Portage Lake and Whittier

 

We made the drive to Portage Lake thinking that we would hike across the frozen lake to the glacier. It was a really nice day but the wind was blowing like crazy. Our poor kids were getting sandsnowblasted. We got a little ways across the lake before our concern for their skin (and a slushy lake surface) made us turn around. We hiked up a bit around the lake and found some deep snow perfect for Andrew to throw the kids into.

Since we ended our intended hike early we figured we might as well drive a little further and check out Whittier. To get to Whittier you have to go through a toll tunnel - a 2 1/2 mile, rock-walled, one lane tunnel that is shared with train tracks (the last photo is the entrance to the tunnel from the Whittier side). There are special times you go through (so you don't get flattened by a train or head on another vehicle) along with many instructions for what to do in case of an emergency. It was a very, very long 2 1/2 miles for me. Andrew asked me to take pictures in the tunnel but since I wouldn't open my eyes they all turned out crap.

Whittier is super cute but everything except for one hotel and grocery store is closed for the winter. We ate a light lunch at the Anchor Inn and headed back. We look forward to visiting both destinations in the summer - we'll take a cruise to the glacier and walk all the cute little shops in Whittier.

And we'll remember the "real" camera next time as well - all these photos were taken with the iPhones.

Kit Is One

 

"OK, ready to take my picture? I'm going to pout. You sure?"

 



"Oh, I'm so pouty. So, so mad."

 



 

"Did you get it? Are you sure?"

 

 

Well, my baby is one. Since we live so far away from all family (and most friends) I thought I'd put together a little "Get To Know Kit" post.

 

Kit:

 

- practices pouting (see above). She'll do it for real, too. If she's mad or frustrated she'll turn her back to you and put on her best pouty face and crossed arms. If she's unsure she's in your line of vision she'll reposition herself to make you aware that feelings have been hurt.

 

- is incredibly affectionate. She loves giving hugs and kisses to all family members. She loves wrapping her little arms around you - when you're cooking, playing, or anytime.

 

- is pretty easygoing. Goes with the flow. Not that she doesn't make her wants or needs known but she's not high maintenance.

 

- says quite a few words: "mama" , "dada", "and-ah", and "aw-lah" are our favorites.

 

- is a climber. Chairs, snow piles, tables, shelves, whatever. If it's taller than her she accepts the challenge. This makes for much less chores getting done during the day since I have to be constant alert!

 

- says "hi" to everyone but doesn't like when strange people talk back.

 

- loves to make us laugh. She'll make funny noises or faces and wait for the reaction.

 

- is a snow baby. She would be outside for all of her waking hours if I let her. Climbing snow banks, throwing snow, stomping in slush. We go on two walks a day for a total of about 2 miles and it's not enough for her. She'll scream and throw fits when I make her come inside. I get major pouty face.

- is a big fan of being read to. Her favorite book is "Christmas With Biscuit" which she insists on being read at least 3 times a day. At least. But really, any book will do at any time. She'll even sit in my lap and happily listen to me read articles from Elle Décor or Vogue to her.

 

She's such a great little person. Arlie and Andi are awesome big sisters. Andi especially will do anything to make Kit laugh. I think I've written this about one hundred times on this blog but I am such a lucky person that I get to spend all this time with my favorite people.