Long time, no post. We are finally back from Summer Vacation 2015. And I, for one, am exhausted. Apparently it's just me though. Not my two girls. They have been up since 3am and they are going strong. And I wish I could report that we are enjoying some family time, but Ryan was able to pick us up at the airport, and then he had to report to a ship. No sure for how long, maybe 5 days, maybe two weeks. I wish I could say I was surprised, but I'm not. Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip. Actually, just pictures of Alaska, because Ryan took them all. I didn't take very many after he headed back to Japan.
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| One of the best parts about Alaska is the weather. No bugs and cool temps. |
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| Pony rides at the Anchorage Saturday Market |
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| Salmon fishing on the Kenai River. We bought the girls life jackets and Frozen fishing poles. |
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| Leyton thought it was fun for about 5 minutes. But Ellis fished for an hour, until I got bored and made her move on. |
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| We saw plenty of wildlife, including moose in the backyard |
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| The cabin was also covered in a variety of dead animals. LC was not a fan. |
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| Fire pit |
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| S'MORES |
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| Native mittens |
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| One day Ryan and I got to leave the kids behind and do a fishing trip out of Seward |
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| It was BEAUTIFUL |
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| And exhausting |
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| And successful |
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| On the way back to the cabin, we spotted a black bear |
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| Nature Lover |
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| LC loved the few fish we managed to catch from the river. As Grampa was filleting one, she commented "That looks delicious!" Now she knows exactly where sushi comes from! |
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| Another fishing trip sans kiddos |
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| Catch-and-release Rainbow trout and Dolly Vardens |
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| We stopped for a potty break near where we saw the bear a few days before. |
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| E with Fireweed |
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| Cabin |
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| We spent a week on the Kenai and then on our way back to Anchorage, we stopped in Seward again. |
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| So pretty |
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| Sea life Center |
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| 4 Generations |
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| It was fun for Ryan to take the girls places that he went to as a little kid |
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| Kincaid Park |
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| We managed to squeeze in one date day. It's been a year since our last date, so we figured it was time (yes, I am serious. A Year). We did a bike ride on the Coastal Trail. |
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| Moose |
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| We also spent a couple of days with one of Ryan's friends and his family |
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| They have a cabin on a lake and it was awesome |
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| The girls had a ball playing with their two boys |
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| They were also very brave in the cold water |
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| And, the girls got over their fear of dogs! |
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| After two weeks in AK, Ryan had to come home to Japan for work. The girls and I continued on to Kentucky, Virginia, and Oregon. We had a great time with family and friends. Unfortunately, I have no pictures. Others were snapping away though, so I will try and find a few to post later. |
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| We did get to stop and visit with Sasha one day. |
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| For 13 years old, she is doing great! |
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| Overall, the girls did well on the flights, but I have NO desire to get back on a plane anytime soon. |
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| Especially by myself with these two. |
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I will post more pictures from our VA and Oregon visit later.
For now, I am just trying to survive the jet lag with these kids. Poor Ryan, missing all the fun. Thanks for all our family for making this a wonderful and memorable summer. LC starts school on Monday and E the following week (Insert Mommy Happy Dance here)! Love you and miss you all!! |
