A good dog

This is a sad post. It's kind of ridiculous to make a post just to our dog, but it's appropriate because of the circumstances. I came to Matt and Lori's yesterday because Mark had to go to Virginia on a work trip for a few days. So, I loaded Aaron, I and Copper in the car to come to Cookeville. We were only here a few hours when Matt came inside and told me that Copper had gotten hit by a car. I went down the road where he was and we got him in the back of the truck and took him to the vets office in town. From there it just went south. After some xrays, we found out his injurys were too severe. We took him home with the hope he would heal on his own. He just got worse so we had to have him put down. It was really hard to watch, but better this way because he was suffering. I loved him, even though we only had him for 6 months or so. My heart is sad.

exhausted...but happy.

This is pure exhaustion.

Seriously, we are all worn out. We flew all night last night and got in around 11am today. Aaron did so great on the flights. But then again, what else would we expect but perfection. That's what he was like the entire trip. We had a great time. There is nothing like spending quality time with family. Aaron grew to LOVE his Papa J so much that Jerry couldn't bring himself to say goodbye as we left for the airport. I guess those little out-stretched arms were too much for him. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are the best. It was a trip of a lifetime, BUT, It's good to be home. We took a nap when we got home and hopefully will have an uneventful night tonite. The time change can be tricky. Now, to get back to normal...

"BEAR!"

I chose this title because it is Aaron's new favorite word. He can't stop saying "BEAR" over and over again while pointing up in the sky. We dropped Luke and Sarah off at the airport (very sad) and headed out of Anchorage to Palmer, AK. We are here for 2 nights at least at another RV sight. Today was a good day for hiking (no rain). Just up the road there was a nice hike to the top of a small mountain. So we spent some time there and then took a short drive a little out of the way to see some more Scenery. Jenny was nice enough to keep Aaron back at camp. When we got back he had a new 'bear' stuffed animal...hmm...wonder who got him that. Here are some pictures of the hike and our cookout tonite. Aaron LOVES playing in the rocks next to our camp sight. Also, he has started calling me 'Ma.' Not sure how I feel about it, but not much choice.

A moose we saw after our hike today

looking across from the top of the mountain

Here ma...a rock!

Here Ma...a bear!

Trip thus far

We arrived in Denali last night. It was a long day of traveling, and once again, Aaron was a trooper. We are staying outside the park in a small town. We are in an RV park and hotel. Today is kind of a catch up day for everyone. We are doing some research about what we are going to do while we are here and getting some gift shopping done. It's pretty windy here, but the sun is out and it's about 50 or 60 degrees outside. The mountains are surrounding us and it's just gorgeous. I can't wait to get on the trails and do some hiking. We have only gone on 1 hike since we've been in Alaska and I'm ready to do some serious exploring now. We will be here several days, so things will get more organized and easier. The best news...there is a coffee shop just around the corner from our camper...yeah! Here are a few pictures that I haven't posted yet.

This is pretty much what he looks like a lot of the time...

so happy!

On the Cruise at the falling glacier

Steller Sea Lions

Humpback whale- one of four that we saw

Bald Eagle perched on next - sorry it's blurry

ALASKA!

We arrived safely in Alaska last Saturday evening. So far we have been to Anchorage, Homer, and Seward. It is just gorgeous! Seriously, unbelievable. The mountains look like they just grew up out of the ocean. Aaron is keeping everyone laughing. He seems to be changing daily now as far as his development. He understands more and more these days. His new favorite thing to do is 'drive' the car. He throws a fit when he has to get out and LOVES to make everyone laugh at him (which we do...a lot). It never gets dark here, so we had to do some surgery on the truck so it would be dark for sleeping. Aaron has done so well. He has done a great job with adapting to whatever situation we have put him in. It just gets better from here. Tomorrow we go on a day cruise for whale watching and looking at glaciers from the ocean. Then it's off to Denali.

Back to work

These past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. Not to mention that I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off....literally. I have gone back to work. It's only once a week (at the most), but still...a big change for me and Aaron both. Aunt Rachel came down to watch Aaron for me while I worked this week so I felt good enough to work 2 days (not something that will happen much at all). I am having a great time back at work. I love the stimulation and challenge. At the same time, when I get home I feel like I have missed SO much of what has happened with Aaron. So I am glad I only HAVE to work once a month. Raich and Aaron came to each lunch with me both days...so that was great.

On another note. Actually, several other notes. my son is SO cute. He's growing up right before our eyes. I can't believe he's 1 yr. old now. He is comprehending so much right now. Here is what is up right now:

• Can stand on his own without too much trouble.
• He takes 2 and 3 steps a lot now, but not when you try to make him.
• He can climb on and off of things like his rocket toy or his little car.
• He says 'hi' and 'bye' pretty much when he is asked and in the appropriate situation
• He identifies his head when asked "Aaron, where is your head?" He pats his head.
• "strong baby" is his favorite thing to show people
• He signs 'all done' and 'drink' pretty frequently.
• He definitely understands what the word 'no' means. His first spanking happened just recently.
• Still loves vanilla wafers and apple Jacks (we call them Jack Jack's cuz that's what it sounds like he calls them).
• he still really likes balls....especially to throw them.

Last note: Mark has been gone for almost 2 weeks. We REALLY miss him. He and his dad are seeing a lot of really cool things....like bear, moose, bald eagles...I'm jealous. They called today and said they are only 300 miles from Anchorage. That means they should be there when we arrive on Saturday evening. I am SO ready to see him. I'm ready to see Alaska too! Hopefully I will be able to blog while we are there. So, off we go.