Fall is officially here

Hello fellow readers- sorry we missed last week! Papa was out moose hunting (no luck) and we just had a busy but relaxing weekend - before I knew it, it's Friday again. 

Fall is officially in the air in our neck of the woods - but signs of summer are trying to hang on. 

There are a few flowers left on our neighbor's wild flower hillside.  Sister still loves to admire them when we are out walking or riding bikes.

This little flower caught my attention and I couldn't help but tear up a little and say, "Hi Grandma. We love you and miss you. Thank you for sending us little signs that you are watching over us from heaven above!" 

We also enjoyed a beautiful evening rainbow - the photo doesn't do the beauty justice. 

While Papa was out moose hunting last weekend - we had visitors as well. My dear friend and her four legged fur ball came to spend the weekend with us.  I so appreciated the company and help with kiddos!  

I wake up well before anyone in the house does to have my quiet time before the day begins.  Beau kept looking at me with this inquisitive look - I only wish I could read his thoughts. I could imagine him thinking, "Why are you up so early?  Since you are up, want to take me for a walk?  Is everything okay? Why are you up this early? Let's go wake everyone else up..."  Such an amazing dog that we've been blessed to know since he was a puppy.

 He loved being with the kids - and this moment just warmed my heart as I remembered our days of Koda and Bailey watching over the kids.  

We had a wonderful weekend with my friend and welcomed Papa home late Saturday evening. The rain had set in and made hunting miserable, so he came back early.  Fortunately the guys that stayed were able to get a moose the next day. Everyone shares with everyone, so we'll at least have some moose in the freezer for the winter.  

The week was a busy week - but I was reminded that I am in the best career field ever!  My students insisted that I had to stay in the hall during passing period - which I do anyways and my students have a routine of starting the bell ringer and such.  But I noticed they were being very giddy and every time I looked over my shoulder they would yell - NOT YET.  Since it was all happy sounds I kept my 'teacher eye' on them and let them think they were being sneaky - this was what they were up to...

I don't believe I'm the best math teacher ever - but these messages let me believe that I am connecting with my students and they are building a relationship with me.  I am falling back in love with teaching this year - which really excites me. For years I'd been questioning if I should go back to school or just take a break from teaching.  

NOPE!

 I love my new school and the students I am privileged to work with.  My co-workers are amazing and the administration is supportive and encouraging.  

Besides a 6.2 earthquake on Thursday- the rest of the week was pretty normal.  Thankfully no damage happened at our house, the kids were safe at day care and Papa and I were safe at school.  We have a busy weekend ahead - but hoping our beautiful weather will hold and we can be outdoors to enjoy it.  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and productive week.

Hike into the mountains

Hiking on a school day - what more could I want!!

I'm really enjoying my new school this year and love that the special education teachers are considered part of the core academic teams.  It's so nice to collaborate and work with an amazing group of teachers.  Our first team efforts came together this week as we took our team of students out hiking in Arctic Valley area.  Our team of students met many social and emotional standards as well as hearing some history of the area from our Social Studies teacher. 

 The students were in awe when we arrived at the saddle of the Arctic Valley trail head.  Many students were content to stay in this area, but we had a group of adventurous who wanted to go up to the peaks.  So, another colleague and I split the kids each of us taking a group up the different peaks - Gordon Lyons and Rendezvous.  

Almost to the peak on Rendezvous, you can see all of Anchorage laid out before you.

Almost to the top of Gordon Lyons - you can see the south side of Eagle River- almost the neighborhood where my house is!

 It was truly an amazing day - while the scenic pictures don't properly display the amazing fall colors in the distance, the colors were just as impressive on the ground!  I'm so excited about working with this team and look forward to many more adventures with the group!

The kiddos had a great week as well - definitely creativity was in the air - 

From making up their own game of bowling

to experimenting with dishes and cooking utensils to make their own music.

The kids just continue to amaze me with the things they think up as ways of learning and exploring their world.   It was a busy week with the hike and then Papa had Open House that night and then I had Open House the next night.  We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend - hoping to recharge from such a busy week.  Maybe we'll take a drive up to Hatcher Pass and soak in the fall colors if the rain lets up a little.  Who knows... whatever the weekend entails - we wish you all much happiness and know that we miss each of you who follow our little blog!!

Fall is in the air

With Labor Day weekend having come and gone - it truly feels like fall is in the air. We enjoyed our 3 day weekend with a trip to Chugiak park. It's only 10 minutes down the road from us and has a beautiful facility.  The kids love playing on the play ground equipment and enjoy hiking the hills that are near by.  We stopped for a very 'bright' selfie at the top of the hill!

We also had a dear friend out for dinner and enjoyed a short hike to the South Fork Water Fall.  With these shorter days the falls were hard to get a nice picture of because the sun was behind the mountain already.  But this photo of the stream we cross truly shows how fall is in the air with the leaves changing colors.

Our weather shifted to fall like weather with cooler temperatures and rainy days.  You would think the kids are sad about not playing outside, but in some ways they are enjoying just hanging out at home.  Brother has great pleasure in walking in other people's shoes these days...

We allow our children to have some iPad time if they've had good behavior through out the day. Okay- let me be honest - Momma and Papa need the break and it's just nice to be able to cook dinner without little ones interrupting.  They each have their own, but often they end up sharing...

Sister did not want to share this particular afternoon - so Brother quietly climbed up the back of the couch to watch over her shoulder. I don't even think she really knew he was there.   

Our weather is foggy and rainy again today.  Promises to be a good day to play play-dough and maybe watch a movie.  We all have that ''back to school" runny nose- but not really sick - so a day of laziness sounds wonderful! 

We love and miss you all!! Have a wonderful weekend and productive week ahead.