North of the Lemon Tree

Alex has joined the Civil Air Patrol. Zachary is on the Rifle Team at school. This was their first competition. Mady's class has been collecting vegetables over the past few weeks and on Fridays they walk downtown to the shelter to donate the vegetables.    This week after the visit to the shelter they had muffins with the Mayor, Beth Weldon.  They asked her questions in the City Council Chamber and had the chance to be on the Council.

A much better day on the mountain weather wise. Mady's first trip up the ski lift.  Snowy sand to mark the high tide line on the beach. It is a little stormy at the beach today.  Untouched snow at the school playground. Now that their camp is over, it is time to practice!  It's getting deep on the deck.  Heading down our street.  Gold Creek in Cope Park.  The sun tried to peak out.  Having fun along the docks.  There's ice in the channel. And in the drain pipes. The view is ever changing, but always amazing. I have been surprised by the fact that the kids go outside for recess, regardless of the weather. There have been days that have been windy, rainy, cold, snowy (sometimes all at once) and still the kids are outside.  January 16 was a different story. Indoor recess was finally proclaimed due to wind.  Wind gusts of up to 109 MPH!

One of the large seasonal stores downtown transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. There are many individual displays of holiday villages that belong to residents of Juneau. Within the displays are hidden little figurines and there are scavenger hunt pages as you walk in. We hunted for Sesame Street characters, Simpsons characters and even snowmen.  The governor hosted an open house with cookies and musical performances from the school bands and choirs.   Mady wanted to wrap the presents this year. She did a great job.  A neighbor brought us a cookie plate with some of these adorable mice.  A few different views along Sandy Beach while Zachary was at hockey practice. The mountains to the south of downtown, from Douglas Island.  Looking out to the mouth of the Gastineau Channel.  Beached jellyfish.  Raven print vs. My print. Raven hitching a ride.  Cookies for the middle school co...