Russian Karaoke and Bald Eagles

We left Mitch and Jeanne's house in Palmer and moved into the Marriott Residence Inn for the next six days. With Isabel, Milo, Cha Cha, Brewter, and the two of us in a one bedroom studio it was, to put it mildly, cozy. We did have a lot of fun, though.
On our last night on "The Mainland" my boss took us out to dinner at a place called...um...well, anyway, it was a really nice brew house in downtown Anchorage. The food was amazing and the company was even better. Afterwards it got a little interesting. We were invited to my boss's house whereupon a karaoke machine was produced with not only the traditional karaoke favorites, but also Russian karaoke favorites. Joe, my superintendent, is married to a Russian woman named Marina that has two obvious passions of being an incredible hostess and singing. It was a lot of fun! Although I will say that Cassidy pressured me into singing a karaoke song that I now regret. ( For the record, I, his wife did NOT chose the song! Although I kinda wish I had!) I just can't seem to pull of Like A Virgin as well as Madonna. Yes...there is a video.
Thursday we left for Adak. Jay and Jim (Jay has developed a curriculum that is fantastic and Jim is a professor from the University of Alaska Anchorage that is working with the student teachers) accompanied us and will be leaving on the rotator plane today (Sunday).
The arrival was both exciting and terrifying. This island is ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING and we love it. The United States Navy, However, felt that what this island was missing was three military bases worth of heavy machinery, scrap metal, and dilapidated buildings to make it complete. True story; The base built a 3.5 million dollar church up on the hill months before the base was decommissioned KNOWING THAT THE BASE WAS CLOSING. Magnify this by about 2500 and you get the idea of how much money is rusting and rotting out here.
Outside of the town, it is just beautiful. Yesterday we went exploring and found a stream where we could catch Silver Salmon by hand! It is not that easy, actually! Cassidy caught a couple and I caught a couple. We put ours back in fear of a game warden showing up, but Jim has a fishing license so today we are having salmon for dinner.
The school is actually very modern and has an incredible amount of resources readily available. I am really excited about getting started next week.
Cassidy, in typical fashion, has already met half the town while walking around. In fact, we had been on the Island about ten minutes when I pulled up to the house with Jim. Cassidy got to the house first in another vehicle and was smiling a little more than usual. "Come see what I got," she said. Inside the freezer is about ten pounds of halibut and salmon. "Mike gave them to us!" two questions immediately came into my head. Who the hell is Mike and how in the hell did you manage to meet someone so damn fast? Mike lives across the street and has a "fishing garage and a Caribou garage" and was apparently more than happy to share the fruits of his labor.
Cassidy has made the house a home already and it is very comfortable. Not the most modern of kitchens, but seeing as how Cassidy shipped pretty much every appliance, pot, pan, dish, and fork that was possible, we will be just fine!

As some added notes, we are excited to be here and feel as though the adventure has just begun. Isabel likes it and has met another 4 year old that I am sure will be playing with soon. The Bald Eagles that Tim forgot to mention are amazing!!! They are all over the island and seem to not be very afraid of us! We were with in 50 feet of one!!! On the same trip yesterday we also saw Sea Otters and Seals in what we know know is Clam Bay. Although Tim and I were very excited to see all of this Isabel was more excited about the sand! Pictures to follow soon!

Pics of Alaska

Post office and Hotel!!

