Take My Breath Away

Greetings All!

My apologies for the delay in this posting, but we have been having grand adventures this past week, host and hostessing Grandma and Grandpa Beaver on their first winter trip to the great state of Alaska!

They arrived the day before Iditarod 2015, and we hit the ground running almost immediately, like many of the seasoned sled dog teams!  It's such a blessing to share this magnificent place with others, and we had so much to see that we wore them out right away!

We had a full day Saturday, March 7, taking full advantage of Fur Rondy, the ceremonial Iditarod start in downtown Anchorage, the open museum, and beautiful sunshine that caused the temperatures to swell to the mid-30s.  It made for a GREAT day of walking, but not so great for the sled dogs.
They were amazing, and after an 11-mile run toward Eagle River (running on snow that had to be brought in for the event -- yes, you read that right -- they had to truck snow INTO Anchorage!), they all packed up and relocated for the official restart in Fairbanks (scheduled for Monday, March 9).

We met some great new friends who weren't afraid to don their furs - even in the "hot" temperatures, and Ethan is more anxious than ever to head out with his daddy to hunt and trap.  Trapping is still very much alive and well in this part of the world and will hopefully provide us with some very nice meals in the coming winters.

Ethan entering Beluga Point

Following the Iditarod start, we made our way to the Midnight Sun Cafe for a quick lunch before hitting the Anchorage Museum.  Ethan and I have been there at least five times, and we still can't seem to see everything!  After a quick nap during the Planetarium Show (ha ha) we were rested enough to tackle the remaining two floors of the museum, and make a trip to Girdwood, passing Beluga Point along the way.  No belugas this trip, but we were able to see several people paddle boarding (yes, you read that right, too) as the tide came in.  It was a bit too cold for us on the water, but they were all dressed appropriately!

Grandma and Grandpa Beaver at Beluga Point

Beluga Point

Sunday, March 8 brought new adventures in Palmer, as we watched our little Ethan get baptized.  He had been asking about baptism for some time, and the date was set weeks ago.  It was a nice surprise for Grandma and Grandpa to be able to join in his celebration.  Sunday and Monday we had to rest to get rejuvenated for the remainder of this week!

Ethan's Baptism Service

Tuesday we braved the summit of Hatcher's Pass, and we have decided that the ski hill we initially found during the Christmas holiday is for sissies!  You will see t-i-n-y dots in the picture.  Well...those dots are actually sledders close to Independence Mine.  You may even have to zoom in with your computers/phones to see them - they were that far away from us!  We watched them for awhile from the parking lot, and have decided that will be our new sledding destination (if the snow fog and avalanches don't keep us away)!

Zoom in to see the sledders...soooo far away! And sooo high up!

We hit up the Palmer Hay Flats after that then joined King Tom and Queen Brenda for dinner at the castle!  Grandma and Grandpa climbed to the top of the castle, and we thought we were going to lose Grandpa one time when he leaned out the open window to take a picture; but...praise the Lord, he remained inside and intact!  After some super food, great fellowship, and funny stories from Tom, we have decided we will venture to McGrath, Alaska on July 4, to see what that's all about!

Grandma Bocces

Yesterday Ethan and I taught Grandma and Grandpa how to play bocce ball, and after one round Grandma said, "I'm hooked!"  We laughed, concentrated, and talked about how bocce could easily become a game of choice -- maybe even a contender to replace horseshoes at the Beaver family reunion...Nahhh!  A five-way Uno tournament later in the evening nearly turned bloody, as Ethan beat us all TWICE!  We didn't know if it would turn to fist-i-cuffs or if I'd have to call a clean-up crew for bladder issues.  We play "house rules" which increases the drawing required for all players. I think by the time the grandparents return to NC, Grandma will finally know that you can't play the number 2 on a Draw-2! (Secretly we all believe she knows, but she just doesn't want to draw 2 additional cards!  Just like Grandpa knows sixes and nines are NOT the same! :)  So we laugh until we cry!

Baby Salmon "Wintering" on the Flats

As their trip winds down, we decided today would be the final day of "sight-seeing."  They were able to see two moose and an eagle, although none were in our yard this time.  The Northern Lights have been scarce as well, but predictions indicate they may actually fly out while the lights are active. That would be amazing!  We found a new access to the Hay Flats today, and I think it is beginning to be very difficult to decide on a "favorite" place in this paradise.  The portion we visited today is home to "baby salmon," and we can't help but be anxious for Spring when the water thaws and we can see them!


We love sharing our photos with you, and yes, the backdrops are all "real."  I struggle to put words with the photos, as I don't think there are adequate words to describe what we are seeing.  Grandma and Grandpa agreed.  Thank goodness we have Ethan to keep us "grounded" and giggling.

Case in point:  Perhaps the highlight of the trip occurred earlier in the week at Beluga Point.  The scenery there is so gorgeous, that even in person, the mountains just don't look real.  They look like a painted backdrop. The awe they inspire as a result can be overwhelming.  It was in such a moment that Grandma said, "I cannot believe this view.  No one would believe this view.  It absolutely just takes my breath away." To which Ethan replied in the sweetest, most innocent voice:

 "Do you know what else takes your breath away, Grandma?"

"What?"

"A good punch to the gut!"

AAAGGGHHH!  Boys!!!  My life would not be complete without my four -- nor would it would be nearly as fun!  Until the next adventure...

 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13