Native Dance videos

The first Aluutiq dance was about a long-haired woman who had five sons: #1 the eldest, #2, #3 the rubbernecker, #4 the carver, and #5 the baby. It also talks about the three chiefs in the village.The second dance was the Aluutiq traveling song, "Ayadonga."

The third dance was a Yupik dance about a bird walking along who saw thunder and lightening in the sky. It was scared so it ducked into a hole, leaving it's tail feathers in the air, shaking with fear.

The last dance we did was a Yupik Lullaby for little boys. It means "Go go sleep. Don't be afraid. Dream of seal hunting."

Native Dancing

The boys and I joined the MatSu intertribal dance group a few months ago and we have learned about 6 dances. We learned 2 Aluutiq songs and then somehow I became the Yupik instructor. Anyhow, we meet every Tuesday and last night was the boys' first performance. We danced at the MatSu diversity celebration. I spent the day making Ty a new kuspuk (red one) and making the boys their dance fans. They looked adorable. So much so, that the superintendent had to make his way over to introduce himself to us. The boys have been practicing their dances here at home, practically shouting each and ever word to each other, dancing every move but somehow they danced much differently when we were actually onstage. I don't know if it was stage fright or if they just forgot what we were supposed to be doing but they said they still had a blast. Afterwards, we gorged ourselves on yummy fry bread, did some beading crafts, and learned NYO events like the Alaskan high kick, one-foot and two-foot high kicks. What a fun day!

April 14 - A busy Day

Today was an exciting day in the Kelly Household. Brandon received a high honor roll recognition and Donovan had his first (singing) concert. Unfortunately, both happy occurances were scheduled at the same exact hour. So, Dad and Tysen turned right to go support Brandon as he received his reward at Colony Middle School, and Mason and Mom turned left to go to Cottonwood Elementary to watch Donovan.

Brandon received recognition, a new CMS knight t-shirt and a well deserved ice cream treat afterwards.

Donovan learned a song for every letter in the alphabet and performed all 26 songs alongside his classmates and other fellow two kindergarten classes. It was a very cute performance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We are so blessed by our children and so proud of their accomplishments..... great job, boys!

Last night Brandon's Colony team played Wasilla first, then the Eagle River team. He played well; scored 17 points, 3 being foul shots. Here he is making one of them.

Donovan is infactuated with Basketball like his big brother. Phillip and I just signed him for for a 12 week session at the club. It doesn't start for another month but he is soooo excited! He wants to be just like his big brother and is going to learn how to dribble, shoot and pass like a pro!

Mason is such a big boy now.

As much as I'd hate to admit it, gone are my baby days with Mason Zayne. He is such a big boy now and gets irritated with me whenever I try to feed him. So much that, he will often clamp down till he is able to feed himself! haha. He loves oatmeal and cereal for breakfast. Here he is enjoing a bowl of Rice Chex (Gluetin free! haha) this morning.

Bring it on!

Well, this is Bradon's 7th year in basketball. He started playing for the YMCA in Kindergarten, and has played basketball for different organizations every year since. He finished up with his Colony Middle School team in December and now he is playing in the Valley Competetive League again. He really loves it and I just can't hardly wait till Saturdays when I get to watch him! He is really developing as a player and his ever-increasing height helps too. He is CONVINCED that he will be playing in the NBA one day... hahaha. I will wish him luck and cheer him along in the meanwhile. Cuz I'm #24's Mama! Woot Woot!

I MISS THIS....

Hawaii was so beautiful = not that Alaska isn't the most beautiful place on earth. But I miss the waves crashing on the shore, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the gentle breeze that brought hints of the sea to your senses.

Family pictures from Hawaii

Zoo in Hilo

We traveled to Hilo one day, the other side of the island. Can you believe the zoo there is free? The kids fell in love with the silly monkeys and the Siberian white tiger. Look how close he was to my babies!

aloha