rainy august days

It's August in Alaska. That means rubber boots, warm layers of cotton and wool, and soaking up all the green before it turns into that grey-ish brown that seems to go on forever in between fall and winter. 

It's rained every day this week, but that hasn't stopped us from getting outside. We meander down our gravel road usually twice or three times a day: in the morning, after nap and then sometimes in the evening before Steve gets home from work. During our walks we gather sticks, splash in puddles, and enjoy the smell of rain and smoke drifting over from our neighbors wood stove.

Riggs still brings his turtle-push toy along with us, but it is usually abandoned after five or ten minutes as he finds puddles to walk through, sticks to pick up and inspect, and rocks to gather and stuff into his pockets. I think one day soon poor little turtle will be left completely - just another sign that Riggs is growing up and finding interest in new things. 

The older Riggs gets the more he reminds me of Steve with his facial expressions and his movements. It's strange how even so young our children pick up on our characteristics. I often wonder how much is genetic and how much is just learned from being around us so much. Either way, it always makes me smile.

I see Steve in Riggs in so many different ways. I see it in the way he focuses so intently on whatever task he's set on, or the way he rubs his hands together to brush the dirt off, and even in the way that he holds himself as he walks, taking long strides with his back straight and his arms swinging just so at his sides. I love to see all the different ways that they are alike, for I love them both so very much. 

If you live in Alaska I hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the rain a little bit. The fair starts this week here in Palmer, who's going to be there?!