and came across a dead 9 ft. 10 inch bear. Tony was as scared as I was, dead or alive! I am glad that we met up with him dead. If Andy would have been in his waders he could have put his hand up to his paw, yes it was a male. The next day the tide came in and it floated over to the cop shop and when it arrived it had no claws. I am glad I got a shot of the claws before someone had clipped them off. I promise it wasn't us. You go to jail for that around here.

Andy having fun in the MUD!

2007-11-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Andy and I took a ride to Kenezeroff, which is about a 2 hour ride from King Cove and between Cold Bay through the worst terrain ever! He and his buddy Micky were hunting birds and a storm came in which left me in a emergency blanket for about an hour and the guys with no birds. Thank goodness for Gordon's survival kit he sent Andy, Thanks Gordon! I only took a few pictures while there due to the storm and the worry of me dropping my camera into the mud pits of Alaska! I did get a picture of a Seal that wanted to eat me for lunch! I am glad to say that I will NEVER ride that trail again!

Trace Turns 7!

2007-09-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

It is so amazing how quickly our children grow up. I can't believe Trace turned 7! He had no idea what he was getting for his birthday. Saije distracted Trace long enough for Lars to get the 4 wheeler into the living room. Then we covered it with a blanket and called in the Muck. When Trace came in Lars had a coaster hidden behind his back and Lars had him pick a hand and when he showed him what was in that hand Trace was quite upset. But then we uncovered his gift and this picture says it all! He was speechless! Happy Birthday Trace, We love you!

Saije is elected to be Class VP!

2007-09-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Saije ran for School President and got elected, but the Seniors realized that they didn't have anyone run in their class so the teacher had to have a re-election. Saije decided to ran for Vice President and got it! She went to Anchorage for 5 days and stayed at the Millennium Hotel and got to see Elyse and Neisha while she was there! She met some new friends and brought back some valuable skills to help her make school worthy decisions. Go Saije!

Halibut fishing on Miss Molly with James Gould

2007-09-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

This morning we dressed for cold weather along with a lot of rain. We took the Miss Molly out to catch some Halibut. When we got out of the Harbor a nice storm hit and slowed the fishing. Trace got some driving lessons and kept us in the right direction for quite a while. Lars and I got to do some fishing but the wind was against us so we came home with out fish, but with a smile! What an adventure. Saije, Trace and I have never been out on the ocean fishing before. At first we got a little sea sick, but we didn't get sick. Saije and Trace rode on top for a while then we hunkered down while the waves engulfed the small vessel. We each got a chance to drive the boat, just to see how it felt. I ended up driving the whole way back, and the next day my arms were killing me.
Thanks Jim for taking us on the Miss Molly, it was quite an experience!

Pavlof Volcano

2007-09-05T22:26:00.001-07:00

Yes, We are close to Pavlof Volcano. Luckily we have straight up & down mountains and water all around us so we are protected. Now if the ash causes it to rain we get to stay in and out of the acid rain. Fun? This picture is taken looking from our house toward looking toward the airport. We get a lot of earthquakes and will keep getting them until she either runs out of steam or blows. Today we had one where all the kids in Lars' class had to get under their desks. Trace said that he didn't even ask when his teacher yelled, GET UNDER YOUR DESK NOW! Good boy, way to use your listening ears. I was across the street at the playground with the Head Start kids and we didn't feel a thing. One of the kids were walking across the balance beam and actually leaned completely to the left as if to fall off but swayed back like a rubber band straight back up. We didn't know at the time there had been an earthquake and were quite disturbed by what we saw. But after learning about the earthquake, it then made sense. Kind of? We hoped that we could make it at least 3 years in the bush and we did. Now it is time to leave!

I'm a grandma?

2007-08-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

A grandma of 5 puppies! Yup, Toni had her first litter. We thought she was going to continue the rampage of fighting off all the dogs, but she finally gave in. The first one was born at 1 am. and the last on at 4 am. What a night! She had the first one under the house and then 3 in the front room and 1 on Traces bed. What a mess! Saije kept a journal of gender & birthmarks. Then Trace began naming them all Falcon. Over the summer he wanted to have me change his name to Falcon also. Anyway we ended up with 2 girls and 3 boys. Trace and Saije even got into turning Trace into a dog named Falcon. Check out the one when he fell asleep. It looks like he is really awake. Crazy huh? It is kind of bad timing. We will all be at school and Toni will have full access to the house. We have people already wanting the pups so we should be dog less in about 6 to 8 weeks! Ugh!

