Alaska Native Heritage Center

We've had family in town for the last week until today and it has been hectic but lots of fun!

Okay, I'll be honest...my baby has been a clingy wreck who just cries unless I'm holding her...that is, until I'm out of sight, at which point she completely silences and becomes the adorable and smiling infant we all know and love. Then there were the power struggles with my children who seemed to want to prove just how much they could get away with while completely ridding themselves of manners and any and all rules associated with our home. I'll be glad when school starts! Although I'm wondering if it's too late to ditch all our homeschooling plans and just go with the boarding school option?

Exhale. Alright, thank you for letting me get that off my chest. All in all, the kids have been doing just fine and it hasn't been nearly chaotic as perhaps that last paragraph...well, blatantly indicated. We thought this was very cute. The boys had a huge table all to themselves (except for our various piles) and still they insisted on snuggling up together on one bench.

Tonight, the most shocking thing happened. WE WERE ABLE TO SEE OUR BREATH. At 7 at night! And it's very dark outside. I'm thinking autumn has arrived. Here we plunge, into the long, cold, dark winter. My theory about how it has been so hot all summer that there couldn't possibly be snow here ever again is breaking apart!

Yesterday we visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center for the first time with Alex's family. The Center consists of a stage and visitor hall where dance and art demonstrations take place. Outside is a lake surrounded by different examples of homes and artifacts created by the different Native tribes. The children were riveted by the dancers who graced us with their many offerings. Here are some pictures and a film clip.