The Williams

2009-01-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

August thru December in Alaska!!!

2008-12-18T12:45:00.001-08:00

Well we know it has been a long time...I am lazy and busy! So I will update and then hopefully keep on track!

So, August was a busy month....

We decided to go camping at Ophir Creek with a couple of our good friends: The Merrells and The Donoughs. It was a long but beautiful drive! We were going to stay 2 nights, but after night 1 (of screaming Trinity and Tristan...hating every second) I decided I had done enough. Not to mention....very,very pregnant! Needless to say, we had a great time the fist day...we did some fishing (I got my license), some playing in the freezing cold river, some campfire fun and a ton of eating!!! Aden had enough as well, so we headed home with Brandy, shortly after breakfast the next morning. Thank goodness!

Then...we moved again! We are now in a smaller place closer to the base. It is nice to be so much closer, not to be so much smaller! We do have an amazing view of Denali from here, you can see Mt McKinley on a nice clear day. Our ultimate goal is to move again! LOL! This would be our final Alaska move, into a 5 bedroom on post!!!

The kids were busy getting ready to start school and make new friends! We lucked out that the school is SO close to home...just down the hill. Tristan started second grade with Mrs Shipka, and Trinity started her half day kindergarten with Mrs Gate's. Both of their teachers are great and they of course came home the first day with 50 new best friends!

We also had Trinity's b-day (the 25th) and Aden's (the 30th). We decided to have Aden's party right around his b-day...he has made a lot of little friends here already. Then for Trinity we decided to wait till she got into school a month or two and meet some girls her age. Aden's b-day party was at an indoor play place on Fort Wainwright. It was a lot of fun for the kids and us! Let just say a big room full of balloons is all we needed! They went nuts!

September...John found out he couldn't deploy, thanks to his horrible hearing! I told him it was a blessing in disguise, he disagreed. He will have to re-class to a new mos, soon (as soon as the Army decides they should). It did start snowing though! Oh and we bought our winter gear for the family...$1700.00 later we were nice and warm!

October...was a VERY eventful month! It was also a very painful month! My due date was not until the 22 of November, but he decided he would start trying to come at the beginning of October. So to help me out with the 3 other kids, dad flew up from Missouri! I was SO excited to have him here. He was a huge help and I am so grateful he came. Then we had a couple weeks to play and be in pain. We had John's b-day (the 15th) and Tristan's b-day (the 16th). We had dinner at the food factory with some friends for John's b-day party. We waited for Tristan's party just like we did with Trinity's. After a few trips to L&D with good contractions that weren't doing a darn thing...I decided I had better try once more. I thought my water may have ruptured. I wasn't sure with this one since it wasn't the flood I had with Aden. We arrived at Bassett Army Hospital on Oct 20th at about noon. The did a couple test and decided my water had broke and Noah was on his way. I immediately called mom...hoping she could come up a little earlier, she wasn't scheduled till the following week. She said she would try and make it, but wasn't sure. Since the hospital on post wasn't able to deliver him (I was almost 36wks), I had to take an ambulance ride to Fairbanks Memorial. It was a long and drawn out couple of days, they had broke my water 3 times since arriving and apparently the third time was a charm. Not even 20 mins later he was coming. So on October 22nd, 2008 at 12:00am; Noah Michael Williams decided to make his early appearance. He weighed 6lbs, 8ozs and was 19 1/2 inches long. He looked exactly like Aden did as a baby (John's butt chin and all). He was such a good and quiet baby...so quiet I was a little concerned. Grandma made it there at 5pm the same day. We were super excited to have her as well. Because he was so early we had to stay a whole 48 hours at the hospital...which wasn't the funnest! We made it home a couple days later and then it seemed like Halloween was upon us. I was still a little under the weather and John was too sleepy to take the kids out. It was really sad! It was too cold (-10) for them to even walk around the neighborhood.

Then came November... we were still all enjoying the joys of a brand new baby at home. Mom held Noah hostage for the whole time she was here. I am SO thankful they were able to both make it up to help out. We had a ice skating party for Tristan and Trinity and had them invite all their classmates. I was glad that not every classmate took us up on the invite, but a few of them came and it was great. Everyone enjoyed and hour of the ice skating and then we did cupcakes and presents. We also got to watch a hockey game while we ate our cupcakes! The kids had a fun time and got lots of good gifts. Mom stayed home with Noah in the warm house! Mom decided she needed to head back home and leave us here. I was mad at her but she did remind me she had been here a month! She spoiled me while here and we really miss her! Then came Thanksgiving...we celebrated with dad and some friends. It was a lot of food and fun!

