Birthday Fun on Snowshoes!!!

Trying to get the hang of it!

Well, the Mason's were reminded why we endure the long, cold, dark, freezing ass, stuck inside, freeze your nose hairs off winters here in Alaska. The sun is staying up much longer and finally manages to get high enough in the sky that it shines through the bedroom windows. This weekend the clouds broke and let some of that sun shine down on us to help celebrate Jeni's birthday outside playing in the snow.

We thought about taking a snowmachine ride but, Jeni said "It feels like my belly button is between my ears while riding the snowmachine!" I think that is code for pregnant women that there belly is getting a little uncomfortable. So, we considered strapping on the skis and going for a glide down the trails and around the house. I got the nose wrinkle and it is quickly followed by the, uh hell no look!, if I don't catch on quick enough. Then it came to me SNOWSHOES! Thats it! Everyone loves strapping on modern day snow shoes and tromping through neck deep snow!(sarcasm)

I was actually very surprised how much fun we actually had. I was a little worried that the ladies might not get the hang of it or start getting cramps in the groin from having to walk like an old buckaroo that just got of their horse. However, none of that happened. They both loved it! Jaydyn had to take a few breaks everyone once in awhile and she would trip herself every fifty yards or so but, she would just laugh get back up and keep on trudging.

After some good fun snowshoeing, making snow angels, and repairing the snowman (snow woman according to Jaydyn) outside, we went inside to continue the birthday fun. Jaydyn got all of her stuffed animals out from underneath her desk, she had wrapped them up and had been hiding them for the last month to give to Jeni for a birthday gift. After, Jeni unwrapped them all Jaydyn promptly put them back in her toy box, I'm sure to wrap and regift for another occasion. We made brownies with burnt edges and thick fudge frosting on top which are Jeni's favorite. I don't think we did as well as her mom or Grandma Mimi but, we tried and they were goooooood!

We finished the night by going to a pizza party for one of the mayor candidates that will be running in tomorrows election for Denali Borough. The live band was great, pizza was wonderful, and best of all we got to visit with all the wonderful friends we have made up here in the Denali Borough. When we got home we had a group hug as Jaydyn calls it and Jeni said that it was one of her best birthdays ever!

Styling!

I got this!

Well, we know Sam had fun!

Face Plant!

Now what?

A Jaydyn Mason original dance!

So much for the peaceful wilderness experience, Jaydyn is here!

Wow! Jeni is a pro at making snow angels.

Snow woman repair, her body has been buried by all of the snowfall we have received and the snow blower dumping all the snow on top of her.

Birthday Girl! (Old Fart!)

Snow, snow and more snow!

The start of the Denali Doubles Race in Cantwell 

Snow, snow, and more snow! Over the last few days Cantwell has been getting plenty of it! It is starting to remind of the big snow years in Yellowstone when I was a little munchkin driving my parents nuts. I loved big snow piles, riding snow machines into the park, and watching wildlife in their natural habitat. I have found that I still love those same things. Now, I might complain a bit about having to deal with the snow around the house, like shoveling the deck, repairing the snow blower, and working on snow machines that won't start but, I still love the snow. I think I might be driving my wife crazy since I have been complaining about wanting to photograph something that has color outside instead of snow, ice, and willows with no foliage but, once again I really do love the snow.

You are probably starting to wonder what I love about it then? Well as I mentioned earlier I love the big snow piles, riding snow machines, and watching wildlife in their winter habitat. However, I love the big snow piles for a different reason now that I am older. I used to enjoy playing on them, digging snow caves in them, and playing king of the mountain on them. Now I get pure enjoyment out of watching Jaydyn do those same activities that I used to do when I was younger.

I still love snow machining for the same reasons as I did when I was younger. I love to go fast through an untouched field of waist deep powder, being on top of mountains and being able to see forever, and boon docking through the snowy timber of the river bottoms. I just appreciate it more now, then I ever did back then. I understand how fortunate I am to be able to get out and enjoy these opportunities that have been given to me.

Watching the wildlife in their winter habitat is also, still very enjoyable for me today. When I watch them today though I understand the struggles of winter for them. I didn't understand it when I was younger. It is so much more beautiful when you understand the circle of life and realize that as humans we are a part of that circle.

These are all the reasons that I still love the snow! Yes, I am sitting here at the kitchen table sipping on a blistering hot cup of tea watching out the window as it dumps more snow outside that I am going to have to go outside and deal with later. It is ok though since, Jaydyn will be by my side bugging me to build yet, another snow man or have a snowball fight with her ( she cheats and makes the rule that I can not throw snow at her). I am just happy that as she grows older she to will love the snow for all the enjoyment it brings.

Chris carving yet another path in the snow 

Tardy choosing a careful line 

Carl enjoying the moment

Broad Pass or home for those of us that live in Cantwell

I love snow!

It always amazes me the things that you experience when you get up off the couch and get out into the fringes of the wilderness. It reminded me that you just have to get out there sometimes and let things happen. I compare it to flyfishing, if the fly isn't on the water then you have zero chance of hooking a fish! Every time I go out shooting photos, hunting, fishing, or trapping I never know quite what to expect but, every outing leaves me with some sort of memory that I rarely forget. Yesterday was no exception!

I will let the photos speak for themselves today.

He feels naked without his antlers!

Wishing he had his antlers still!

One of those moments I was talking about!

My view from the deck!

Until next time,

Justin
a2rphotos.com

Boots are Blue!!!!

We finally found out! The ultrasound tech didn't mess around this time within 10 seconds of placing the probe on Jeni's abdomen he knew what it was. He told us that all of his previous ultrasounds that morning had been boys and that streak continues with us. He typed on the screen it's a boy. Jaydyn said "but, I wanted a little sister!". She quickly got over it and started asking a million and one questions about what we were seeing on the screen. We got to see all the little toes and fingers which Jaydyn got very excited about. Everything looks good and JT looks to be right on track for being born sometime in late June.

Jaydyn is getting very excited for Grandma Mason to come and visit at the end of the month.YEAH!

Until next time

Justin