Christmas Peanut

Our Christmas began a bit early by visiting the Perinatologist in Anchorage, where he told us that Peanut is a healthy little GIRL! Both Sean & I are absolutely thrilled that she's doing well and look forward to everything this baby girl will bring to our lives!

18 Weeks

We spent Christmas with my family. Both of my brothers came back for the holiday and we all spent Christmas Eve & Christmas day relaxing, opening presents & eating way too much - it was great!

Nacho Libre Wears Them . . .

. . . and now, so do I.

Thank God for 'Stretchy Pants'!

16 Weeks

Peanut at 11 Weeks

These are just a few of my favorite ultrasound pictures we have of Peanut at 11 weeks. I just love the one with the super tiny baby feet! We get our next ultrasound in about two weeks, and both Sean & I are incredibly excited to see how the baby has changed!

A Thanksgiving w/ Training Wheels

Okay. This year, I made the turkey. Don't faint.

As you can see from the picture, it wasn't much of a spread - just the staples as the Kirkendalls know it: Turkey, corn, stuffing, fresh bread rolls, potatoes & gravy - oh and a veggie platter before dinner. It's nowhere near the spread my Mom & most people put together for Thanksgiving, but since this was only the fourth meal I've ever made; I figured I'd better keep it simple. BTW: The stuffing was absolutely awful (we threw it away)!

Grandpa's 80th Birthday

Tudie & Grandpa

Sean & I spent a week in Iowa visiting my family & celebrating my Grandpa's 80th Birthday! The weather was unbelievable - it was in the 60's & 70's (with a day in the 80's even) and we just had a great time being with the family. There was a HUGE birthday party for my grandpa and I think about half of Iowa was there to celebrate!

I love this picture, it has all my guys: Clint, Grandpa, Kyle, Sean & My Dad

Sean spent several days "working in the field" with my Grandpa where they checked out some of his old local jobs and even drove some heavy equipment. He managed to get a few holes of golf in with Clint and even a night at the casino with my Dad.

I spent as much time possible with my Grandma and my Mom. We did a little shopping and had several nice meals out on the town with the whole family. My Mom, Grandma and Aunt hit "The Boat" several times and I got a few more trips out to shop.

The entire trip just couldn't have been better!!!

Dogz in the Hood

Okay, I don't know exactly when or how it happened; but I've become one of those people who dress their dogs. I have no excuse for it.

Eli's New Raincoat

It even has a hood!!!

Eli & Maybel show their true feelings about the new attire . . . .

Can you believe that they're both sticking their tongues out over a little coat? Seems a bit dramatic to me . . . . . But I'm not the one who has to wear it!

Single Sandal

Sean had his surgery & it went very well!! His right foot is now straight - which of course, makes him very happy. Once the three-month recovery is completely over, he'll be ready for a single sandal. Meanwhile, he needs to have his stitches & pins removed (the screws stay in) and will be in a walking boot for a month after that. He's spending a lot of time on his "island" (our couch) surrounded by video games, movies, crossword puzzles & his laptop. It's a long process - but it'll definitely be worth it!!!

End of Summer Visitors

The one thing Alaskan summers guarantee is: visitors. And the one thing Alaskan summers doesn't guarantee is sun. We've been blessed that our past few weeks have been full of friends & family visiting. Unfortunately, the rain has accompanied each guest.

The Wonders came up from Seattle for a visit, and brought along Michelle's parents. It was so nice to see Michelle & Toby and also to meet Pat & Mike (who were so cute). Their trip was full of sight-seeing and of course, rain.

Next up at Chateau Doherty: Katie, Phil & Colin! They stayed for just a few days and were anxious to get moved out of their old home in Valdez & into their new house in Anchorage. Colin has changed so much since the last time we saw him . . . He's even learned how to give kisses (and he's quite generous with them)! It was sad to see them move to Anchorage, but we believe that it'll be the perfect fit for them. We wish them the best and just know that they will fill their new house will love & laughter!

It has rained for so long, that neither of us can remember the last day we actually saw the sun or blue sky. The river next to our house is just roaring and there are new waterfalls on the mountains. Believe it or not, we're already getting snow on the tops of the mountains . . . It seems that winter may be closer than we originally thought!

The rain hasn't kept the bears away. They are still out on the beach chasing down their salmon meals. There are quite a few bears that make the Dayville Road area their home and I am lucky enough to see them on my drive to and from work almost every day. The only thing that beats watching them from the side of the road is watching a mother & cub out my window at work (how great is that!!??). There is a creek that is nearby the office building, that they visit a couple of times a day. There are several other bears that visit that same creek, but the cub is definitely my favorite!

Two Eggs & A Compact

Eli packed his bear and with the help of wonderful friends, Sean & I got the rest. As of today, we've been in our new house for a full week and the place is still a disaster. We have boxes everywhere!! Even still, we are enjoying every foot of the house and every inch of our yard. We've had the best time taking Eli & Maybel out back to play. The dogs seem to enjoy the relocation more than us (if that's even possible).

Our neighbors are great! We've met quite a few and they've all made us feel very welcome; but no one more so than little Skylar. Skylar is an adorable girl that lives a house down from us and can't be much more than a day over three years old. She was the first to stop by & introduce herself - well, sort of . . . Skylar didn't speak but she did come bearing heartfelt gifts: two eggs fresh from the fridge & a make-up compact that I presume she snagged from her older, unknowing sister.

Sean's foot is still causing him quite of bit of trouble, but thankfully his job understands and has moved him temporarily to a 40 hour schedule in the office. He misses working in the field but welcomes the change. His first surgery is scheduled August 28th and I think he's ready to get it done and over with!!!

Our summer has gone by so quickly, it's just hard to believe that it is already August. Next month will be full of rain and before you know it, snow will covering the ground. We've got a precious few days of sun left (hopefully) and Sean & I will spend each of those on our new deck watching the sun set over the nearby mountains while our dogs wrestle in the grass.

We just couldn't be happpier with our new home & can't wait to have all of our family & friends come visit us.