Finn and Phil went swimming in Chena Lake which the locals say the ice just barely went out last week. Bernie got at least 15 mosquito bites on his back one morning catching some rays with his shirt off. I don't think he sprayed down before removing his shirt.

Memories are Made on Memorial Day Weekend

Elli with her ever-present smile after the hot tub and a warm bottle. She was such a good camper.

The hot tub at Chena Hot Springs which we all enjoyed. The springs outside were too hot for the kids.

Elli even had her own crawling area which she crawled off in .2 seconds. It was our piece of outdoor carpet on a bed of sawdust for cushiness.

Bernie and Angie in front of motorhome after playing badminton.

Elli would find a rock every time we put her on the blanket. She liked them better than the toys.

We had a great trip to Fairbanks this weekend. We made it in about 6.5 hrs. and spent the first two nights at Chena Lake. Our campsite was nice and level, complete with firepit and picnic table. This campground had bike trails, swimming area (Phil and Finn did go in....bbrrrr), fishing (not stocked yet), huge open field for playing Frisbee, and a playground.

Mother's Day Picnic at the Park

Here we all are, that's Angie who will one day be a mother,
Gretchen who has Finn and Elli, Me with 4 children,
Chrissy mother of Carsten, and Mom who is the queen of
the Batten home with 7 children. All are devoted and
blessed women.

Here are 4 generations present.

Elli studying her toy. She can scoot everywhere and will

crawling anyday now.

This is Debbie, mother of 3 and also a grandma of

Brooklyn. Rhea, my mother-in-law, mother of 4, grandmother of 11, and great grandma of over 20. and Oma who has 7 children, grandma of 11, and great grandma of 8. These are Bernie's and my mothers whom we dearly love. We are grateful for all the love, devotion, and patience they had in raising us and now are grandparenting with the same. Thanks Mom!! We praise God for you.

Finn and Carsten discussing who has a bigger cookie.

Spouting Off Mt. Redoubt in Action

This is the incredible sunset we watched from the hot tub

deck.

Our room was super comfy.

Here's the volcano in action. We haven't had any major

eruptions lately, although, there is still much action as you can see

from the ash rising from the top. Flights are still going out and coming in.

Carsten Eichholz is Five Years Old!!!

Here's the kids playing "Simon Says" while waiting for the
zoo attendant to show up with the main attraction which
was the camel from Mongolia.

Here's Finn showing us his cupcake hands. He probably
had at least two and maybe three cupcakes.

Here's Jeff and Chrissy who are the generous parents of

Carsten who threw the zoo party. It was so much fun!

Here's one of the photographers who shot some excellent

pictures along with Kelly Kohler.