Eddie Mack Scholarship Dinner

2007-08-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

We go to the EMSD every year. It is to raise money for the college scholarship fund. They have Salmon berry contest, a live Polka Band, great food & a chance to win a round trip ticket to Anchorage. This year Mom tied for 1st place for the biggest and heaviest Salmon berry! 12.50 was my winnings! Trace also found one but didn't make the top 3. Berries are very scarce this year. I had to buy frozen berries to add to my sparse Salmon berries to make my jam. It is still good though. Our Fall weather is already upon us and we have had storm after storm for about a week. No mail in, no mail out! I guess we better hunker down for another long winter! Oh, and Lars starts the new school year with what Trace calls the "Hulk Hogan" mustache.

Have mercy on the Mucky Muck Man!

2007-08-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today Trace had an accident with a pot of scalding hot water. Lars was in the shed boiling water in a huge pot to boil down some fossils he found. Lars told Trace to stay in the front yard and away from the pot. Trace was cruzin' around on the 2 wheeler in the front yard and decided to check on dad. Well he also decided to do a power slide and his back wheel hit the pot. About 1 cup of water spilled out and landed perfectly in Traces shoe. Luckily the whole pot didn't spill or it would have been to the burn unit like uncle CJ. Speaking of burns, wasn't it Muck that CJ was protecting from the grease fire? Well, Trace immediately tore off his shoe and thank goodness he wasn't wearing any socks. The one time I couldn't get mad at him. And Lars ran him into the house and filled the sick with ice and water and soaked his foot while calling me at work to get home with the Truck asap. So I zoomed home and flew to the clinic where the slowly sedated him with Tylenol and codeine and cleansed the melted flesh wound. Yuck! He was a trooper through the whole thing. The PA was impressed with his threshold for pain. My ears are still ringing from the screaming. Oh my little boy. So young to have to go through such pain. Some times we have major learning experiences

The girls leave for UAA

2007-08-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been crying all week and never thought it would be so hard to see the girls go off to college. We are so proud of them all. We had a going away BBQ out at Rent A Can. I have no idea how it got the name, but it is a nice sandy bank along the river where everyone seems to gather to fish for Salmon, float the river, have a bon fire, ride 2 and 4 wheelers, and BBQ. The girls had quite a time getting out of here, every plane was over booked so they ended up going out on different days. They arrived in Anchorage and have settled down at Terence's parents house. They get to check into their dorms on the 23. School starts on the 27. We will keep you posted on how the once again FRESHMAN get through their first year of college. We love you all! Good luck, Elyse, Amanda, and Neisha! Go Get "Em!

Ride over Goulds Pass to Lenard's Harbor

2007-08-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today a group of us took off on one hell of a 4 wheeler ride. Lars, Trace, Saije, Elyse, Terrence, Jane, Desirae, Henry, Dude and I took off at 5:30 pm. It was a nice day for a ride and the bugs and the bushes were thick! We lifted, pulled, pushed and lowered 4 wheelers with winches through the most rugged terrain I have ever seen. I also saw the most beautiful views that very few have ever laid their eyes upon. About 1 mile in, Dude and Saije had the 4 wheeler on top of them. They and the bike were okay. A few of us had to take off one layer of clothing along with my socks and get Saije into something warm. She ended up with a pair of gloves for shoes. She was a trooper and hung in there through the whole ride. As we crept along the over grown trail, we stopped and enjoyed the scenery. Not once did we come across a bear, whew! By the time we reached the top of the pass it was 9:00 pm and we still had to make our way down to the beach of Lenard's Harbor. It was like a maze, we would turn one way and have to turn around and find another route. Lars and Trace were the next ones to have a 4 wheeler on top of them. They and the bike were okay. It shook Trace up a little, but was back on the bike in no time. (no way in Hell did he want to hang with the bears) We finally came to a deadly drop off. It was lower the dikes off with the winch or turn around and not one of us wanted to make our way back through the jungle we just came through. Henry, Terence's brother in-law had a winch and lowered all the bikes down. It is clearly a must to have a winch! The picture of the 4 wheeler popping a wheely is Saije and Henry. A couple of crazies! After arriving on the beach at Seal Island on Lenard's Harbor we took a small breather and headed home before the tide came in and stranded us. We did get to see a bear with her 3 cubs on the side of the mountain. It was so far off that my picture did no justice, but that's how we like our bears. A long, long ways away. We reached home at 10:45 pm safe and sound. If you want to visit and come on a 4 wheeler ride, I promise you will never for get it!

Elyse is 19!

