Alaska: the last frontier

 Phew! What a journey our little clan had!
We decided to extend the long weekend and skipped town last week! This was the first time our family of 4 has traveled out of state--and by plane, even!

Clementine was very excited to fly the friendly skies. In fact, she was practically vibrating when we finally boarded. Dutch hardly noticed as he ate, slept and poo-ed on Cameron; business as usual!

 We saw all the sites of Sitka. Clementine was our photographer in the backseat, documenting the journey with her own special style.

 She got the school where Cam went to Elementary,

 and this white car,

 the corner of this building...

 and, of course, some self portraits!

 Cam drove us up Harbor Mountain where we got out to stretch our legs, check out icicles and gorgeous views of the south eastern Alaskan islands.

 We also checked out Whale Park where we played quickly so as not to freeze.

 There was also Totem Park where we walked through quickly so as not to be eaten by bears.

Cam is pointing out the Bear Bread fungus on the tree where bear like to chew and clean their teeth.

But the real reason we made this trek was to celebrate Queen Pat's 90th birthday! What a special day for a very special lady! The queen and the Princess smiled ear to ear the entire day. We love you Grandma Pat and are so glad we got to come up to celebrate the big day with you!

Halloween

 We are having a particularly blustery Autumn in our neck of the woods. Halloween was no exception. Clementine went as Olivia the Pig (from a favorite book series) and Dutch went as a sleeping bald headed baby.

 It wasn't looking too good as far as Trick or Treating goes the morning of this sugar filled holiday. It was rainy and dark with wind that took your breath away.

But around 2 pm there was a sudden break in the drizzle. We threw the Olivia costume on Clementine and high-tailed it downtown; thinking this was the only chance she'd get to trick or treat in 2012.

 We did about 2 blocks of downtown candy grabbin' before the weather turned awful again. We were one of the last ones out on the street and candy givers just started to dump their buckets into Clementine's sack!

 Fortunately, another break in the weather happened right after Daddy got home. Clem was able to hit up the neighbors for some candy, too. All in all, I think it was a pretty good Halloween!

Clementine's 5th Birthday Party

 I cannot believe my baby girl is already five. 5!???? How did this happen? There is something about her turning five that makes me feel nostalgic. And then I cry. My girl has left behind toddler-hood and is truly a preschooler--almost ready for Kindergarten!

 Cam sat me down months ago, knowing I have a tendency to get a bit nutty about birthday parties way too early, and he told me it's time to take it easy on this one. We decided to have her birthday party at the local bounce house and I think that has been our best decision we've made in a long time! It was awesome!

Clem choose the theme-Muppets-as she loves the new Muppet movie AND the soundtrack.

 We had Kermit cupcakes (see 1st pic) and Miss Piggy's Pink Lemonade,

 Bork Bork Bork Bork (artichoke dip)--which made me laugh,

 Rainbow Connection Fruit Skewers (thanks Mom!),

 and Animal crackers.

 There was lots of sliding,

 jumping,

 and general shenanigans.

 Then, when everyone looked like this, it was time to eat and open presents!

 SHE'S FIVE!??!! I can't take it.

 Nolan and Taylor were there to help open gifts.

 While the baby cousins snoozed away.

A wonderful time was had by all!