Spring AASG 2009, Sitka, AK

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

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!

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!

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

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 :)