We just left Jeanne and Mitch's house in Palmer and are now in a very nice, very quiet, very paid for by someone else hotel! We seriously cannot have really had a better trip thus far. Everyone has been amazing!! We are extremely grateful to the Lewis' for all their hospitality. FOr those of you that do not know the Lewis Family, picture the Stepford Family with a hell of a lot more personality. All six kids (out of seven) that we met are freakishly loveable! We discussed our theory of how Mitch and Jeanne have some sort of indoctrination chamber where these children have been subjected to countless hours of behavior modification practices. This is the best explanation of how this family is so damn enjoyable to be around.
We did go to the Post office today and mailed ten 18 gallon tupperware bins to Adak, along with a crockpot and a suitcase. Unbelievably cheap to mail packages inside the State of Alaska. The cost was a pleasant surprise (thank you, Brad!) but what was not a pleasant surprise was the line to get to the counter at the post office. I felt like I was getting bread somewhere in a former communist country. It was about the time that I entered the building that I realized that I really had to use the restroom. I have redefined the term "Going Postal" in a way that I had never imagined. Cassidy is very happy to have most of our stuff on the way or actually on the island. I am very happy to not have to hear about getting everything to the island.
We are pretty excited to get out to Adak and see what awaits us, but also very excited to just relax for a couple days. I have inservice Monday through Wednesday and we fly out on Thursday.
The dilemma that we have is that tomorrow is actually Isabel's birthday. Just to recap:
-Family birthday party in Tucson
-Private birthday Party/Dinner in Tucson
-Birthday party at Danas in Palm Springs
-Presents at Mike and Michelle's in Stockton
-Family Birthday Party in Anacortes with Tim's Family

So...now I am reminded of when I was a child. I was always confused because it seemed like every six weeks there was a Bob Hope birthday special on T.V. I was angry (jealous) that someone had so many birthday celebrations. Isabel is one USO trip away from matching big Bob! I think we are just going to have a quiet little party in our hotel room. That is to say that Cassidy will wake up with every intention of keeping it simple until about noon when an uncontrollable and unnecessary bout of guilt will force us to the nearest children's store and Bakery. This will result in another trip to the Post Office to ship toys/clothes/books to Adak and us asking our neighbors if they would like to come over and eat some cake.

Boating and Childrens Museum

We have done so much in the last week that I forgot to mention a couple of amazing events! A great friend, Jerry, took us out on his boat and we went around Deception Pass. Isabel had the time of her life and we cannot thank Jerry enough!
I do have to say that while on a boat I have learned that there are two viable options when a three year-old has to go to the bathroom. I STRONGLY recommend using the container option. Thank you to Cassie also for showing Isabel the ropes.
We met up with Jenni and Jackson at the Children's museum in Mt. Vernon. If you have a small child you MUST go to this place. It is well done and al lot of fun!!!

Walk in Anacortes, Childrens Museum and a night out!

Trip on Jerry's boat, so fun!!

More Pics!!

OOPS!

I kind of posted the last entry on accident. It's our blog, alright? You don't like it...?get your own damn blog!
Anyway, Cassidy got a chance to meet my family and they all got a chance to meet her. I, um, well...sort of forgot to send wedding invitations out to a lot of people. My Aunt Nini was one of those people. This has resulted in a guilt trip that I do not anticipate seeing an end to. So much so that she made a wedding/Isabel's birthday cake for us. You will see the pictures of the amazing cake that she "Threw together."
It was incredible and a real gift for us to be able to spend time with them. Thank you to all of my (Tim's) family fr showing up and making it so special. There truly is no replacement for family.

The drive through Canada was a lot like a bad night of drinking. It was long, expensive, painful at times and I just don't feel like talking about it much. I am sure in years to come, like a bad night of drinking, the stories will become tolerable and even comical at points. One highlight of the trip is when we crossed into Alaska and the Customs agent asked us how many people were on board, Isabel was ver concerned that her glow worm was not mentioned. This resulted in Cassidy actually stating that we had four people (oh yeah...we picked up my brother, Brad, in Anacortes) two cats, a dog, and a glow worm. The agent obviously had children because without missing a beat he asked if the glow worm had proper documentation.
Isabel was so disappointed when we crossed into Alaska when there was no magical world full of snow and reindeer. We spent the better part of the drive to Palmer explaining that outside of Tucson there are actually seasons and we must wait for Winter. I think she's got it now, but she is still a little pissed.
Outside of Isabel farting on a wooden chair in a restaurant, not much happened in Canada. It truly is a boring place.
We are in Palmer staying with Jeanne and Mitch (Friends of Brads from his Alaska days) for a couple of days and then we will be in a hotel for the school in service. Alaska is just about the most beautiful place we have ever seen. We are convinced more and more each day that this was the right decision. Today Katie (Daughter of Jeanne and Mitch) took us to the top of a mountain to an old mine that just had spectacular views. We have just had an amzing time during this adventure so far. THANK YOU to everyone along the way!!!

