Saturday Exploring

 Yesterday we had our first day of family exploring since we've been in Alaska.  Hubby and I had a chance to plan the day on our Friday night date, and so we had our plan, and then we were able to be a little spontaneous as the day progressed as well.

We visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where we saw a lot of native Alaskan animals that for one reason or another are not fit or able to survive in the wild, and so the conservation center has provided medical care and then created a healthy environment for each animal, similar to the wild, but where they are protected.  We packed a picnic lunch, walked the trail to see all the animals, and had fun.  I'm glad we went and know what's there, but it was more expensive then I expected so we will not need to go back.  Now we can recognize Alaskan animals when we see them in the wild because we've seen them at this center.

We saw wolf, grizzly bear, black bear, moose, elk, reindeer, musk ox, porcupine, a bald eagle, wood bison, and black-tailed deer.  Seeing musk ox for the first time (and pretty close) and watching the grizzly bear swim were two of the highlights.

There was more to the day but I will save that for another update:

Best Cat!

 We have the best cat on the planet, and she turns 15 years old today!

Happy Birthday, Lex!

Crazy

 Call me crazy, but as Tracey was reading a story to Howard and Caroline, it really looked like the bear is looking over their shoulder and also enjoying the story.

His Favorite

 His favorite thing in the world seems to be Lexie.  Lexie is not thrilled to be so well thought of.

What is most comical to me is that Brady really doesn't seem to like Lloyd very much -- this might be relate to Lloyd snacking a snack or two when Brady's not paying attention, but Brady absolutely adores Lexie, and gets very excited any time he see any other cat as well.

Hide and Seek?

 Any takers to play high and seek?

Comfortable

 This gentleman looks way too comfortable!

"Ooooooo"

 Brady is making much more effort these days to verbalize what he wants and what's on his mind.  Most of the time he puts a general sound with a motion like he waves and says, "Ah" at the same time.  He signs that he is hungry and says, "Ah" at the same time.

The sound that he has mastered though is knowing what a dog says.  We live next door to a hound dog.  So we've lived here about two-and-a-half months and this lovable hound dog greets us every time we step outside.  He really is a sweet dog, but he's very vocal with his deep hound dog bark that's almost more of a howl.

Brady will now see that dog and any dog and say, "Oooooo".

He thinks that he what a dog says.

"Ooooooo."

In the case of living next door to this hound dog, he is exactly right, that is what the dog says.

Little Brothers

 Lexie, especially likes her new little brothers... the fish.