Moose, moose everywhere

Our time here is going by too fast and I know it won't be long before we're back to life in Germany. That's not a bad thing, but I love being here and am not looking forward to leaving. We're trying to get everything done that's on our list, but I already know there will be things left undone.

We've had a really nice and busy week even though Sam and I have been battling being sick. I started getting sick last Tuesday and by Saturday Sam was coming down with the same thing. He got in on Thursday. Mom had the day off of work, so we all went up to get him. Mom and I enjoyed doing some shopping before going to the airport. I have so enjoyed shopping at American stores again. I see so many things that I'd love to buy and ship over, but I'm trying to restrain myself.

Sam's had a hard time adjusting to the time difference here just like I did. I've never had a harder time with jet lag, but then I've never experienced a 10 hour time difference before either.

Sam didn't feel like doing much on Friday, so Mom and I finished up the second batch of relish. Dad got off work a little early and we had an early dinner in town and ran to the commissary. On the way home from Ft. Greely, we saw some moose so we stopped for some pictures. We always see moose here in Alaska, but I've seen more than usual this trip. There is a moose behind and to the left of Sam in these pictures. We stopped to look at a cow and twin calves behind a fence, but then saw this one. We don't usually get out if there is a moose this close, but we were already out of the car when we saw it and decided to snap a few pictures. Moose blend in so well though that it's a little hard to see it. Sam made sure he kept an eye on it :)

These were the moose we originally stopped for

The weather cooperated with us, so we planned for the bonfire on Saturday evening. It turned out to be a beautiful day. Sam and Dad did a lot of work outside. They finished laying some pavers to make a path to the back of the house. Mom's been working on the lawn this year and it looks really good. She'll plant grass around the pavers and next summer it should look great. While the guys worked outside, Mom and I stayed busy inside getting everything ready for that evening.

Dad and Sam moving a table out back

I love bonfires. The chilly weather, the food, getting warm and visiting by the fire, roasting marshmallows - all of it. We stayed out by the fire visiting for a long time then played some games inside. Sam loves an audience and had everyone laughing throughout the evening.

Art, Dad and Bill by the fire

Sam out by the fire

I've really been enjoying being back in my home church here. Since getting married and leaving Alaska I haven't found a church that feels like home. We liked the church we attended in Hawaii, but it just never felt like family. Now in Germany we're having the same experience. We've gone to several and are still trying to find one to stay with. Anyhow, it's just feel great to be back in some good services.

After church yesterday Dad, Sam and I went for a drive to see what animals we could spot. Mom stayed home to start working on a cake she's making for a baby shower. We saw quite a few animals - a wild buffalo, lots of moose and a herd of caribou. Here are a few pictures from that drive.

Sam with the Alaska Range behind him

One of the calf moose that we saw

Dad has seen lots of moose in this lake, but none were there yesterday.

We stopped by this visible portion of the Alyeska Pipeline south of Ft. Greely.

Sam straining under the weight of the pipeline :o)

More moose in a pond by the road

A herd of caribou off in the distance