2007-07-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today Elyse celebrated her 19th Birthday. Terence's family came over we had a BBQ, made dutch oven potatoes & lit some fireworks. Happy Birthday Elyse we love you!

Hike up Harbor Mtn. King Cove, AK.

2007-07-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today Jane, Rodney, and I took a hike up Harbor Mtn. Last night the police shot at a bear and chased him up the same trail we hiked up, EEK! Let me tell you I was very uneasy the whole time, but we took guns and made plenty of noise. We also took Neisha's pup Sierra so we would know if any bears were close by. We made it up to 15,000 ft. which made for some nice shots of King Cove. It began to get yucky so we didn't make it to the top. Maybe another day, NOT! We also had a welcome home party for the Bird. They stayed up all night and ate waffles for breakfast! She is sooo glad to be home, and we are sooo glad that she is too! Welcome Home Saije! We love you!

It's Cherie's Birthday

2007-07-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

It's my party and I can eat cake if I want to! Brandi made the cake, with no age thank you! It was nice to have a party with my brother Bill and his family. We ate huevos rancheros, and watched Bill play baseball. The kids had fun playing frisbee and cheering for their dad and uncle Bill. Trace kept yelling, hit the ball this isn't the pro's. They had a pitcher that threw a lot of balls & no strikes. It made Trace want to go out and show them how it was done. Bills team lost which was nothing out of the ordinary, but fun to watch. Trace also got a new hair cut while we were there. Isn't he cute? He also got a new cowboy hat for his up coming birthday. What a handsome boy! Saije has been counting down the days to get back to King Cove. We have had a great trip in the lower 48, but it is time to head home to our own beds. Thanks Bill and Brandi for everything! We love you Daven and Reed!

Visiting Bill, Brandi, Daven, & Reed

2007-07-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

After hanging out in Kingsburg, CA. we got to stay with my brother Bill and his family in Sacramento. While there we drove to San Fransisco and went to Seven Peaks. It was so dang hot, Trace and I went on a water ride and cooled off. Daven, Reed, Chloe and Trace enjoyed Thomas The Train, watching the Dolphins (the dolphin off 50 first dates), Shuka the Whale, the Walrus, and petting Sting Rays. They had a great water park where Trace, Chloe, and Daven ran wild and got soaked! Well Bill, Neisha, Saije, Dakota and I got a turn on the Medusa and some twisted roller coaster ride. I got very sick! My mom had to pull over on the way home so I didn't make a mess in the truck, YUCK! We were all tired and ready to hit the sack after all the fun.

10 Days in Kingsburg, CA.

2007-07-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

For the next 10 days we attended the California State Trap Shoot. The first day I thought we would all end up in intensive care for dehydration! 105 degrees next to the King River, which was 60 degrees. The water runs straight out of the Sierra Mountains. It is like swimming in a steam of gold flakes. It is full of fools gold. It is sooo cool! It was like jumping in a glass of Ice Water! The kids couldn't stay out of it. Saije and I could only wade in it, it was freezing. Neisha and Dakota floated for hours on end. Chloe and Trace swam as if in bath water. The kids got plenty of sun and made tons of new friends. My mom Christine and I got caught up on the past 2 years and tried to sell everything she brought to sell. I love and miss you like crazy mom! We had a great 10 days! Chloe and trace became brother and sister within hours. They wore cowboy hats and ate otter pops like they were going out of style. The one thing that I took back with me to King Cove with me was my sun burn! Yipee!

Midway for 2 weeks

2007-07-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

After saying goodbye to everyone and Trace learning how the Sacrament is given in an Elderly Ladies home, we hit the road. The next five hours did not fly by, Trace asked every 20 to 30 min. "Are we there yet?" When we did arrive, Traces uncle Adam and cousin Adalee were waiting in the drive way! From that day on the two were inseparable. They rode horses, went camping & ate dutch oven potatoes, rode bikes, built volcanoes and jumped on the trampoline. We had dentist appointments, a going away party for Saije, and floated the canal for old time sakes. I got together with a group of good friends and saw Reckless Kelly play in Park City, Ut. We hung out around bonfires ate trout tacos and got caught up on the local gossip. Marilyn and Lowell got as much of the family together as possible and we Bar-B-Q'd let the kids run, jump and play. It was good to see Ben, B'Andra, and Guidian. Oh and Jecca too. Lou and Joce came up to visit their Aunt in Provo so we met them at the mall and ate lunch. B'Andra happened to be getting her car alarm fixed in Provo also so she and Guidian joined us. Lowell works for Zermont and got us a room to stay in so we could go check out the place. Trace swam, and Nena, Bird and I layed out and got a SUN BURN!!!! Oh it hurt soooo good. Saije took off to girls camp and said good bye to all her friends. I have a feeling she will miss this place called Midway, we all will.