And here we are in December. Noah was blessed on the 7th! I am glad that I have a father in the priesthood who could bless my little boys for me. Thanks again dad!!! Then dad left us on the 10th...it was so sad. He helped us out so much. I hope he enjoyed his time here and we will miss him. We are hoping they make it back up here soon! Since then we have been busy getting prepared for Christmas...I am NOT in the Merry Christmas mood. You would think with all the white stuff and pine trees surrounding us, I would be all about it. I think it has finally hit that it will be my first Christmas not being around my family! The kids are out of school starting on Friday...they don't go back till the 6th of January! That is way too long of a break!

So Julie is here!!!!

2008-07-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Aden in the hot tub

He loves it
At a park by the house
Aden, Trinity, Tristan and Samuel
Aden

We have been running around and I still have no pics from all of us! Here are some pics from just the last couple weeks though! It has been super nice having Julie here...you all need to come out.

Quick update!

2008-07-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

So a quick update! John is gone it sucks! He should be home no later then the 7th of August! SO I have a couple of pics for you. Today we are venturing out, so I should have some more.

Here is for mom and dad! Look how fat I am already!!!

The fire station had a open house. Tristan sprayed the hose.
Aden and his obbsession with hats. He loves this one.
It was kind of windy, it kept blowing away.

Our 4th of July BBQ!

2008-07-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

So today was our 4th of July BBQ! It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. John and I cooked and cleaned all night. I homemade everything for this one and it turned out really well. I was excited! John and Aden are passed out and I am following shortly! The house is a mess...the kids went nuts with the dirt pile from the guys fixing the water. It was a good turn out and a few of our friends and their kids came out. Anyway - here are a few random pics from yesterday and today! I hope you all had a fun and safe 4th of July! We miss you all! Can't wait to see you Julie!!! Love you guys!

Aden and I...way too close up!

Aden being cool with sunglasses.

Eating some ice. Notice how filthy he is from the dirt pile!!!
Aden and Braden playing together. Aden tried to push him off. He didn't want to share!
Trinity eating her sno-cone. John made some syrup cause we forgot to buy it. It turned out really good.

Some of the food from today. Of course we had pasta salad and I homemade potato salad!

The table set-up.
His face cracks me up here!
Aden and I!
All the kids playing in the dirt pile they left when working on the water!
This is how Aden and John helped!

He was trying to stuff them both in!!!

Some of the desserts. I homemade! Oreo cake cookies! YUMMY!!!
My Jello cupcakes with that meringue icing and the eggs (of course)!

Thanks for looking!!!

Still getting settled in!

2008-06-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

A statue in Fairbanks.

The kids on a bridge over the Chena River
This is last night at 11:30pm...it looked stormy out.
The back of Aden's new hair! At least he still has his curls!
Aden slept ALL night in his big boy bed...till 9:30am!

So Aden loves the camera. We taught him how to take pictures. Here is a little of his work!

I guess he really likes trees???
Our windows, he got a good pic of them!
Here is his new haircut...it makes me sad, they butchered his bangs!!!
He was playing along to Little Einstiens. He loves that show and I love the way he says it!

So I have decided I really like the area. I won't make my final decision till after my first winter alone! I am not looking forward to it, but everyone swears it isn't that bad and I will be fine. I guess I will have to be! We are all in the house, but have a few odds and ends still left to unpack or put away. I really think that is a never ending job...if anyone remembers my garage in Fort Leonard Wood, they know what I am talking about! I am going to try to start taking more pics. I have been slacking and I expect all of you to be sending me some! I miss everyone and really hope a few of you get to come visit us! I will try to make it back to Missouri next summer...but the thought of a 8, 5, 2 and newborn on a plane with only myself scares me a little. OK, a LOT! I hope everyone is doing good! Mom I hope you are getting better, it really sucks to be sick! Oh, and just so everyone knows they better get on the ball and buy tickets to see me, Julie has hers bought! I can't wait till she gets here!!!!

Some new pics!

2008-06-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

So here are a few pictures. There are a lot of different ones! Sorry!!!

So Aden got his big boy bed. He laid in it for a little while last night and is sleeping in there as I type. Wish us luck with it!!!

Aden and John in the hot tub. They added a few too many bubbles. John gave him bubble hair and he loved it. He kept looking in the mirror.
This was one of the big blow up things at the Midnight Sun festival. Aden loved it!
One of the well know statues in Fairbanks. I have no clue what it is or means.
I have no clue who that man is, just think it is funny they having a bucking salmon instead of cow thing!
Aden wanted the camera...I wouldn't give it to him.
More of Aden and John in the hot tub.

