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Our first Alaska Halloween did not disappoint! The girls had fun dressing up as a Fox (Jayne) and a Bat (Jessie) for school.  It was really fun to see all the fun and creative costumers during the Halloween Costume Parade at their school.  Jay helped Jayne and Jessie carve their pumpkins. We never did get any candles to light them up.  The pumpkins didn't last long.  After about 2 days they turned into a juicy drippy mess all over the kitchen table and floor.  ewwww!   There was lots of candy to be had by all!  We started off the Trick-Or-Treating at the school's Trunk or Treat and then headed to town for even more of the festivities.  There is a street here, Jackson Street, that is the main attraction for Halloween night.  The police block the street at both ends and businesses donate candy to the families who live in the blocked off area, so that they have enough candy for everyone in town-literally!  This is the place to be!...

Jay and Jake were invited to go out fishing for the day with Jay's co-worker (Seth) and his 2 boys.  It was a beautiful day and they had a GREAT time!  Jake caught his first fish... a SHARK!  They caught some other fish, some crab, and got to see some whales!  It was a great day out at sea for them!   Jake decided he wanted to try eating shark... so they brought it home and Jay did his very best.  He soaked it in milk for a while.  Apparently if you don't, it takes on a urine taste...gross!  He made up a seasoned marinade.  He wrapped it in bacon.  He added other yummy stuff.... and while we all tried it, and Jake finished his piece, I don't think any of us will be requesting it again in the future.  BUT.. we call all say that we have tried shark now! 

BBQ'ing at the beach was the best way to end this fabulous weekend!  The weather forecast said that this might be one of the last dry days for a while, so we took full advantage of it!  We packed up hot dogs and all the makings for s'mores and headed back to Settlers Cove!  The kids have been wanting to go swimming in the ocean, so this was the perfect opportunity for them to do their own Ketchikan Polar Plunge. The water is COLD.  You can see in the video that Jake and Jayne didn't make it much past their knees!  Jacy was the most brave and actually spent quite a bit of time in the water!  The evening spoiled us with the most beautiful sunset! 

 BEST Sunday visitors ever!!! I have been so bummed that we haven't seen another bear since the day after we arrived.  I have been wishing and hoping to see more of them before winter sets in and they all go hibernate.  Today my Sunday afternoon nap was interrupted with "BEARS!  BEARS IN THE BACKYARD!"  We all got to watch this mama bear and her 2 cubs take a stroll through our backyard.  They were SO CUTE!!!   Another beautiful part of the day was seeing the bushes and tress COVERED with these gorgeous spiderwebs!  The air was really wet and heavy and the dew dripping off them made them look magical!  

 The kids have been wanting to try fishing since we arrived.  We didn't have any space to bring fishing gear with us, but my co-worker was kind enough to loan us some poles and tackle! The girls tried first, off the berth 4 dock in town.  It was their first time trying to cast a line and they both did great!  Later in the afternoon we went out to Settlers Cove for some sunset practice.  No bites all day, but lots of practice and the view and the weather couldn't have been more perfect!