Do'in our normal

As you can imagine, after enjoying over a week of warm, beautiful California weather without any of the white fluffy stuff - we were anxious to get outside and start enjoying the surprise Alaskan spring time weather that we returned to earlier this week.  We are talking highs in the upper-40s... even reaching the 50 degree mark.  I know this sounds quite cool to anyone who is not up here in the frontier, but it is so delightful.  Windows are open, front doors can stay ajar a little bit longer, regular shoes can be worn and most everyone has dumped their heavy coats and have opted for sweatshirts instead.  To me, it feels the equivalent of a warm winter Florida day.

Here is the almost 5-year old who has truly outgrown his 12" bike as well as his helmet.... we are in the market for a new one and have narrowed our options down.

 And Abby is as resistant as ever with riding a bike (although she has two different ones to chose from) so she walks and runs when we head out around the neighborhood.

 I like to think that just because she isn't riding her bike yet, she is still having fun along the way.  For example, with all the melting snow, there are tons of opportunities to puddle jump and that is certainly something she has become fond of.

On a totally different note, Marilyn is quite the eater.  Here she is at dinner a few nights ago when we headed to Olive Garden (the first one in Alaska just opened less than 1/2 mile from our house).  She is knocking back some Fettuccine Alfredo and bread sticks like there is no tomorrow.  Ya gotta love a girl with a healthy appetite.

 The mornings are still a bit chilly (upper 20s and lower 30s) so we spent the other morning doing some arts and crafts. This day called for "Silly Popsicle Planes." 

 Our mini-fleet of Popsicle Planes

 And lastly, we are checking out some new carseats because I have a certain little girl who will be turning 1-years old next month.  We haven't decided if we will get a brand new one for Marilyn or whether will upgrade Abby to a new one and let the youngest Heck have the hand-me-down seat that both Thomas & Abby have used.  Choices, choices.

More California picture and stories are coming... promise!