OREGON TO CANADA!!!!!

Our trip from Stockton has only improved. We honestly didn't think it could get better, but each day, save the trip through Canada, has been incredible.
We stopped in Washougal/Washoogal/Wachoogal(?), WA to visit with Ian and Chelsea. Ian grew up in Anacortes with Tim and has married way out of his league. Chelsea is incredible and Isabel has adopted another "Best Buddy". Ian and Chelsea had a barbecue the night we arrived and we got all the information we could handle about Adak from Ian's parents (they were stationed on Adak when the Navy was active on the island).
After filtering the anecdotes on volcanoes, horrible weather, lack of quality food, turbulence, land mines, and poor heating systems on the island, we got some rest and headed to Cannon Beach, Oregon for the day.
The day, like all days since we left, greeted us with incredible weather. Isabel, not surprisingly, jumped into the ocean immediately. Cassidy was quick to recognize that we had a change of clothing sans underwear. The idea to quickly change her before said underwear got wet resulted in a proud moment of our beautiful daughter running down the beach with nothing but her t-shirt on while her father was in tow with her pants (oh yes...there are pictures).
Simply Amazing day, Ian and Chelsea!! Thank you so much for being such amazing hosts!
Leaving Oregon we headed North to my hometown! Picturesque Anacortes on Beautiful Fidalgo Island.
We stayed with my Aunt Nini and Uncle Jon. My aunts name is actually Kandi, but to be honest...I have never called her Kandi and have no intention of ever starting. So...Isabel has followed suit and now cannot stop talking about Aunt Nini

Wish they all could be California...

We left early Monday morning. Not the "It's kinda early" departure. It was pretty close to a late departure, that's how early we left. The ungodly hour of departure was well worth it (we will not discuss having to turn around for a wallet that was left in the house. Not really interesting enough to get into.) because the brunch that was awaiting us near Pam Springs was AMAZING!! Not as amazing as the steak dinner that was also prepared by the one and only DANA!!! It was like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Seven Birthdays all in one day. To say that Isabel was a little spoiled is like saying the Kennedy family likes a little wine with dinner. Thank you Dana and thank you Bobby!! Isabel said you were her "Best Buddy" on the way out of town, Bobby!

We spent the next eight hours driving up to Stockton to visit with Mike and Michelle (Cassidy's college friends). Another incredible meal and Isabel is out cold sleeping! Mike and Michelle have the cutest baby boy that just turned one. I am not saying it like "oh! He is just the cutest thing..." I am serious! I feel confident enough to place a large wager that he is, indeed, the cutest little boy in the world!

Tomorrow we are heading up North to see more friends and then further north to see family in WA. Isabel could not be better on this road trip. She is a real trooper and considering Dana gave her three popsicles and other untold treats for breakfast, she was remarkably well-behaved! Thank you to Dana, Bobby, Michelle, and Mike for all your hospitality! This trip has proven to be essentially stress-free. I don't know how many people can load up a car with luggage, a dog, two cats (one of which may or may not be in a conscious state due to his geriatric condition), a(almost) four year-old and have it virtually stress-free. We are truly blessed!

Did you see the cake???

