18 Days into 2012

I've been slacking....over half the month is already over!

The boys and I got bugs as the year started, and we're finally sounding human again first thing in the morning rather than that cough-up-a-lung sounding cough. I forget how really awesome it is to feel well until I get sick. Unfortunately I can be a really grouchy sick person, and I think Darius had about enough of me.

My parents came to visit and just left us yesterday. We really enjoyed having them stay with us, and the boys of course love the extra love and attention. We mostly just hung out and did what we normally do when they're not around. We visited the park, fed the ducks in our pond, had a pizza night with the Bacon's, and went to the Y. Mom gave the boys haircuts, Darius and Dad got a couple rounds of golf in, and Mom helped me with some sewing projects.

Haircut - Day 5

Turkey Lake Park - Day 6

Fishing Turkey Lake - Day 6

After the time we spent living with my parents in Cordova, we've come to really enjoy our visits from them. It's nice having them around, and we were sad to see them leave. And speaking of Cordova.... whoa that's a whole lot of snow we just dodged! I feel for what the residents are going through, but I'm so relieved we moved when we did.

Here's an old photo from the back porch of my parents house in December 2009. That's a lot of snow to me, so it's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that this amount is just a fraction of what they're up against.

During our visit with my parents we had to make a quick trip to Louisiana. My parents actually booked a cruise out of Cape Canaveral leaving the same day as we did, and returned the day after we got back. It was a special treat for the boys to see both sets of grandparents a day apart considering where everyone lives. It was a long drive there and back, and the trip itself was packed full. We enjoyed our time with Margaret and Alfred, and then we took the time to drive down to the Leesville area to visit with Darius' friend Randy. We finally got a chance to see the burger restaurant he opened a couple of years ago, and he treated us to lunch there. We spent the evening watching the Saint's game at his business partner's home, had some great barbecue, and shot skeet. I had my first experience shooting a shotgun, and it was fun!!

Louisiana - Day 14

After picking up my parents from their cruise, we headed over to Cocoa Beach. We spent a good part of the day there, and met up with my friend Lyndsay and her family in the afternoon for a few hours. It wasn't the best beach weather, but we all had a really good time.

Cocoa Beach - Day 15

Day 18 we dropped my parents off at the airport, and in the evening we had Lyndsay and her family over for dinner. They're here visiting Orlando for a week, and I'm so happy that we had the chance to meet up with them while they're here. I haven't seen her since her wedding and since then she's had a baby, who I was super excited to meet. She's got a great little family, and I really enjoyed our time with them. 

Jimy & Randy

Two of Darius' good friends from Florida, Jimy & Randy, were here visiting us this past week. Between the two of them they probably experienced the best and worst of what a trip to Alaska can be. Randy unfortunately fell ill a day into his trip, and after a couple of hospital visits he spent the majority of his time here in bed. Jimy on the other hand, was out fishing for the Coho every chance he had and came home with his limit everyday. Darius was fortunate to get a couple extra days off from work and was right there catching his limit with Jimy.

They caught some beautiful fish, and even after Jimy took home over 40 pounds we were still left with freezers full of salmon. Between Jimy, Darius, and the one time Randy was able to fish, they caught a total of 38 fish. I'm sure if Randy had been feeling well, they would have had over 50.

It was mine and the boys first time meeting Jimy, and I had no idea what he looked like when I went into the airport to pick him up. It didn't matter I guess because he knew who I was (the boys probably helped with the ID). Upon meeting him, I could tell right away what a genuinely good man Jimy is. I thoroughly enjoyed his company, and I think it's safe to say the rest of my family did as well.

I know having his friends here was a big deal for Darius. We all enjoyed their company, but I know Darius did especially. I think one of the hardest adjustments he had to make when moving to Cordova, was leaving behind so many friends in Florida. I know how much it meant to him to be able to have Jimy and Randy here, and to be able to show them a good time....for the most part (sorry again Randy!).

It's a long haul from Florida to Alaska. Thanks Randy & Jimy for making the trip up here to see us! We'll look forward to seeing you again on our next trip to Florida.

Friends and Family in Florida

The hardest part of leaving Florida, for me, wasn't the beaches, the consistent sunshine, or the mostly fabulous weather. It was leaving a small group of friends behind. Most of these friends are part of the Bacon family, and although I can't technically claim them as family, family is what they feel like to me.

When Ben & Zach were born last year, Darius and I didn't have any immediate family in FL to be with us at the hospital. It's intimidating to go through your first delivery experience, especially when it's a cesarean section, there are two babies, and you have no idea what to expect. I knew that the Bacons were coming to see us later after the boys were delivered, but I wasn't expecting to see Honey and Patti waiting in the recovery room. What a huge relief and a comfort it was to have them there with us.

Even before the boys were born, the Bacons were just as wonderful. They threw me a baby shower, visited me in the hospital and at home while I was on bed rest, and came over to visit me and the boys before I was ready to venture out with them.

Before Darius started working for AA, I seriously thought that it might be years before we'd ever get back to FL to visit. Imagine my absolute delight when years turned into 10 months instead. Darius had a rare string of days off from work and wanted to take advantage of the chance to get down to FL to ship the rest of our stuff back on the airline. Darius' good friend Randy has been kind enough to store our things since we left, and Darius felt it was important to relieve him of the chore while he had the chance. I knew it wasn't going to be a trip of leisure for him, so I didn't ask to go (although I really really wanted to). When he did ask if I wanted to go, I jumped at the chance. It was a mad dash to get us all ready to leave the next day, but I was more than happy to do it!

Randy was great to let all of us stay with him our first night we were there, and Darius the rest of the time. Ben and Zach loved Randy's dog, Tibado. He'd lick their faces and they'd laugh and follow him around the apartment. We're pretty sure that Zach's first word was 'dog' as he was interacting with Tibado.

Honey and Pop Pop were kind enough to let the boys and I stay with them the next two nights. What awesome people they are to open their home under such short notice (while remodeling their only guest bathroom) to me and two toddlers! I can't thank them enough!

Zach is modeling some fine Tigger eyewear..courtesy of Honey

Ben's taking a little breather from play

While we were there we enjoyed visiting with them and the rest of their family...cousin Dylan, Patti, Michael, AJ, Trish, and Austin. Joni even stopped by with her three young charges in tow. We were also able to see many of Darius' former co-workers when we went to Bonefish to have dinner.

Dinner/workout time

Dylan gave the boys a toy shark and some excellent pictures he drew of Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat, which are now hanging above their cribs. He followed them around the house and kept a close eye on them. I think he was more excited for the boys to go in the pool than anything else. Before we moved, he would always ask when the the boys could go in the pool. I'm guessing he may have been a little disappointed when neither of them cared much for it when they finally got in. They had more fun splashing from the sides of the pool.

Here's cousin Dylan watching an episode of Curious George with the boys, and playing peek-a-boo with Zach.

Although it was a short trip, I thoroughly enjoyed the time we had and loved seeing everyone! Special thanks to all of you for the great visit, and your wonderful hospitality. Love and miss you all!