Big boy bed!

Enjoy them! I will get more tomorrow or sometime. I am a slacker. We love and miss everyone! It is so nice and I expect a visit from all!

Still unpacking

2008-06-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

So we haven't had any time to update! We have been unpacking and cleaning. NOT FUN!!! I am not a huge fan of boxes and am sure I never will be.

We may try to go to the midnight sun festival this weekend. It is the longest day of the year here in Alaska and it is supposed to be a big fun festival. If we make it I will take lots of pictures!

Anyway- just wanted to update. Hope everyone is well!!!

Our new home!!!

2008-06-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

In no order...sorry. I suck at downloading to the blog!!!

Our stair case going down

Our staircase coming in the front door
The huge living area upstairs
The trees...the surround our house in a circle almost.
These are the wildflowers growing all over my yard.
The upstairs bathroom.
The upstairs bathroom
Kitchen
Our dirty room...we have the air mattress up.
The huge master bath!!! I love it and so does Aden, he thinks it is his pool.
The formal living downstairs

The front of the house
The garage
The guest bedroom
The huge living area upstairs

The downstairs bathroom

Adens room...needs to be painted
The back view of the house
Our huge tub...again. Sorry I love it!
The dining area

I am so excited! We found a home in North Pole, Alaska. It is about 8 miles off base and it is a really nice area. We have a 4bd 3bth, 2500sq ft home. It was priced perfect for us and better then anything we looked at. I LOVE IT!!!

PICTURES!!!!

2008-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

The new housing on post...not finished.

Our home till Tuesday...I hate!
Pioneer Park. They have a few things here.
One of the 3 big stores we have in Fairbanks.
The Chena River
Fairbanks
Fairbanks
The main part of Fairbanks
Our hospital on post...Nice!!! Bassett Hospital

Aden playin at Alex's house.

A veiw of Fairbanks
Aden's snotty nose! Still cute.
Trinity...doing who knows what?

Here are some picstures and I am downloading more in a little bit...just wanted to get these on here.

Lost the cord to the camera!!!!!!!

2008-06-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

I can't upload the pics till I find it somewhere in the car! I will look tonight and try to have them on here by morning for you guys.

I am so tired. Aden was so sick last night. He puked or dry heaved about every 30 mins. He was so sad looking. Yet he was still trying to be a happy boy. He wouldn't keep anything down and this afternoon I thought we maybe should take him. Then I decided we better try pedialyte and saltines. I hate to take him when they are just going to send us home and spend our time waiting with all the SICK people.

Anyway- we are taking a nap then going to look at another house at 5pm. I also have to do a ton or pukey laundry. So did the hotel...he went threw all the covers on the bed and about 10 towels. My poor kid!!!

Anyway- love you all and we miss you! Take care!

Sorry it has been so long!!!

2008-06-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

We have been super busy trying to find somewhere to live. 2 weeks before came the waiting list was 2mths for a 5 bedroom. That will be do-able, now the wait is 12mths! So we need to find something kind of temporary till we can get on post. The normal price for a home that will fit our family kinda (4bedroom for 6 of us) is $2600. I can't see paying that freaking much on a rental. So tomorrow we are going to look at some rentals that are a little smaller, but that would be ok for the time being.

I will get some pics tomorrow of the base and of Fairbanks...don't get too excited! It is a pretty nice place, but I think the weather is hard on all the buildings.

We are all doing well and trying to get used to this 22 hours of sunlight. It is so nice to have but hard on getting the kid's to sleep at morning time, as Trinity would say.

Hope everyone is well! We love and miss you guys!!!

I am done traveling!!!! Yeah right!

2008-06-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

A big Moose

Mountain Goat
Tristan jumping
Aden playing
Alaska Hwy mile 1
A black bear
A buffalo butt
Us....John sucks at close ups!

So we are in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory and we decided to drive on. I am going to post some pics of our trip today and then we will update more indepth later. It has been a long day on the road but we saw a TON of wildlife. Enjoy!

Oh I have no phone service at all! So I will call you when I get into Alaska tomorrow! Love you all! Aden misses you mom!

Today's update!!!!

2008-06-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Some fun signs!!! We didn't see one moose or 5 meese. Just 500 signs!

Aden wanted a cupcake!!! You should see the car!
I forgot the name of this town...but it was beaver something.
This is the sun at 9pm!!! I love it, but will have to get used to it.

