Oh sweet summertime, there is nothing like an Alaskan summer! Even among the chaos of 2020. Summer 2020 was a "go with the flow" summer due to COVID. With so many unknowns and constant changes in positive cases, knowledge on the virus, and mandates, we had to take it week by week, day by day, hour by hour. Our first set of visitors were suppose to be Papa and GG Harris at the beginning of June and our second set were suppose to be the Brinkmeyers (and our first visitors with kids!), our college friends, at the beginning of July. The trips were cancelled due to travel mandates and concern for remaining healthy while traveling. The Mount Marathon race was postponed and then cancelled as well. Adam's work schedule was all over the place and not flexible. If we did go somewhere for the weekend, he had to have phone service for his two work phones and be available to take calls.
Alaskan weekend adventures did give us relief from the real world and it sometimes almost felt like everything was back to normal. Fresh air, sunshine, and family time are good for the soul.
My parents were our third set of visitors. The plan was for me to fly back to Iowa with the kids for a 10 day visit and then my parents would fly back with us for a two week visit. Adam and I debated the Iowa trip, the last thing I wanted to do was "bring the virus" to my parents and family. But my parents were solid in their decision that they would be coming up to see us no matter what, regardless of our decision to visit them in Iowa. They and the rest of my immediate family insisted they were not concerned with us traveling there as long as we took precautions (as best as I could with active kids) It was decided that we would keep the trip as planned and only visit with immediate family, plus no indoor public locations or events. We also discussed the need to take care of our mental health and hold it to the same importance as physical health. I was losing my damn mind and needed to be "home" with my family. My kids needed the experiences, laughter, and love that only Iowa and our families can offer them. I feel so blessed by the trip and am grateful we were all able to take precautions and remain healthy. Thank you God.
Oh boy, I now see that photos are out of order. In true "Danielle dislikes technology" fashion, I'm not going to take the time to correct it. So bare with me as we bounce back and forth between adventures.
9/16/2020 - Adam here... and in true Adam fashion I have to go back and fix it... done.
First weekend adventure- Seward for some king and red snagging..... salmon for the freezer.
Camper snuggles
We haven't snagged since our last trip to Missouri for spoonbill season pre-Ashton. His great-grandfather and grandfather passed on the tradition and love for it to Adam. Adam took some used spark plugs to use as weights while snagging. This was done on purpose as a tribute to his grandfathers. They used to use spark plugs for weights to snag in the rivers. He tied this on, spoke to his grandpa's, "Let's go fishing," and then proceeded to rip the water. People thought he was nuts, but he was the only one to catch a king that day.
There was a rope swing on the lake. It took Ashton a couple days to get the courage to try it with Mom, but he did it.
Lunchtime views
Eska falls fossils, petrified wood
Adam, Kevin, and Ken took our boat and Ken's camper over to the Copper River for dipnetting this year. Each family came back with what they wanted for red salmon and king salmon....and then some! Limits are 25 reds for the head of household, 10 reds for each member of the family, 5 kings per family.
Boat problems left them stranded for a while
The lineup of king salmon from a single day of fishing
Annual father's day picture
Slight wardrobe change for Bapa and Papa's Father's Day photo.
We are absolutely loving our camper but also want to keep backpacking and tent camping in our agenda and memories. We hiked in to Symphony and Eagle Lakes. 6 miles one way with a boulder field to navigate.
Adam and Ashton watched a couple black bears after I left them behind to find a tent spot.
High on the mountain
This guy actually crossed right in front of us across the boulder field when we were headed back home.
Off to Iowa!
Water fight in the backyard. Emma against Ash, Owen, Delainey!
Back to Traer
Brandon and Deanna's pool, soooooo amazing and perfect timing for this summer
Here’s my perspective as the daughter of an officer who has worn a badge for 39 years.
-I know the sacrifices an officer and their family makes when he/she swears to protect and serve.
-I know the fear for their physical safety each time they report for duty.
-I know their emotional health has been compromised by the horrific suicide, fatal car accident, abuse, etc scenes they are called to. (Imagine this in a small community where you know everyone)
-I know the bullying
-I know officers are injured and killed each and every day in the line of duty.
There is entirely too much wrong in this world. But please do not forget about the good and for goodness sake do not take that away from my father, my family, his department, and the officers who CHOSE their careers to protect and serve
Kane is usually the youngest grandchild, until ours are around. He does so well with them and they both adore him.
-I know the sacrifices an officer and their family makes when he/she swears to protect and serve.
-I know the fear for their physical safety each time they report for duty.
-I know their emotional health has been compromised by the horrific suicide, fatal car accident, abuse, etc scenes they are called to. (Imagine this in a small community where you know everyone)
-I know the bullying
-I know officers are injured and killed each and every day in the line of duty.
There is entirely too much wrong in this world. But please do not forget about the good and for goodness sake do not take that away from my father, my family, his department, and the officers who CHOSE their careers to protect and serve
My jaw is clenched because this just makes me more furious than I am comfortable feeling.
So lets move on to happy memories again....
Sadly, a large amount of the corn and crops in Iowa were destroyed by the derecho winds this summer. Heartbreaking devastation for Iowa communities and farmers.
Bapa and Nana Kucera flew back to Alaska with us. We were all flying together to alleviate the stress of flying with two littles.....and HA....that was all planned PRE-COVID! So it was even more of a relief to have someone along with to help with keeping hands to selves, bathroom breaks, constant sanitizer, etc. Oh and this is just lovely- our first flight was delayed which caused us to miss our second flight. With fewer flights due to COVID, our best option was to spend a night in a hotel in Minneapolis. UGH! Long story, but overall, our kids did amazing and were better than expected on two extremely long and stressful travel days. It was a blessing to have my parents with too.
Bapa and Ashton spent hours flying these airplanes. At our house and at the park
He's the best netter in the biz.
Thankful for our time spent together, making memories
Bapa introduced them to their first carwash! They loved it of course, water and bubbles!
Smoked salmon quesadillas over the fire. Looks like Ash moved on to licorice
Not sure who is smiling bigger!
Piggies, bibs, boots, and a tootsie pop
Worm digging break
Swords remain one of his favorite toys. He constantly want to joust with anyone willing. This is wear he stores them.
Nice shiner. Neither Ashton or Tundra were ready for Ashton to hold the leash. Yanked to the ground by no fault to either, just inexperience with a dog and inexperience with a kid.
Ashton has started adding more body parts to his drawings.Yes those are hands and yes that is a penis.
Big bro taking care of lil sissy, bandaid on the knee.
Thank you hug
Fun at our river
Curls upon curls upon curls
Josephine Rae turned 2!
She's a tomboy but she sure loves dresses, pink, unicorns, jewelry, purses, and babies! She keeps us on our toes as she gets in to the trouble that we never had to worry about with her brother. She's fearless and thinks it's funny to get in trouble. She will sit herself down for a "think about it" break. She has a high pain tolerance, so for the most part she isn't bothered by getting hurt and will get up and do it again. She loves to be outside, getting dirty, loves all creatures big and small, and keeping up with her brother. She is Ashton's shadow and is never far behind him.
No comments:
Post a Comment