Isabel is still struggling with the birthday "Party" and the actual birth day issue, but today was just amazing! So many people came out to wish Isabel a Happy Birthday and say goodbye to Cassidy...I got a contact popularity high!!!
I couldn't believe how many people were coming in the door. I not so secretly believe that everyone came to see the cake. I am very proud of the cake. This is evidenced by the fact that I have slipped the words "Did you see the cake?" into every conversation I have had today. I became rapidly aware that there really needs to be a lead in to this question. Otherwise it just seems really bazaar!
We do truly thank everyone for showing up today. It really means a lot. Although the love and care we received today and the showering of love Isabel received makes it very difficult to leave, we are happy to know that along our travels we have such wonderful friends and family to support us on our adventure. Thank you for that.
On a slightly different note, my beautiful wife has, I believe, come the realization that a Volvo SUV does not have the same carrying capacity as a twenty-six foot U-Haul truck. We are now looking at the best in state community colleges we can afford for Isabel because any hopes for a decent college will be spent on shipping food processors and a variety of rain boots (you know, because the fashion police of Adak might not let us go clubbing if we wear the same pair of rain boots two days in a row and, let's be honest here...when will we ever find the time to cut vegetables by hand?). I kid...mostly.
Photos from the party will be posted tomorrow. I hear rumor that there will be pictures of the cake. Did you see the cake?

Cleaning, Cooking, Packing!

Yesterday we decided to have a "relaxing" day with the family and, as luck would have it, halfway up the mountain to our designated picnic area our little angel did her best Linda Blair impersonation and vomited all over the back seat. MMmmmm... I love that smell and in 105 degree weather it really packs a punch. We thought we got all of it, but this morning it seemed to have quite a lingering effect.

After deciding we weren't going to just set the car on fire, we managed to clean it up. Baked the cupcakes for Isabel's birthday party tomorrow and this years cake is going to top all others!!! I don't know if it's because we are leaving, or because my wife incessantly watches those cake shows on TLC, but I am inspired!! Stay tuned for pictures!!

Cassidy has packed every bag (I think she developed some sort of dewey decimal system, but I can't be sure....) and we are just about ready to go. After cleaning out our bedroom, upstairs bathroom, there isn't much of anything in the house that belongs to us and we are really excited about it!!

A special shoutout goes to Joclyn, Jan, Jordan, and Madisen for being such troopers on the picnic yesterday!! You guys Rock!!!!

moving stress...and joy. But mostly stress!!

So! It is just a matter of days before we load up the Family Truckster 2000 and head north. I wish I could say that everything is going swimmingly. In the big picture, things are going very well, but the reality of travelling 4000 miles with an almost four year-old, a dog, a cat, and another cat that can only be described as the feline version of George Burns (in his later years...without the cigar) is starting to sink in.
Isabel is slowly (and not without a fight) realizing that we are moving "Far far away." we got the medical certificates for the pets to travel today and there is nothing more masculine than walking into the pet clinic (the animal equivalant of the DMV) with two cats!! Tomorrow we will finish some final packing and start to get ready for the party on Saturday!!!
(my first BLOG! So exciting!)
-Tim

4 DAYS!!!!!

Oh my goodness! We can hardly believe we have 4 days left in the heat, we will be so sad leaving it, yeah right! We will however miss all the wonderful friends we have made and family. Tomorrows adventure is to take the cats and dog to the vet for their shots and a Health Cert. of which we need for travel through Canada. I will let you all know how that goes!
Isabel is trying to figure this all out in her cute little mind. She is happy to have all the birthday parties she is having though! She's such a good girl, we are so blessed. Of course as I type this she just stared throwing a fit! Go figure! She got to spend the day with our cute little friends Jordan and Madison and their so cute Mommy : ) She also spent the night at her grandma's last night, way fun.
Our very sweet friend April brought us dinner tonight, yummy yummy chicken! Thank you April!
OK folks that's all for now, in out.....

Party with Family.....

We are down to 7 days and I can hardly believe it! We had a family party at my aunt and uncles tonight, between that and my last day with Ryan (little boy I watched) this is all starting to become real. We really are doing this! Our last week here has filled up with dinner dates, play dates and last minute things to do before we leave on Sunday.

We are not sure Isabel really understands what is about to happen, for the time she just knows we are going on a trip and will end up in Alaska, which is where she will have her birthday! She's very excited and it is very fun to watch her get ready for our adventure.

I think we are ready and although it will be very sad to leave ( I have already cried like 3 times!) we are excited!