Summer has officially begun in Alaska. We have all the telltale signs -- kids are out of school, we have (gasp!) weather allowing us to wear short sleeved t-shirts, and the midnight sun is out in full force. Last night was the most spectacular kids soccer game in years -- no, not because the kids played exceptionally well, but because it was a joy to sit outside, gabbing with other parents, watching the kids play, and feeling sunshine that was actually warm. What a treat!

We started the summer break last Friday with a bike ride with friends. I only had my iphone camera, so you can barely see the faces. But you can see that view! We biked down from the house to the park and then took a break to go down slides and hit the swings. We then headed down to a second park that doesn't have play equipment, but does have a view people who live outside Alaska spend lots of money to come visit. See the big hill going down? Our buddy Kaes decided to bike down it and had a great time going down. Coming up? Eh -- not so much fun. No wonder the kid got a little tired on the way home. All in all, a fun start to the summer vacation.