Breaking Trail

After a winter of being too lazy to ski, I decided enough was enough and broke my skis out of storage. The snow has been perfect, and the temperature just right, I just couldn't resist. It felt really good to get out there and get some exercise and fresh air.

Last night we had a big snow storm and got a couple more inches of snow, which covered up all of the snowmachine trails I follow. My lovely family geared up and broke trail for me so I could head out again today.

Kiley even got to drive her own snowmachine, she's kind of an expert this winter.

It is so nice being able to step out our front door and snowmachine and ski wherever and whenever we want.

Dance, Dance, Dance

This is only a small glimpse into the dancing that occurs at the House of Clouse, check it out...

The Snow-Go Sleds.....

Sis has been telling people, "My Papa and Gram bought me a snow-go for Christmas!"

I have to correct that and tell them, "A snow-go sled."

She can only wish, and if she wasn't such a chicken she would see that her g0-go sled goes pretty fast, almost as fast as a real snow-go! (Not really, but when you are two it kind of seems like it!)

It took Jon about an hour apiece with each sled, and with the "help" of the 6 year old and the 2 year old. As soon as they were put together we got our gear on and headed to our favorite winter sledding spot.We were lucky enough that Uncle Max and Camryn came with us! The icing on the cake were two of Camryn's cousins came too--- it was sledding heaven!
You can't tell by this picture of Cam going down the hill... but it was about Zero degrees outside, yes 0- as in almost negative!
Let me tell you that just little butts belong on this Go-Go sled, Mommy butts are not allowed. I don't have a picture of me heading down the sled, and for that, I am thankful.

Merry Christmas!

A few days late but we have been enjoying our time at home so much it has been hard to get on the computer and post pictures! We have been sleeping late, eating our weight in holiday food (mostly junk food) and just enjoying all our new toys. Our girls are so lucky to be loved (spoiled rotten!) by so many people- we are so very thankful.

The temps have been really cold here during these last few weeks in December- I think the lowest was -5, but mostly hovering around 0. That hasn't stopped us from getting outside though! These two girls go bonkers if they don't get out at least once a day. We've been going for walks, snowmachine rides and we broke in the new "snow-go" sleds from Papa and Gram (I'll post about that tomorrow).

Winter Solstice

I'm a few days late on blogging about the Winter Solstice, but I didn't miss it this year! At this time of year we are getting about 5 hours of daylight- the sun rises about 10:30 and sets at about 4:30.

We had a great time celebrating the shortest day of the year- big bonfire, great friends, lots of good food and laughs. Jon asked what is with me and celebrating these pagan holidays? (I love the summer solstice too!) He said it must be the witch in me....

Despite the cold temperature (about 5 degrees) we managed to have a very fun night-- you really can't go wrong with a bonfire and friends. We are excited to say goodbye to losing light and start gaining! Come on sunshine!

La la la la.... Caroling in December

Last weekend we went caroling with all the Girl Scouts in Dillingham. It was about 12 degrees and WINDY-- so chances are the temp was about 0 to -5 temps. Brrrr.

We dressed for the temperature, meaning lots of layers and warm clothes. I've decided we aren't going to let the elements dictate what we do and don't do outside, unless of course the elements are really, really dangerous (like icing fog, blizzards with gusting wind up to 60 mph... etc)

We walked to all of our local stores and then our last stop was "Grandma's House" which is our local assisted living home. The girls did such a wonderful job, and many of the elders enjoyed having them and hearing their voices.

Both of my girls enjoyed the experience- and it was wonderful to get out and soak up some sun (hah) and get a little red into our cheeks.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

It's been a busy week... wait, a busy month! Bazaars, meetings, Christmas Programs, caroling.... it is just busy busy with so many things to do!

This week we had Kiley's first Christmas program to attend. I asked her what her class was singing and she said, "Um, I don't know... something about a rooftop." I bet you can figure out what song it is, we'll have a clip and pictures for the program later.

I got this picture by telling them I would let them have more candy canes... bribery always works with these two!

We went to our district staff party earlier this week and the girls got to see Santa, and Kiley sat on his lap. Not Sis..... she loves Santa until she actually sees him, then it is another story. As soon as she knows he's at least 10 miles away from her she starts screaming, "I want to sit on SANTA's LAP!!" She's a smart one, that Sis. Kiley doesn't think so though- "Kalin how is Santa going to know what to BRING you? You have to TELL him!"

She's got it all figured out, that Kiley.

Travelin'

Ekwok Sunset

I've been doing some traveling this Fall/Winter.... and seen some very pretty sites in SW Alaska.

Flying.....

Beautiful Aleknagik

Just a few of the many reasons we live in this beautiful state, in this neck of the woods.

Pull-Up Head

Remember Pull Up head?


I miss her. We haven't seen Miss Pull Up Head in months and months.

Now we pretty much just see hungry bears and little puppies.... they are cute and all, but they just can't compare to Pull Up Head.