March

March felt like a true transition time.  All of my extra help had come and gone.  So it was time to figure out our life of six, for real.  We had some school to finish up, but we'd already worked so hard to be ahead earlier in the year, so there wasn't a mountain of work left to do.  Chris took on getting up with the older kids and preparing breakfast for everyone, while I got a bit more shut eye with Evelyn.  The kids got back into their usual routines of school work, swimming, chores, and playing with friends.  Evelyn continued to be the sweetest little baby, and life went on in an enjoyable manner.

She can now see her mobile, and loves watching it

Her night time sleep routine until she outgrows all her spitting up

Cara standing in front of her favorite dog, Pirate

 In Early March, the Iditarod came through Galena.  We always enjoy this time of year.  The kids have a few favorite mushers, and as they traveled through Galena, we stopped by regularly at the check station.  A couple of my favorite are the Berington twins, Kristy and Anna.  Both were at the check station one evening, so we made a visit.  These ladies are so kind and friendly.  They usually allow the kids to pet their dogs and take time to answer questions, encouraging a knowledge of and appreciation for mushing. And this year was no different.  Most kids who were around, sledding or helping, flocked to them when they arrived.  Below, Kristy and Anna get dog booties on each dog and pack up to head back on the trail after a rest.

 Also in March, we flew to Anchorage for the SEND annual conference.  We all look forward to this time to be with friends that serve all around Alaska. 

flying out

Evelyn enjoyed her nap on the 2.5 hr flight

I spy 3 Kopps singing with friends

 There was a lot of sickness going around, and Chris picked up something and was out the last day.  The kids and I finished up the conference.  We had planned to do some fun activity for Preston's birthday even though it was a little early.  Chris was somewhat better, so we went to an indoor trampoline park.  Now that looked like a lot of fun.  Chris and I didn't jump, but the kids had a great time!

she's ready for the trampoline park

Cara at the exit of the obstacle course

 We were delayed a couple of days because of other circumstances with our pilot, so we made the most of it and attended church at Kaleo, where our friends Chris and Anna Cha minister.  Chris was invited to preach that day, and afterwards our two families enjoyed a long lunch out, eating and catching up.
By that Monday when we were scheduled to fly out Clint and Cara were not feeling well.  I dosed them up with some medicine to make them more comfortable for the flight.  It totally knocked them out, but definitely made it more enjoyable, ha!

such an easy travel companion

Waking up on the approach to Galena

She was not waking up very easily

And here are some more pictures just because...

Cara and I enjoy our time together when the boys are busy playing out.

This girl, 2 months old already! She's weighing 10 lb 12 oz and is 22 1/4" long.  She definitely got an extra dose of happiness.  She's sleeping long stretches (6 hrs) at night and only wakes up to nurse.  During the day, she smiles, coos, takes lots of naps, and hardly fusses.  The kids love to help with diaper changes, pick out her clothes, wipe her spit up, and hold her.  She is such a little doll!