Alaska: Week 2

Week 2 of our trip we headed over to stay with Grandma and Grandpa!

We had some beautiful fall days coupled with rain and clouds...

but they easily cleared up in the afternoon for more time outside. 

We know who runs this place now.

Meet Rocky :)

The only person not a fan was Chester. 

In his defense...he really just doesn't know what to do with dogs. 

He is more open with humans :)

The Grandparents have 2 icelandic horses on their property.

All of the grandkids have had turns riding Dagger (not pictured)

and feeding Dagger.

 We even prayed for Dagger's return when he ran off while with Grandpa and Clay on a hunting trip one year. 

He was found months later after surviving the better part of the winter. 

It really was a miracle.

Now he is old and his time might be coming to an end soon. 

My kids love him.

Grandpa got his sister's cider press for some very fun and delicious cider making.

Chester and Audrey were into the workings and tastings of their afternoon 

with Grandma and Grandpa :)

The freshest cider...cold off the press!

Rocky has to sit in his seat, no matter who is there

haha

Grandpa built a little log cabin for his root cellar and a sauna he is building.

The thing we love about Grandma and Grandpa is that they always have projects going on :)

Probably the best cherries we have ever had in our lives.

 Grandma is a superb baker and made a pie for us. 

It was so gooood.

Spent raspberries with lots and lots of flies enjoying the end of the season.

Another portrait of Rocky...he is pretty cute.

Smith Road

Audrey, Grandma and I had a night out to ourselves and as we got home, the sunset was brilliant.

 This is the Sleeping Lady :)

I have never made a quilt before in my life. I bought this pattern last February at Cattywampus in Ojai and Mandy took me to Sylvia's in Wasilla for quilting fabric. It looked easy enough for me :)

Anyway, fast forward... quilting requires a different side of my brain and I had to laugh at myself.

 I kept thinking...this is too much math! 

haha

Henry and Chester before their "Alone" campout with grandpa.

 They picked berries, made a shelter and loved being with Grandpa. 

A rainy morning of distance learning :)

Grandma (or Nie Nie's) famous Spudnuts

I think Henry ate at least 6.

Audrey enjoying making donuts with grandma.

 Not seen were the two of them making whoopie pies and chocolate waffle cookies :)

Ending our stay with a walk with cousins on Marcus' 9th birthday :)

Pictured goodbyes with family...it was so good to reconnect

 and enjoy everyone in beautiful Alaska:)

p.s. Chester never really got used to Rocky

haha

we miss everyone already...and some of that cider too!