September 2020 Part 2

 Every single month in Alaska is jammed packed with adventure. That is the nature of Alaska though. Everything is full force. You either take it on as a challenge or go somewhere else because Alaska is full of life and adventure. It got cold enough so we tried out our first fire in our home. It was warm and inviting and the first of many to be had in our home.

In homeschool the kids were learning about ancient Egypt. They were able to do cuneiform and learn about mummies. I love that they can learn in unique and different ways.

There's always another hike we can go explore

We play hard and then we crash hard.

Nice weather calls for nice food. Derek was able to get a smoker and we have smoked all kinds of yummy foods. This day was chicken wings. Everything tastes better smoked.

We miss doing archery at the Pinkston's, so we got it out and had beautiful weather for archery.

We were able to go to the base and get snow clothes for the kids. They tried them all on. It was so perfect being able to be outfitted for the snow coming from Texas. We didn't have any warm clothing, and now the kids are all set for the long winter to come. Now all the need is some snow!

We LOVE our patio deck porch outside of our kitchen.

Fall in Alaska is like everything else, fast and furious. The leaves changed colors so quickly and then almost just as quick the fall. It's about a month of fall. It is SO beautiful and intense.

Elara's Baptism Announcements turned out so fun! I can't believe the girl is 8! This baptism will be a little different as family can't travel because of the pandemic. We considered just baptizing her in a lake, and keeping it small.

Beginning Elara's cake. 

Elara's birthday fell on a Friday, so for homeschool we decided to take a field trip to the zoo. Her friends all got her presents. It was such a fun day. It was so great having friends so quickly after moving and being able to homeschool the kids. It is a lot of work, but has created so many good memories.

My favorite part of the zoo that day were the grizzly bears. They were huge and were chomping on pumpkins and watermelons. 

More yummy food!

The birthday cards started rolling in.

After waiting for her whole life, she finally turned 8 and it was her turn to be baptized. 

It was so wonderful being able to zoom family for Elara's baptism. We loved celebrating her and her decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Elara and Ellora became fast friends this year. These two girls are so glad to have each other.

After the baptism we had our homeschool families over to our home for lunch. Me, Deniene Green, Lisa Arner, and Caitlin Rogers. It was nice having friends to homeschool with.

It sure is great to be 8! The little girl sure was spoiled.

We sure have missed falling leaves. It was so great to have a chance to play in leaves again.

A multicolored unicorn cake. It turned out exactly as she wanted.

Sisters.

Dear Elara Jane Bradley,

Happy 8th Birthday!

Mom and Dad are so proud of the decisions you are making in your life. You love life. You love your family. It has been so fun seeing you on this new life adventure our family has taken. You don't love hiking uphills, and wearing heavy boots, but you accomplish hard tasks anyway. You are immensely bright and intelligent. You love science and learning and writing stories. You are a great friend. You help Connor with whatever you can and are the sweetest sister. You are a good teacher. You love animals and reading books. You love life and are the sweetest girl. You will accomplish anything you put your mind to. Stay strong in all you do. Know your family loves you. 

Love you always,

Mom and Dad