Sweetheart

Lydia was inspired by a cake decorating video she found on YouTube to make John a Welcome Back From Deployment Cake (he returns tomorrow).  Nothing says welcome home better than a princess cake!  I got wrapped up in the activity too and had high hopes for how it might turn out.  Along the way, the reality of how difficult it is to cake-decorate hit me.  But I love, love, love how it didn't phase Lydia a bit that the cake didn't look like the one in the video. She was thrilled with the outcome.  Megan

P.S.  Here is the back of the cake.

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day!  We went to the Kodiak parade this morning with several families from base.  This photo is a great reminder of why we love Kodiak so much--so family-friendly!  Megan

Fishing Success

John had his first successful fishing excursion this week while on deployment in Cordova.  He caught three red salmon and is bringing me home enough fish for several meals.  Megan

Salmonberries

It is salmonberry season in Kodiak.  These berries grow wild all over the island.  They are like blackberry's tart cousin.  The kids don't really eat them but they sure enjoy picking them!  It has provided us with several hours of entertainment while John is on a short deployment.  I tried my hand at making Salmonberry Crunch, also known as Bear Poop Pie.  Megan

Half a Decade

Can you believe John and I have a five year old!?!?!?  Happy Birthday kind Lydia!!!  Celebrations began on Saturday with a pool party.  It was a fun hour of swimming and cake with lots of new friends.  Her day yesterday was filled with lots of presents.  Thank you Grandparents!!!  Celebrations ended last night with a pizza picnic at the park with friends.  Megan

Smoke Master!

John had a very successful Father's Day, successful in BBQing, that is.  John's early Father's Day gift was a electric smoker.  Restaurants are limited on Kodiak and there is no option at all for BBQ.  Last week's first attempt to smoke a brisket turned out tasty but a bit chewy.  Yesterday's second attempt turned out purrrrfect!  John was all smiles--it made his Father's Day a happy one.  Love you John!  Megan

Summer in Kodiak

The kids and I made our third failed attempt to see a bear tonight with friends.  Reports of bear sightings are frequent as fishing season has officially begun.  Bear spray in hand, we will await our first encounter (don't worry, from afar).  Megan