Fall in Fairbanks

Wendi came and visited The Last Frontier. We went to the local state fair, but beforehand had to buy boots that will keep our feet warm and dry. At the state fair we saw a 6 pound bunny (the ball of fur picture). The weekend Wendi was here there was nothing but rain, rain, and rain! The next weekend was absolutely breathtaking. Will and I took advantage and went on a hike. I borrowed my boss’s walking sticks to see if it would help me get to the top easier, but quickly realized it was more of a breathing problem. Will kept coaching me with breathing techniques that made me realize that there will be no need for Lamaze class in the future (NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!). I also included pictures of the changing of colors. Fall apparently comes and goes, so I wanted to capture it before the opportunity disappeared. One of my favorite pictures is Will taking Mattie potty and she proved to be as stubborn as me and still wouldn’t go. Ha. I still haven’t taken any house ‘after’ pictures…maybe soon?

August Catch-up!

Over the past several weeks, we have done a variety of things. We went to the Golden Days festival, hiking, and helping our new family members’ transition to their new home. During the Golden Days festival there was the longest mustache contest. George, the winner, actually won 2nd place in the world last year in London. There was also a Rubber Ducky race. Neither one of our duckies won. However, it was entertaining to watch. The following day was a race involving homemade rafts. The primary material needed to be duck tape. Will and I took notes because next summer we will be competing with our friends, Marisa and Joe.
I also wanted to include a picture of a raspberry because they grow all around our property. We haven’t tried one yet because we weren’t sure if they were poisonous or not…maybe next year.
Our new family members, Oscar and Mattie, have come to live with us. They are amazing and we couldn’t be any happier. Will and I drove 40 miles to go to Angel Rock. On the way there, I saw my FIRST MOOSE! A very exciting moment! We took Oscar and Mattie with us hiking last weekend and they held their own. They walked the entire two hours without giving up. On the hike I noticed fall colored leaves. I have no idea if we are in fall, but I took a picture of it.
Something Will and I really hate about Fairbanks is the smoke that comes in from nearby forest fires and it stays. It blocks the sky, it smells, and it’s difficult to drive in. People walk around in surgical masks because it’s so bad. The picture is down our street of the smoke, not fog, thick stagnant smoke.
Finally, FINALLY, I got a job. It is with Fairbanks school district and my title is the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator. Funny thing, I have no secondary teaching experience. But, they keep telling me that I do not need to know content, just how to facilitate. I just finished my fourth day and I’m completely overwhelmed, but am hoping that each and every day I learn the procedures and routines and allow myself time to get down to business. One of the downfalls about this position is that I no longer follow a teacher schedule. I work 12 months and get two days off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. I am thankful for really nice and patient people in my office. Also, Will is slowly but surely getting cases. He’s working on four cases right now and loves it. I’m hoping to go see him in action when he goes to trial.
Next blog I will be including “after” pictures of our house. Wendi will be visiting us next Thursday-Sunday and I will need to clean for her arrival.
Until next time!