Our Life in Alaska and Beyond

Christmas was a little crazy this year having just moved thousands of miles, but it was so special to all be together. We loved being with just our little family in our new home. I got some cute pics of the girls in their new pjs (brought by Ronnie, our elf on the shelf), and earlier that day we had our friends, the Woods, over for dinner. In the morning we also had a delicious pancake breakfast decorated in fun shapes. Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄❄️🎅🏻

Scott had a work conference in Portland, and I was able to join him! After being apart for so long, it was so good to be together! We loved being with each other! During the day, while Scott was at his conference, I got out and explored all over Portland using the TriMet, we'd usually meet up for lunch, and then we'd do something fun in the evening too. Such a fun trip together! While visiting Portland we couldn't help but notice so many unhoused people, which was so sad, and I know there aren't any easy solutions, but we still had a great time in a beautiful city! 

These first few photos were taken at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. It was so beautiful! There was a chrysanthemum festival going on, and I loved all the flowers! 11/14/23

 A round up of favorites from Aug. '23!

Noelle and Robyn performed with the Farmington High Nixelles (drill team) at an FHS football halftime! They had so much fun and did so good! 👯‍♀️ 8/11/23

Ruby turned 11 on 6/6/23! She chose to have a "cherry" theme party, and we spent the day at Cherry Hill and had cherry cupcakes! We kept it pretty low key with just our little family and two of her closest friends, and it turned out to be a great day! It was maybe a little chilly swimming at Cherry Hill, but still tons of fun! Later that night we had Aunt Chrissy and Grandma and Grandpa Burton over to celebrate as well. For dinner Ruby picked delicious salmon tacos. Happy Birthday Ruby!! 🎂🍒

The day after driving to Cali we wasted no time and went to LEGOLAND! Chrissy had never been before so she wanted to go with us too! It was a blast! Everything was still decorated for Christmas, so that was fun to see, and the girls also loved all the rides! They were all a bit more brave compared to last time we went, and it was so much fun! Enjoy these cute pics!

Thanks for snapping the family pic, Chrissy! Also, I made sure to wear my LEGO hoodie 😊

A few days after going to a Jazz game with Chrissy I got to go to another one! This was a bigger game, against the Bucks, and we made it more of a big deal and went out for sushi before. We ate at Fat Fish and it was so good! The game was also really good, but unfortunately the Jazz lost 111-117. Still such a fun night, though. Go Jazz!

We got to meet LEGO Donovan! This really was pretty cool!

While in Cali we drove up to Anaheim and spent two days at Disney. Our first day we spent at Disneyland! It has been several years since we've been to Disneyland so this was so fun! We left super early and were there for "rope drop." We had maybe two hours of beautiful sun, and then it literally didn't stop raining for the next 48 hours. We were all completely soaked, wet socks, shoes, hair, everything! It made it more difficult to enjoy, but the girls were such troopers! They were so good despite the super rainy circumstances. Enjoy these cute pics! (I was so glad I had my waterproof camera bag.) 

Playing around with double exposures in the evening. I love how this one turned out! 🌟

After spending Christmas Eve morning sledding, we came home and had an early dinner of delicious salmon tacos and yummy cheese enchiladas! Afterwards we all changed into new pajamas that Ronnie (our elf on the shelf) had brought and took a few pics in front of the tree before going to bed. Christmastime is just so magical and special and we're so glad that Grandma and Grandpa Hadley could be here with us to celebrate. The girls were so excited, and we had a wonderful Christmas. I didn't take any pictures with my big camera on Christmas day, but we took a few cell pics, so I'll put them on here too. We got many wonderful gifts, but the best was just being with family, all safe and healthy together. Merry Christmas! 

My birthday fell on a Saturday this year, so I was at work all day, but my work happily surprised me with some beautiful flowers, lunch for the office, and cake! It was so nice! I loved the flowers so much I had to take some pictures of them the next day. From Scott and the girls I got the LEGO gingerbread house, and after building it I had to take some pictures of it, too, lol! I think it's the cutest set ever! I had a very happy birthday and I feel that 34 is going to be a great year!