Well we have a new family addition to show off. Nancy has been looking for a kitty replacement for some time. This past weekend, she found just what she was looking for in the local newspaper. We now have a new "Rag-doll" kitten named Sitka. He is cream colored with smokey colored ears and feet and sky-blue eyes.

Lots of activity with the house this past week. As it comes down to the home stretch, the inside is taking shape. We have had folks working on the cabinets, tile, paint, fixtures & landscaping. Later this week, we should get a sidewalk & driveway. We are hoping to move in sometime the 3rd week of October.

Spencer has been busy with his new endeavor; cross-country running. Every Tuesday & Thursday Spencer joins the x-country team for practice. This past Saturday the Huffman Huskies had their first x-country event. Spencer did very well and finished the x-country course in the middle of the pack.

Well Fall is quickly giving up ground to winter as we now have signs of snow in the nearby hills. The locals say that Anchorage can expect their first snow fall approximately 2 weeks after the snow makes its way halfway down the mountain. Looking pretty close from the photo of the foothills just above our house.

Yessssss, for all of you who can't believe it; I did go fishing last week. We took a floatplane from Anchorage to Beluga Lake to do some salmon fishing. I have included a photo as proof of the event. I did catch what you see and we had a wonderful dinner of baked salmon. I did learn very quickly that you use pliers to get the hook out as the first salmon tried to make a meal out of my thumb. The large one weighed apprx 16 lbs and the other 3 averaged apprx 13 lbs. Not a bad day.

Well school is in full swing and both boys seemed to have settled in. Connor says that he enjoys his new school even though it is hard to get much out of him. (He is a lot like his Uncle Dennis).

Spencer, on the other hand, talks from the time we pick him up until it is time for bed. Both have made new friends and are getting involved with various school activities.

This past Monday, Spencer's school had an open house and we went to meet the teachers and see how he is doing. From the time we arrrived Spencer pulled us from room to room and introduced us to all his favorite teachers. They all knew him as if he had been there for many years. I have included a few photos for you.

The skis above are lined up in the entrance to the gym. Yes, this is one of many activities offered in Alaskas schools. Both boys can learn to cross-country ski as part of their school's physical education program. In addition to ski activities, both schools have a rock climbing wall. Connor claims he has never seen his but Spencer couldn't wait to demo his for us. It is good to see both boys fitting in to their new surroundings. Connor told me this morning that Anchorage is "way better" than Louisville. We will see how he feels after our first winter.

We took the weekend to take a trip to Denali National Park. Everyone said the fall colors were beautiful and our trip confirmed it. Most of the tour operators are beginning to wind down and the resorts had some great deals.

The drive from Anchorage to Denali takes about 5 hours but offers some spectacular views of the McKinley range along the way. A local plant called "Fireweed" was loosing its final blooms and the locals say that indicates snow in not far off.

Saturday, we took a guided bus tour into Denali Park to get a closer view of Mt. McKinley and search for wildlife. The wildlife was scarace but the views of McKinley were fantastic.

Even though most of the tourist have headed out for the year, we did have one small traffic jam. A couple of young, bull moose decided to show off in the middle of the road holding up traffic for quiet a while. It was worth the delay.