Som’s Blog

So, we haven’t taken the time to post anything this summer because we were far too busy enjoying it. It was the best Alaskan summer we have ever experienced. The weather was perfect most days, which is very unusual for Alaska, so we took advantage of it and spent most days outside just enjoying the sunshine. Allen became quite the pool baby–his favorite thing to do was go hot tubbin’ with the ladies! (We refer to it as hot tubbing because we still have to fill the pool up with the warm water from inside the house.)

He loves the water!!!!

We took a trip down to Utah in June for my brother’s wedding (which ended up being on the same weekend as Som’s brother’s wedding, so Som had to fly back early in order to make it to both). We spent most of the time in the Salt Lake and Cache Valley area, but we did take a drive to the exciting metropolis of Vernal, Utah, where his wife is from.

Allen’s favorite part of the reception was when we left and took him to Krispy Kreme and showed him the donuts. He couldn’t believe his eyes!!!

Soaking up the sun with his cousin Eloise at the Hyrum Dam.

Enjoying the afternoon with his cousins at my sister’s house in Hyrum.

Ready to jump into the pool at our hotel in Vernal–it was great because they had a kiddie pool that he could walk around in. He was in heaven!!!

Having a popsicle with his albino cousins.

Back in Alaska we took as many trips around the state that we had time for.

Hiking Byron’s Glacier. Of course Allen spent the whole time either throwing rocks into the water or trying to jump in himself.

My brother and his family came up to visit in June and Allen loved playing with his cousin Sea Bass (Sebastian, who had just turned one before they came up).

Giving Sea Bass a smooch overlooking the sea lions at the Sea Life Center.

On the beach in Seward. It was such a beautiful day!!!

Again, in the pool, this time with Sea Bass (yet another albino cousin–is everyone on my side of the family really that pale???)

Just had to throw this picture in because, really, how precious is he???

In July we took a trip down to Homer with some other members of the family. It remains our favorite place in Alaska.

Allen’s helping Aunt Mary do some clam digging.

Our little family outside the Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit. It is supposed to be world-famous, but I doubt anyone has heard of it unless he or she has actually been there (although, when we were in Utah, I did see someone with a Salty Dawg sweatshirt on, if that counts for anything). It is one of the nastiest establishments ever and I don’t recommend actually stepping foot inside, but it is an Alaskan landmark.

Playing on the beach during low tide.

In August we took Allen to the state fair. He is still too little to ride any of the rides, but he sure loved looking at all the animals.

He loved the petting zoo since he got to feed the animals right from his hand (and he snacked on the animal food a little, too).

His favorite part was the rainforest exhibit (particularly the turtles). It was great because they usually just have educational games in the kids’ exhibit, but this year they had it all decked out with actual rainforest animals. You could even get your picture taken holding an alligator or crocodile (no, thanks) or any other animal they had (including an albino boa constrictor–it was huge!).

I suppose the biggest news of the summer is that we are expecting our second baby in February.

Can’t you tell how excited Allen is about having another baby around???