Early Summer

Summer is speeding by --- already July! I had the realization that we are 1/2 way through our Alaskan summer this week! So, where has our summer gone --- well, mostly it was spent in Norway and Sweden.

Map of where we traveled in Norway (left) and Sweden (right).

We had a great trip and it's really something that is too hard to share on the blog but there are photos posted here and here that you can see.

Right after we returned from our trip, we were home about two days and then it was the 4th of July weekend. We hadn't been camping in Alaska yet, so we headed out for a 4-day camping trip with friend, Tom. After much discussion, we decided to head north on the Dalton Highway where we were hoping to find the sun. It turned out it was a glorious weekend and we managed two hikes, some fishing, and lots of mosquito slapping.

Driving up the "Haul Road" makes me want to sing, "North to Alaska".

Brad checking out the dirty camper.

Tom (aka Mr. French) out looking for birds during a bike break.

The Brooks Range.

Landon looking for butterflies on Atigun Pass with Tom.

Kalena and her wildflowers on Atigun Pass.

Our next Christmas card photo :)

Some additional photos of the trip are here.

After our trip up north, we've been busy catching up and enjoying the rest of summer. The kids have been in camps and Brad just left to go dip netting and catch fish on the Chitna River. It's also the month of birthdays and we started out celebrating some friend's birthdays this past weekend --- very fun (and Happy Birthday Julie and Mike!). Grandpa Ed, Landon, and Aunt Lorraine also have birthdays this week! So, expect some birthday photos in the next addition.