Day 3

2007-07-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

We started out by eating pancakes made by Dylan. What a chef! Then headed out to visit all the family at Gordon's house. Picked up Lou and Joce then went to lunch with them and my Sister Ann. We ate way too much but had plenty left over for a late night snack. The kids went swimming, Trace started out all gangbusters and jumped in and sunk right to the bottom. It had been 2 years since his swimming lessons, and he forgot all the techniques! It didn't stop him from putting on a life vest and swimming until the wee hours of the night! Lou and Joce swam around with him, while Nena and Bird soaked up as much sun as they could! The one thing King Cove was lacking! All the boys decided to go rock climbing and All the girl cousins decided to go Bowling!! So off we went. After a couple of crazies tailgating us and 70 bucks later, we dropped everyone off and then hit the sack! Our time in St. George went way to fast!

Day 2

2007-07-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

We woke up in Las Vegas! I got to see my dads new pad. Very close to almost everything except his job, which is a 3 hour drive to the middle of no where! I got to sleep on the most comfortable hide-a-bed in the world. Charlene customized it with a nice feather bed mattress which put Trace and I in seventh heaven! I got to catch up on a few things, but my visit to Vegas was cut short because a beautiful young lady graduating in St. George, Ut. So my dad got us up and at 'em about 10 am and we hit the highway. I headed strait to see my amazing Grandma Brooks/Phillips first! She is 85 I believe and I haven't got to see her for 2 plus years. It was such a nice surprise to see her . She was worried about the way she looked when all I cared about was just SEEING HER! I held her and cried way too long! It was also my Aunt Joey's birthday so I not only got to see my Dad & Charlene, but my Aunt Suzie& Uncle Frank and her son's Greg & Corey and his beautiful family, Aunt Dawn and her son Richard, and Aunt Joey, Happy Birthday! It was a small but adequate family reunion! I got to visit them for a few hours a day until I left to northern Utah. My Dad and I didn't get much visiting time, he was too busy getting to places on time. Thank you Dad I love you, I promise the next visit will be longer! I also got a visit from my long lost daughter Saije Marie! She was brought down by her Grandma & Grandpa Larsen that she has been living with for the past year. First they picked up my daughter Neisha at the airport in Salt Lake, she flew out 2 days before I did. It even made the family reunion that more special. After visiting we headed over to the Big Graduation of Amanda, Andy's oldest daughter.
She looked so grown up and made it hard for me to stop crying. We got invited over to her Grad party and ate some awesome food her mother prepared and watched our children all frolic! Trace spent the night at Uncle Gordon's and Aunt Debbie's with Grandma and Grandpa Larsen. I got to go stay with my wonderful Sister Ann and her family. When I arrived at her house My younger sister Jackie and her family was there waiting. I tell ya, I have the best family ever! Jackie is going to have a baby in Sept. so she was very tired and needed to get home and get some rest. I stayed up visiting with my sister Ann and enjoyed all the memories that came flooding in. I miss your guts!

Visiting the lower 48 - Day 1

2007-07-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Trace and I started off our trip on a small super cub, 4 seater plus luggage out of King Cove. Trace had never flown before and my arm still has finger marks on it from the return flight home. Next we got on a Saab, 30 seater out of Cold Bay. My friend Cheryl and her daughter Saskia (they used to live in KC) picked us up at the airport in Anchorage for dinner, we had a 4 hour layover. We ate at McDonalds ( Trace hasn't eaten out for 2 years, so of course it would be McDonalds for playland) We stopped off and visited the lake where all the float planes take off and land. Then on a 747 out of Anchorage to Seattle. Upon arriving we were very tired and had yet another layover of 6 hours and it was 1 am. A police officer directed us to the meditation room were it would be safe to rest. ( Definitely a good place to go, quiet with soft benches) Then.......we flew out on a slightly smaller plane which seated about 60 out of Seattle to Las Vegas. It was so good to see my dad and Charlene's face. We found them waiting patiently at the baggage claim and the car parked close by for a quick get away! Thanks Dad & Charlene! And Trace was satisfied once again to go to McDonalds, not eating a thing but going strait to playland!

Elyse, Amanda & Neisha Graduate 2007!

2007-05-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

What an achievement! They will all be attending college this fall. May all your dreams come true!
Congratulations Girls! We Love you!