Yes, HMMWVs Can Get Stuck

HMMWV is the military acronymn that stands for High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle. Commonly known as a "Humvee". Contrary to popular belief, HMMWV's are not invincable and able go "anywhere". SSgt Michael Huntington's shop borrowed some HMMWVs for training. They all got a little more training than was bargained for. Below is the result of an inexperienced driver challenged with driving conditions other than a hard-packed surface, aka MUD.
The view from the front of the vehicle with the camera near the ground. notice the HMMWV is axle deep in mud and the bottom of the chassis is resting on the ground (High-Centered).
The whole picture with everyone trying to decide what to do next...
A close up of the front wheel on the driver's side. Just a sampling of all four tires.

Adventures in Alaska

Michael's dad & brother (Bob & Isaiah) came up from Idaho for a visit over Labor Day weekend. It was Isaiah's first time flying and the first time to Alaska for both of them. Some of their adventures are listed below. Enjoy!!!
NORTH POLE, ALASKA. The home of Santa Claus. Did you know the official zip code of Santa is 99705?
The Trans Alaska Oil Pipeline. It runs from the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay all the way to the Gulf of Alaska at Valdez (pronounced "Val-deez"), a total of 800 miles.

Oh yes, Can't forget about Mike & Sarah. Yeah, they had fun too!
MT. MCKINNLEY. Also known as Denali. Denali is the highest peak in North America standing at 20,300 feet. As seen from Denali National Park on one of the best days of visibility we have seen since we have been up here!

Sarah & Isaiah taking pictures of some scenery in Denali Park.
Is it brother against brother? Or did the same thing catch their attention? I wonder...

Yep, Isaiah's getting serious about photography too!
Who is THAT?! Oh, its Michael. He actually showed his face to the other end of the camera!

Fall Colors

The colors are really starting to change up here. The aspen and birch are turning gold, the fireweed is turning dark red, the wild rose is turning orange with bright red rosehips. Everything is very pretty. These are some berries I found behind our house. A berry book we have says they're cranberries and they are edible, but I haven't tried them yet. Rista is helping me check out the pretty colors.

"Don't you think I blend right in?"

President & Family Visit Eielson AFB!!

President, Mrs Bush, and their daughter.stopped by Eielson on Monday for a short visit while their plane was refueled. They were on their way to Asia for the Olympics.
Here is the Presidential family exiting Air Force One. (photo from Eielson public affairs. The rest are mine)
The President speaking to the "Iceman" warriors of Eielson AFB.
President Bush only a few feet away from Michael's position.

This is the best picture we have with Michael and Mr President. Hopefully we can find a better picture to post.
Here is Michael with a friend and the First Lady.
And a real, live Secret Service member. He looks just like one from the movies! Or could it be the other way around...?

You can also check out these sites for more information & pictures:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080804-7.html

http://www.eielson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123109390

Fair Time

Michael & Sarah both entered several things into the local state fair. Sarah recieved ribbons for all three of her entries. Here are her works of art.

This crocheted doll recieved a second place ribbon.
Here is Sarah's pencil drawing of her old combat boots, Comfortable Boots. Which also recieved a red ribbon.
And last but not least, her recent pencil sketch based off of a photograph found online. Mountain Retreat recieved the first place, blue ribbon!