Easter seemed so late this year. We kept waiting and waiting for the day to arrive. Today is the day. The Easter Bunny was pretty much on par this year...lots of eggs (most were not filled, need to better at this next year), lots of Easter crafts and fun baskets full of little things to make you smile. This year was the first year we had to explain that the Easter Bunny doesn't take requests, like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny brings small things that fit into your basket. He also leads you on a wonderous Egg Hunt.
Amelia started asking when is Halloween and Molly started wondering if Jesus was born on every holiday. I am not sure what either of these things mean...
So, March went out with a bang and April is starting to bring lots more showers, and a few flowers. I keep hearing it may still snow but fingers crossed the weather only gets better and better. We have had a lovely month. The highlights: Molly started soccer, and Amelia started swim lessons. Molly is enjoying soccer much more than basketball and Amelia is already jumping off the diving board. Woah. We have been busy full filling our volunteer adventures with the Cloverbuds and Girl Scouts. Our next adventure is a 2 night camping trip at the end of May with the Girls Scouts. I am busy, busy getting the weekend pulled together with an amazing set of leaders. In Cloverbuds, the 4H program, I put on the April General Meeting. The kids learned the science behind walking on eggs...can you? We painted eggs, made wool roving eggs, and string eggs. It was a fun night full of crafts!
Molly got to participate a the Baranov Museum. http://www.baranovmuseum.org/ Here she took a artist workshop on creating Russian Style nesting eggs. The final product was beautiful. It was a fun afternoon learning another creative way of making Easter special.
We have been pulling together ideas for our trip to Denali at the beginning of June. Its going to be a two week adventure into the interior of Alaska. We are currently, visiting a dog sledding homestead, white water rafting, and of course taking the shuttle into Denali. Wilderness here we come.
As the title of the post implies, the bears are coming out of hibernation and the whales are migrating. This week is Whale Fest (http://www.whalefestkodiak.com/Home.html). We have a bear near the neighborhood. No sighting yet, but many people have posted pictures of him roaming through the backyards. As much as this is terrifying and exciting, I'd love to see one. The whales are migrating, Gray Whales are spouting in Pods off the beaches and the Orcas are swimming in the channel. No pictures yet from this Gal, but hopefully soon!
Lastly, school is almost out. Mid-May -- 30 days and counting. I love the short school year and the lack of snow days. Its been a wonderful Kindergarten Year. Next year Amelia starts preschool. Hmmm, maybe I"ll be there too, as I applied to be a Preschool Teacher. Just another way to stay busy and work with the younger kids on the Island. There are too few opportunities available here for ages 5 and Under.
Andy has been on the move, literally, flying to the East Coast twice last month and once next month. He was chosen as part of special team of logistics personnel. A great job and perfect opportunity for him. He was the lead on the Tsunami training here at the Base as well. If there is every another disaster, he's your guy. In addition, he's been learning about contract writing, environmental law, and keeping up with his loves.
Happy Easter and Happy Spring.
