Turned 26 this year.

Well it happened. I turned 26. Oct. 29th was the big day.. and it was great. I love my family and friends. To kick of my birthday celebration, I was delivered a bouquet of flowers and a "Happy Birthday" balloon to work on Thursday- Thanks Mom and Dad!!! Friday morning I was treated to Reese's peanut butter cups (pictures above) a vanilla latte and a surprise scone- complements of Paul, Abigail and Julie. Spending the rest of the afternoon with Kev, dinner at St. Elias followed by drinks at Mykels was the perfect way to spend the day. I'm excited for this year and what it will bring me. I love my family and friends and couldn't be happier with my life. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and gifts.

And of course, One Picture of The Birthday Girl.

Dear Mom.

Dear Mom,

Even though I just saw you, I wish we were still together. You are my best friend and the woman I look up to the most. I pray every day that the Lord strengthen my walk continually, bless me in his entirety and keeps my family walking on the straight and narrow- just the way he has for you. I love you so much and miss you ALL the time. I cannot wait to see you and Dad in December. Hope you have a great day today. I love you!!!

The better part of October was spent hanging out with my Mom who flew up here for a 10 day visit! The morning of her arrival I woke up with butterflies- I know, I know... I'm almost 26 but it's my Mom! She's my best friend and I hadn't seen her since July (which is the longest I've ever gone without seeing my Mom) so, I was just a TAD bit excited to see her.

She looked SO cute coming off the plane in her bright pink fleece (which I'm pretty sure she bought for me and remained mine until she found out how comfy it was) :)

There were no real big activities planned out for her visit, instead we did everday stuff- cooked meals, shopped, went wagging, saw movies, had drinks, ate WAY too many sweets, had bible studies and celebrated her Birthday- which is today, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I did my best not to hog all of her attention, even though I could have.. easily.

I cried when I had to say goodbye. It doesn't matter how old or young you are- saying goodbye to your Mom sucks. plain and simple. I speak for everyone when I say, It was the BEST having you here Mom and we cannot wait for the next visit.. coming up soon!

Happy Birthday Paul!!

Paul's Birthday Celebration!!!!!

Well. Paul turned the big 2 8 on Sept. 30th and I have to say- it was a celebration for everyone! Shellea and I planned a small surprise birthday dinner/party for him consisting of a prime rib dinner, ice cream cake, great friends and lots of gifts!! The celebration continued on with a weekend spent in Anchorage- we had the most yummy dinner at Orso's followed by a night of darts and shuffle board. Paul is the best brother in the world and I love him. I am so thankful Kevin and I are here in Alaska and able to spend these fun times with him.

Cheers Paul!.. to a wonderful 28!!!

Awe...

Dr. George and Paul checking out his sweet new gifts for his 30-06.

Abbie made sure Paul got every candle..

Paisley and Rambo having fun! ha.

Rambo, not so impressed with a balloon tied to his tail.

ANCHORAGE

Love this Picture. Love you Kevy.

The Look Back. Classic.

I love these three.

That's our hotel in the background.... obviously :)

And to close off... one last photo of the BIRTHDAY GUY!!!!!

Fall is Here!!

We kicked off September with a day trip to Homer and a fun bon fire on the beach. I can't believe this Month has come and almost gone so quickly. But we still have one, rather large day still to celebrate in September.... Sept. 30th! (pictures from that day will come shortly after) !!

If my Dad was in this picture you would have the three most important men in my life..the two most important men will have to do until my Dad is here for a visit...

Hubby McHubby Pants and My brother

Kevin thought this was SOO hilarious.. which it kind of is..

Camp Fire Time!!

This is Paul in the foggy distance with a gigantic log for our fire... good job Paul.

August

Well, August has been a pretty standard month. I'd have to say, Kevin and I are adjusting rather nicely to life in Alaska. There have been some beautiful, sunny, 70ish degree days and some not so sunny days.. in both cases we do our best to get outdoors and soak in the fresh Alaskan air.

School started for Kevin on the 24th. The first day he came home utterly exhausted. I did my best to be a good wifey and had dinner and a cold brew waiting his arrival. It's safe to say this school year will be a challenging, fun and exciting for Mr. Hilton.. but he's up for it.

I am looking forward to a good month of September. It's getting darker and a bit colder out, but that just means it's time for new winter clothes and football season. Two things I love.

1-800- SLAM-A-HOG

Most of you already know that Shellea caught a 75lb King a few weeks ago. It was amazing!!! It took Shellea about 45 minutes to reel the hog in.. Her and Seth worked together as a team, knowing they were not going to let this one go. It took all three guys, Kevin, Paul and Seth to net it and lift it into the boat. I think we all must have been in shock. We all just starred. Then we high fived, hugged, hollered.. and starred some more.

Swarms of people gathered around when they saw us coming off the boat to weigh the catch... As one guy starred, he slowly walked away and mumble "that's the fish of a lifetime".. It really is. 75lbs. 54" long, 32" girth. WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!

I like to think I played an important roll in the entire experience as well. I was the first to see that Shellea had a 'FISH ON!' and thanks to my dedication, we are able to enjoy these pictures... :) yes. I feel, my part was very important....

We have 200+ pictures, so it was hard to fish through them all but here are just a few that show some of the agony, joy and relief of the 75lb King we all got to be apart of..