Steve and I have spent a lot of time 'chilling' since Donna went home last weekend. It's been hot here in Fairbanks, and we've found ourselves spending most days inside the house, with the drapes drawn to keep the hot sunlight out. Besides short jaunts around the block with Sedona, or spending time tending to my flowers in the back yard, I haven't really accomplished much besides tending to household chores.

Getting a good night's sleep has been challenging, particularly with the warmth. Thank goodness for fans - both ceiling and floor. We've had them all going almost non-stop. We've been lucky in that the overnight air has cooled down sufficiently to at least allow for agreeable sleeping weather.

On Friday evening, I went with my friend Abby to Pioneer Park to see the Tundra Caravan Troupe perform again. I wanted to get more photos of the dancers in their flowing and colorful skirts and scarves, and Abby was in need of some girlfriend time too. We met another friend (Dawn) at the park, with her daughter. Abby brought her camera with her and took some photos as well.

Watching them perform this time really made me want to learn - belly or not! *grin* There are a few curvy girls in the group and they don't seem to mind; in fact they looked like they were really enjoying themselves, as they shook their hips and made the coins on their hip scarves jingle. If they can do it, maybe I can too. Although, at my age, I'd have to watch I don't end up breaking a hip, instead of just shaking it!

Here are some photos from Friday night:

	I created a black digital backdrop for these next three photos.

The kids will be arriving in 19 days - but who's counting? I am so excited about their upcoming visit. Today, I created a travel brochure for them. I'm going to print it out and mail it to them so they can see what adventures I have planned for them while they're in town. (Click on the thumbnails to see an enlargement - 800 pixels)

We're going to Valdez while they're here. I'm not sure if Steve will be going with us or not. If he does, I can cancel the hotel reservations I have and we'll all sleep in the camper. If he doesn't come with us, we have lodging. We're going to have to take both vehicles anyway, as there is no way that five of us will fit comfortably in the truck. I'm glad my car gets nearly 30mpg.

While in Valdez, the kids and I are going on a wildlife/glacier cruise. If Steve goes with us, he plans to go fishing. The day after we get back from Valdez, the kids and are taking the shuttle bus into Denali. We're not going all the way to Wonder Lake as it's too long a day and I plan on driving to and from the park, and doing the trip all in one day. But we'll be going far enough (Fish Creek) to allow for wildlife sightings. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we're as lucky as we were when we took Donna last week.

I know the time that they are here will most likely fly by, but I plan to savor every moment with them and show them as much as I can in the short time they're here.

I can't believe it's July already. Happy Canada Day for any of my Canadian readers! And a Happy July 4th to all my US readers! Also Happy Anniversary to Rachael and James on the 4th! They're the only people I know who always have fireworks on their anniversary!