Hello Everyone,
Sorry it has taken so long to write once again. Well, a lot has happened since we last posted. Let me start at the beginning. We left Minnesota on August 1st and spent the week in Anchorage at the Burkels. While in Anchorage we did all of our shopping for about 5 months. That means trips to Costco, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, Target, Mr. Prime Beef, etc. I think you get the picture, we did a lot of shopping. Shopping that was followed by several trips to the post office. I don't think the postal workers are too fond of us, mostly because we come in with nine totes at a time all weighing anywhere between 35-50 lbs.
Ben and I were very excited to get back to our simplistic way of life in the village. We had a WONDERFUL summer, but when we got to Mountain Village, we just felt like we were "home." Over the summer they were supposed to put in new cabinets in our kitchen. When we walked into our house for the first time, all the furniture was pushed to one side of the house and there were boxes everywhere full of cabinets, counter tops, and other various parts. Needless to say, the kitchen was not done yet. So, we went the weekend without a stove and about a week and a half without a kitchen. We ate a lot of sandwiches, cereal, and canned fruit. I'm happy to say now though, our kitchen is done and it looks great!
The first weekend we were back, Ben and Mike Stark (2nd grade teacher) went out fishing and Ben caught 8 Silver Salmon and Mike caught about 11. It was a very successful fishing trip. We haven't eaten any fish yet, but when we do I will let you know how AMAZING it is. :) Ben and I have also been utilizing our Honda and driving out a ways to pick berries. We have found our own hot spot where we pick mostly blueberries, some salmon-berries, and some cranberries. So far we have made blueberry pancakes and blueberry muffins. I think I might splurge at the store and get some yogurt tomorrow and make blueberry smoothies. Ben has made a good friend here in the village. His name is Ted and they plan on going Moose hunting over Labor Day Weekend. If any of you know Ben, you know Ben is SO excited to go Moose hunting. I'm looking forward to seeing Ben's face when he comes back with a moose. I think his chest hair will be thicker when he returns. ha ha.
On the 15th we started to go back to work. We had a week full of in-service and were given some time to work in our classrooms. We start school tomorrow, (the 22nd.) I'm very excited for this year. As of right now, I have 10 kids on my roster, yes....10 kids! Wahooo! If any of you remember, I had 28 kids last year all by myself. I did split them into morning and afternoon groups, but still. I have already done a little dance in the copy room when I only had to make 10 copies instead of 28. Life is good! Ben is also optimistic about this year. He only has to prep for 4 classes instead of 8. He is also very excited about getting all of his green house projects under way. The community is excited about his project as well. I'm very proud of him! Go Ben!
I've started running on the treadmill at school and I'm proud to say I haven't fallen of yet! In the past I used to always get tripped up and usually made a fool out of myself at MSU. Let's just say that Ben and I didn't meet at the gym. My goal is to be able to run out to the airport and back which is about a 5 mile run. I've never been much of a runner, so I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Well, that's all we have for you right now. We hope to post weekly, but I can't make any promises. We miss you and think of you all often! Love, The Harvey's