So now we are in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. It was another long day of travel and I am pooped. It was a decent ride had Tristan been on the roof. He was horrible all day. I had a headache from heck all day! The drive went pretty well...just getting stuck behind he slow guys sucks! We got a nice hotel with a fun huge pool! It had a huge waterslide and the kids loved it. All of them! Aden is like a fish now and it kind of makes me nervous. He isn't as cautious as he used to be. He will just jump right in.

We are in Canada!!!

2008-05-31T23:57:00.000-07:00

So we made it! Finally to Canada. It was another long day in the car and we didn't even leave Billings till 12:30. We drove pretty much straight through again. We had about an hour and half wait at the border. They had 1 lane open and about 50 cars in front of us. I am so tired again so no pics till morning.

Oh yeah...our cell company (cingular) is charging a crazy amount of money, .79cents a min, so I may not be calling anyone till we are out of Canada! I can get online at night, thanks to the hotels having free wireless. Cingular also was going to charge a crazy amount for us to use our laptop wireless card! So anyway...I will be on im at night time or you can read about whats up here.

It took about 45 mins to check in too! Apparently our bank credit/debit card doesn't work in Canada. Good to know now right!!!! It is a good thing we have about 4 accounts. We just had to transfer some money around and finally we could use our USAA card! It was kind of scary for a minute...or hour!

I am so stinking tired!!!

2008-05-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

Aden riding good in the car!

Mount Rushmore! It was neat, the kids were like this is it?
Trinity's fit today. Notice she is trying to use a plastic bag to cover her face. SMART!!!
A fun tunnel leaving Mt Rushmore.
One of the only state signs I have caught!

So we started out around 9am. Let me tell you...these states are BORING!!! We decided once we got started it would be fun to go to Mt. Rushmore, so we made a long detour and went there. I have decided the state of South Dakota is odd. We took some pics of the Mt and some of the scenery along the way. So I will be posting them in a moment.

Then we finally made it into Wyoming, another boring state! We had to stop about 700 times. Trinity threw another fit...a horrible one for about 3 hours. That put us at least an hour behind. Then we had to stop to potty. And last but not least...Aden puked like crazy! So we had to stop and clean him up.

I am stinking tired but we MADE it to Billings, Montana. I refuse to wake up early tomorrow! I am sleepy and can not deal with the car that much ever again!

If you all want more pics tell me. I seriously have a ton!!! I just don't want to overdue you all!

Our 2nd day of travel!

2008-05-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just for fun here is how cramped the car is! They all act comfy so...no worries!

So we started in KC! We stayed at Ryan and Tiff's last night. Thanks you guys!!! It was nice to be around family for another day. We were up by 7am and on the road by 11am! Don't ask. No clue....it is hard to get around with 700 kids. So we were on our way. Oh yeah I must add, Trinity went to bed after midnight and was awake before 7am. So needless to say I wish I had either a lot of benedryl or some freaking good earplugs. I had neither!!! We listened to whining and crying for about 200 miles. Not my idea of a good day. We made it to Council Bluff, Iowa and stopped for a little bit to go potty and let the kids play. We found a mall and they had this little play area. So here is a pic of each of the kids running around. I forgot my good camera in the car so here are some from my cell. I don't know how Aden's got way up there. OH WELL!!! So we are here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We went to dinner then came home. Trinity and I stayed in, while John, Aden and Tristan went for a swim. I am in a comfy king bed and may not wake up till 11am tomorrow. No really we have to get an early start and get on our way. Tomorrow we are planning to get to Billings, Montana which is 667 miles. Wish us luck!!!

You all need to leave us some love! You can leave comments...so do it!!!

We are officially on our way!!!!

2008-05-28T15:54:00.001-07:00

So we left about 4 hours later then expected. I know big surprise! We had to stop in Fort Leonard Wood and get some last minute papers. Then we were off to St Louis to ship John's truck....it seemed like forever. It is all done and now we are headed for KC. The kids are so quiet and busy playing their games! It is so nice. Let's hope it last.

So it really sucked to leave. I already miss my family like crazy!!! I also want to say a HUGE thanks to my parents! They have helped us out a ton and I am sure they are enjoying a quiet and messy (thanks to us) house. Aden has already asked for bam-ma a few times. He is going to go through some major withdrawls. He and mom are best friends!

So I have no pics from today...some old boring Missouri so far. Hopefully we will start posting them tomorrow! I will have to post a pics of how we look like sardines in the car. It is going to be a fun 7 days!!!

2008-05-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so we are going to update here for everyone. I am way to lazy to try to send out individual email's with pics. It takes TOO long. I will try to update daily on our adventure. Hopefully we should be there in a week!