Making Alaska Our Home: BBGUNS, Bikes and Hikes Oh My!

After so much snow and the ugly Break-up...we along with everyone else around here were clamouring to get outside. So once the temperature hit 37 degrees, it was time for short sleeves and a light jacket. Snow still on the ground, but kids exclaiming it is hot! It is all a matter of perception...-22 degrees to 37 degrees...that's a full 59 degree swing in temperature. And it feels so warm to us!

So what do you do in 37 degree weather? Shoot BBGuns in the cul-de-sac! We have had so much fun shooting the guns into the snow bank. Sis has proven to be the best aim (making all the boys jealous). She hits it square on just about everytime. It is amazing! The boys are beside themselves as they try to compete with her.

**WELCOME TO SNIPPER ALLEY**

If you look closely, you can see about 12 aluminum cans hidden in this picture. We call this snipper alley. The kids lined up and would pretend to be snippers and take out their targets. I am so grateful that our neighbors are all okay with us playing with the guns in the cul-de-sac. The kids enjoy it so much.

Look! I can ride a two wheel bike!!!

All it took was one day with his training wheels and he NEEDED them to come off. We did it and with the FIRST push from Dad...this was the result. This tough guy LOVES to ride his bike daily. He is doing amazingly well. Many times a week you will find he and I out for a ride. He has gone up to 3 miles at one time. He amazes me.

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU ADD AN ALUMINUM CAN TO A BIKE?
A motor bike. At least is sounds like one. The kids have discovered that if you place an aluminum can on the back tire the rubbing will cause the bike to sound like a motorbike. Don't believe me...try it. Here is what it looks like. My parental warning: IT IS LOUD and they will never go back to the quiet bike again.

HIKING MILE HIGH AND BALDY

Even if there is a lot a snow, there is still the opportunity for some amazing hiking.

S had the opportunity to go hiking with our neighbor and his son. They were going to hike to the top of Mt. Baldy in snow shoes and then slide down into the saddle and then snowshoe around. I myself was a bit fearful clearly unaware of S's amazing ability to hike. He has always been like a mountain goat, but that was without snow. But we let him go. What a great opportunity it proved to be. It was one of those experiences that boost your confidence and makes you believe in yourself. I am so grateful for such great neighbors. This is the picture from the top.

Dad decided to take our neighbor,Logan, S and Sis to hike another mountain that drops you into the saddle via a snow and ice slide (200 foot long) and another hike around the mountain. Again, what an amazing experience. It was a bit hard for Sis...she chose not to wear the right socks and Dad had to strip his on top for her to wear. And the hike took much longer than expected. But, they did it and thier confidence has grown. I love those experiences that have a long lasting life lesson! Here are the pictures from that adventure.