Its beginning to look a lot like...

Fall? No, Winter? Already?

Yes! Snow started showing up on the mountains in September around here and before I knew it I was out clearing the driveway of the fluffy white stuff! Welcome to fall in Alaska!

{October 26}

When I posted the picture above on facebook, a friend responded with "Snow on pumpkins, its just not right!" and for anyone who has never lived in a place like this, it just does not seem right! It shouldn't happen! This will be our second winter here and I am still adjusting. To me fall means, warm sunshine during the day and cool weather at night.  Windows open, hoodies, bonfires, the pumpkin patch and crunchy leaves.  This year I've been wearing hoodies throughout the year, we had to go to the Fall Fest and "pumpkin patch" in September, the windows have been closed up since labor day and the trees were bare by mid-Ocotber with snow to soon cover all the leaves that had fallen.

Growing up in a place where we only "visited" snow from time to time, I do not know the excitement of being a child and wanting to go out and play in the snow.  But that doesn't mean I want to deny my child of that now.  Even thought he sometimes doesn't want to be out long, to me its worth the time it takes to get all bundled up just to get him out in the fresh air exploring for a little while. Alaska really can be a miserable place if you choose to stay trapped in the house just because of the snow, and that's not what I want for my family.  I know its going to be a loooong winter, but I refuse to make it seem any longer that it will already be. 

{October 30}

So, this is where we are...a little buried, but still alive! Right now as I type, the sun is high over the mountains making the snow sparkle and coming in the windows creating a few shadows and for that I'm smiling. I am home with my son today and we may just go out and explore in the snow for a while today.  Why not have a reason to come in and need warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate!

 {November 8}

And, as always, I'm not just being buried by the snow...Aiden, my job, and a new endeavor are all keeping me really busy! And I have also taken a couple nights for my self recently and gone out with friends.  One night to a hockey game and another night to a women's roller derby!  We are still trying to stay busy as redeployment approaches, which will of course also be another busy time as we focus on reuniting our little family! 

{EMiLY}