Hiking is Hard

Last weekend, we hiked Bald Mountain. I think that is what it is called. I get it confused with Mt. Baldy back home. Anyway, the hike was hard. I need to practice more! The scenery was more than worth the soreness though.

You can't see it in the picture but behind Aaron and Trevor was Mt. McKinley! Also, once we got to the top we saw a momma moose and her baby running down the valley. It was pretty cool to see! Unfortunately, since I wasn't carrying the pack, I didn't want to load it with lenses. I chose not to take the telephoto lens and I missed out on a great shot.

Yes, Kinley is passed out in this picture. I have no idea how she feel asleep. It was rough going!

 

 

We took a different way down. It was easier on the knees and just more fun to see a different view.

You can see my town down below.

Kinley's First Reindeer

Aaron has had block leave the past two weeks and we have been loving every minute of it! This past Monday, we headed out to the reindeer farm in Palmer. I have been there are few times but never with Aaron and Kinley. I wasn't sure how she would respond to the animals. She was leery at first but when they walked away she stretched her arms out to them. Kinley is already loving the wildlife. She really is her father's daughter!

 The mountains surrounding the farm are amazing. This photo doesn't do them justice.

 When we drove up we noticed people were running around with TV equipment. Aaron then noticed, Larry Csonka. He hosts and Alaska Outdoor show Aaron likes to watch. I also learned that Mr. Csonka was a pretty good NFL player back in his day! Pretty cool.

 This was one of many horses on the farm. I assure you he was alive and well. He was so relaxed, I swear I heard snoring!

Kinley meeting her first reindeer. Her name was Mary.

 Feeding the reindeer.

 

 Surrounded!

 She reached right out to touch this one.

 She kept wanting to grab their antlers. The one thing the people told us we could not do. Truth be told, I wanted to touch them too. They were all in velvet. Did you know males, females and the babies all grow antlers? They fall off every year and they grow another pair.

 A touch! They kept coming around her and she didn't even have food. I had both things of food in my pocket. I think they were curious about her.

Another nuzzle! I took a lot of video of the trip. There is a really cute exchange between her and a baby reindeer. I am sad I didn't get a photo but the video of it is priceless.

Aaron still has a few days off. Who knows what adventure we will go on tomorrow but it is fun knowing we can all do it together!

Wordless Wednesday

The PA Pearsall Clan Visits AK

 The day after they got here we took Trevor and Myles to hike Crow Pass. They loved it! (Aaron's mom, Steph, Myles and Trevor, his little brothers and me.)

 Kinley and I took Grandma and Grandpa to Alyeska to ride the tram and have lunch.

The next day we all packed up to camp along the Denali Highway. The views were amazing! Riding the dirt road made it feel like we were back home.  The guys caught grayling. I wish I had pictures, there is only video. The following pics are from the camping trip.

 

 

The guys also took a day trip to the Russian river to caught sockeye salmon (aka reds). They were quite successful. And also got to see some grizzly bears during there trip. I wish I could have been there. Not for the fishing but to see the bears.

 Close enough, right!?!

Another day, we headed to Wasilla to the Iditarod Headquarters. We had a lot of fun playing with the puppies. They were only 3 weeks old! So cute!

 

 She wasn't sure at first but then she wouldn't let go!

 

Kinley and Grandpa had fun reading books. Well, Grandpa reading. Kinley listening and eating. 

 

 Trevor, Myles and Steph went to visit a college roommate of Trevor's who is working at the animal conservation in Girdwood. They had a great behind the scenes tour. How cool that Myles got to feed a baby moose!

Trevor got a job out of the trip! He is working down at the conservation in Gridwood for awhile. If while your there, you get a snack, he probably made your food!

It was a fun filled week! It was great to have family visiting. And it was even better that Kinley got to meet them all. She was all smiles most of the time! I think she misses having people around. Aaron and I must not be all that fun. :)

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

We had a lot of fun this past week with Aaron's parents and brother's visiting us. We took this afternoon to rest and recharge. Pictures from there visit coming soon!

Make A Wish

The only one left in the backyard.

A Day at the Beach

 The first official ride in her Kelty. I tried it around the house. She giggled the whole time.

 The park was right by the airport. You think the noise would be annoying but it was actually really cool! It (obviously) got more peaceful the farther we walked.

 Kinley's first trip to the beach!

 She looks completely annoyed, doesn't she!? Don't look too closely at me. You might go blind. I am in desperate need of a tan.

 Beautiful!

 These were random little forts we found along the beach. 

 So peaceful! And such a beautiful day!

 There was a small strip of sand.

The Army keeps Aaron pretty busy. So when we have a day to relax and enjoy each other it is special. 

It was a great day!

Random picture Aaron made me take the other day. His idea of humor. :)

Rain, rain go away...

(taken at the end of my driveway)

An Army Wife

A black hawk helicopter filled my windshield the other day driving onto post. I didn't bat an eye.

Soldiers run by me with all their gear + plus gun. It doesn't phase me.

I show my ID every time I want to get groceries, drive on post, pay for gas or receive medical care. Grasping for my ID is automatic.

Aaron has deployed twice to Afghanistan. I gladly hold down the fort till he gets back.

I am deafened for a moment when Air Force planes zoom by. I just turn up the radio.

I slow to 10mph when hoards of soldiers run by me in the morning. I look to see who is wearing what color PT belt. 

Aaron he gets saluted, he salutes back and vice versa. I always make sure I am on the left side when walking with him.


Just about everyone calls me ma'am. I just smile. (This makes me crazy.)

I can hear shots from the gunnery range from my living room. I'm not scared.

Aaron is sometimes required to attend mandatory fun.  I get in the car and then ask where we are going.

I have lived in 4 states in 6 years. I am excited to find out where we go next.

Wives leave and new wives arrive. We take them under our wing, no questions asked.

Aaron goes to the field for a week. I program all the sappy shows into the DVR.

I think nothing of these things. It's  life. But it occurred to me the other day, these things might not be normal. I don't care. I like being an Army wife.

Fuzzy Feet

We have had a visitor in our neighborhood for the past few days. There has been a baby moose wandering around and crying out for its momma. So sad! The momma moose had two babies. The best we can figure is this little one couldn't keep up. Its leg wasn't busted but it was really unsteady. I don't think it could keep up.

The good news is that people from AK Zoo came by and picked it up from the neighbor's yard. It will get a good meal, a safe place to sleep and a new home. The lady said they found a home for it at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. The picked the baby up, put it on their lap in the  front of their truck and away they went. It was so crazy to me to see a moose riding in a vehicle!

Of course we would rather it be with its mom, but this is a good 2nd choice! Plus, do people in OH get to see a lot of moose?

The little neighbor girl cried when they took the baby away. It was almost like their pet. She told the lady its name was fuzzy feet. It wouldn't really leave their yard for long. Her mom explained to her how much better her life would be at the zoo.

 Wandering around, crying. It was so sad listening to it call for momma.

 Kinley and her first moose sighting. We will have to show her this picture when she gets older to prove it to her!

Hanging out with Aaron's truck.