A wonderful, and somewhat chilly but bright and sunny day spent at the Iditarod start downtown yesterday. As usual we met several folks we haven't seen in a while and got to introduce Noah which is always fun. It's pretty exciting watching all the teams getting set up and starting off the trail to Nome.. however, it's usually so crowded that it's tough to be a spectator and, especially, to take pictures. The best bets are to watch the race from a point several blocks east of the start, where the teams round a curve at speed and head down the hill toward Chester Creek.

One of the favorite traditions of our young family is to then head to the Empty Bowl benefit for the local soup kitchen, Bean's Cafe. The Alaska Clay Arts Guild gets together and throws 1500 or so bowls of wonderful variety, which we get to keep, and then we get to fill the bowls with tasty soup and cornbread. Another place to meet people we haven't seen in some time, and quite fun. Noah was a hit with all the girls as usual.

Mommy sent out some photo CDs yesteray as well, which is hopefully exciting news for family.