JUNEAU, AK - DAY #3

Juneau was my most favorite stop that we made during our beautiful cruise!

We woke up early, headed to breakfast, and then to the Photography at Sea for tips about using our camera.  I have been wanting to take photography classes.  We have pretty nice camera and I wish I knew more!  It was an okay class - standing room only.

We grabbed a quick snack and went to exit the ship.  Imagine our surprise when there was a LINE to get out of the ship!  They were making everyone take pictures with mascot people.  I was so stressed out.  We couldn't find out group for ziplining either.  It was just SO crazy!

Here are a couple of pictures of Juneau from the dock.  We were surprised to see that it really looked foggy and mysterious.

If you enlarge the next 2 pictures, you'll be able to see the track that brings you to the top of the mountain.  Scray, huh?

Getting ready and suited up for ziplining!

It was wet and drizzly the whole day.  We were pretty wet for sure!

Here's a taste of what the views looked like.  It was about 150 feet down with beautiful canyons and everything!  You had to have been there to see it in person! 

One of Brandon's zips!

I learned from our Caribbean cruise that I would need to have evidence that I would do something that I would not normally do next time for my friends and family.  SO, here is the proof!

Long suspension bridge

Last platform that you repelled off

  This was an awesome group of 9 and we LOVED every minute of it!

A guy, Duncan, Denean, DeLeon, Tamara, Pam (I think), Pam' husband, me and Brandon!

We bought a souvenir hoodie which is awesome and a great reminder that we had an amazing, unforgettable day!

Have you heard of Tracy's King Crab Shack?  It is quite renown, so we were quite surprised when we found it and realized that it is what it says it is.  A shack!

After a long tiring day, Brandon sure enjoyed his crabs! 

This was probably my favorite stop.  After experiencing such a thrill, nothing could beat ziplining!!!

AT SEA - DAY #2

There was nothing to take pictures of except ocean while we traveled at sea.

I did a quick workout this morning and didn't realize that they had a Interdenominational Sunday Worship Service on board.  Sad that I missed out on what Amy and Just said was an interesting experience!

That afternoon, Brandon and I went to Big Miracle which I had never seen.  I totally enjoyed the movie!  I think it was a little extra special because I remembered that story and was so enthralled in it when it actually happened.  Also, we were going to Alaska where the story took place.

We mostly just hung out and visited with Amy & Justin and Kathy & Jerry and explored the ship!

HALLEE'S BAPTISM

One of the many things that we missed while we were in Alaska was Hallee's baptism. Dawson and Hallee are in the same grade at school, but Hallee is 11 months younger than Dawson.  She has grown up so much over the past year.

Here is her announcement:

Hallee

Hallee with her mom and dad, Robyn and Jason

With the whole family (there is already a new baby sister that is missing though!)

 

Walking down the hall to the font

We were very sad to miss this special day but we hope she knows how much we love her and are proud of her decision to follow Jesus' example!

TRADITIONAL YAHOO/BOO-HOO BREAKFAST

A couple of years back, my sister Robyn told me about how her school district in Boise/Nampa area did a traditional Yahoo/Boo-Hoo Breakfast.  This was for all kindergartens and their parents.  The title represented the 2 most common emotions that the parents may feel on that first day of kindergarten.

I have to say that I am traditionally a Yahoo! mom.  School gives so much to look forward to.   Your family starts a schedule/routine.  This makes life predictable and children much happier.  Everyone works harder to do chores, complete their homework, and practice piano.  Yes, there is much to celebrate! 

This year, however, I was conflicted.  I couldn't wait to send them to school where they would learn and grow independently of mom and dad.  But, it also meant that I would miss my baby's first day of kindergarten while traveling.  Add to that my niece's baptism and Dawson's birthday ... there was a lot of missing that would take place.  And there are no do-overs in life... and I just did NOT want to miss it all.

SO, I thought to myself, what if I put together a "Yahoo/Boo-Hoo Breakfast" for neighbors and friends?  I set in motion to secure a location (Geraldine's), typed an event on Facebook and tada!  Event planned.

I was only expecting about 2-3 people, so I was pleasantly surprised to see so many friends and neighbors join me for a cinnamon roll that morning.  And truth be told, I did feel both emotions that day! 

In all the hast of that morning and the anxiety of leaving, I did forget one thing.  My camera!!!  But, I may be able to make amends, as I plan to carry out this tradition once again.  Next year, I hope you will join me friends and neighbors for breakfast AND a few pictures.  ;)  Thank you for making this day memorable!!!

EMBARK - DAY #1

Embarking the ship is an interesting experience.  You would think that it would be a quick process, but it takes awhile.  I, for one, do not love the ramps to get on and off the ship.

Here is Justin in front of the Golden Princess

Me and Brandon with our shades

Watching the splash behind the boat as we leave Seattle

Mt. Rainer - I love seeing this mountain in the background!

Goodbye Seattle

I always feel sick and a little tired the first day, so the entertainment was our TV in our bedroom.  I should have taken a picture of the bedroom.  It was WAY bigger and nicer than Norwegian!  Our housekeeper was Jack.  He was super nice too!

SEATTLE BABY

We had been planning this trip since December of 2009 I believe. What is something that we could get Mom and Dad (Kathy and Jerry) that would be meaningful? And then it came to Amy, Justin, Brandon, and I (not sure who exactly came up with the idea; but it was brilliant!) Jerry has always wanted to go to Alaska. Kathy wants to travel. Why not a cruise to Alaska in a couple years?

We could put money aside for every birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, etc. The idea became an instant hit that we would create a memory instead of wrapping one.

Fast forward years later and here we were in Salt Lake City airport boarding a flight. I didn't realize that Kathy hadn't flown much. And by much, I mean she had done it one other time. I should have 'captured the moment.' She was NERVOUS! The flight was awesome! We had Singing Sally as our flight attendant. She sang over the intercom system when we got the signal to take off and when we arrived in Seattle-Tacoma airport. I never got around to sending Southwest a message, but I TRULY love flying Southwest!

We got settled in the hotel and then made a run to downtown Seattle for the iconic Space Needle, which happened to have a 50th birthday that year!

From the ground

The picture of all 6 of us!!!

Once we arrived upstairs, we were surprised with a view of Mt. Rainer.  It has to be a pretty clear day to see it (not to mention not raining!) and we were lucky!

The other beautiful views from up in the sky

Amy and Justin

My honey

Our tickets

The blown glass next to the Space Needle.  It was awesome and I wish that we could have gone there too!

Walking around downtown Seattle, we saw the Honey Bucket which totally brought back wonderful memories of Ragnar 2011 and Ang Warth.

After touring a little, we went back to the hotel and ate a very nice dinner there.  Thank you Jerry and Kathy for spoiling us in Seattle!

MAKING IT SPECIAL

I was very sad to be missing the first day of Kate's kindergarten, as well as the other kids' first week.  So, after looking on pinterest and seeing a bunch of GREAT ideas, I had a plan.  Here is what I put together and had my mom give them each day we were gone.  I hope they enjoyed the treats as much as I did putting them together.

7 up lifting ways to start your 1st week of school, found here

You are o-FISH-ally in _______ grade!, found here

A couple of jokes found here and here

According to my calculations, this is going to be a GOOD YEAR! found here

And the rolo/hershey kiss pencil, found here