Sunrise Creek Farm

      Sunrise Creek Farm was recently established in August of 2004 in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, (just outside of Wasilla).  Surrounded by mountains and resting on a southern exposed bluff, this location boasts an ideal sunny location that is sheltered from prevailing winds.  Sunrise Creek winds peacefully through the 20 acre farm and empties in the Little Susitna River that borders the back property line.

This farm would not have come into existance without the creativity, sweat, and great efforts that our sons put into this project.  While raising the boys as Air Force Brats, we realized the error of our ways when the oldest son, Edward, proclaimed "What is that awful stink?", as we passed a farm during a trip from California to Michigan.  My husband and I, being from the farming community in Lapeer County, Michigan, couldn't understand what 'stink' the boys were talking about until it dawned on us that we were raising CITY KIDS!  How did we go so wrong?  We never meant for that to happen.

To correct the path we were on, we purchased a forrested parcel of property that held all the potential for keeping boys busy for years.  One of Cameron's first purchases was the sawmill.  All of the timbers cut during the clearing process were sawn into the lumber that all of the buildings, fences, and bridges are made of. 

We spent our summers in tent camps next to the creek.  We brought our horses and the dog with us so we would not have to care for them daily at our home in Palmer. 

We also brought our school work and did it at the picnic table.  (Did I mention that our boys are all home schooled?)  Below, Charlie helps CJ with his math assignment.

In May of 2005, Edward graduated from high school with honors and went on to attend the University of Alaska, Mat-Su as a full time student on the scholarships he was awarded for his many endeavors in 4-H.

Later, in December of that same year, Cameron retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service.  He is now free to spend the time with his family that he desired. 

Our house in Palmer sold the following month in January of 2006.  We moved our animals out to Sunrise Creek while we moved ourselves into a rental unit in Wasilla.  We spent that winter turning one half of the loft above the barn into an apartment to move into until we could build a house.

In May of 2006, we finally moved onto Sunrise Creek Farm ourselves!  What a glorious day that was!  In fact, after living in our 'loft apartment' for over a year, we are in no rush to build a house.  We are still living happily in our cozy dwelling above.  Not only do we have fabulous views from up here, but Charlie loves the fact that he can go downstairs to take care of the animals during the frigid winter without having to leave the building.

The picture above was taken from the kitchen window.

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