HOLIDAY IN ALASKA

Looks like I used the "layered effect" to stay warm in Alaska. Most of the days we were there were cool (in the 50's) with some rain, but moments of sunshine, too. The extra moisture in the air felt good to us parched Idahoans. Everywhere you looked the scenery was spectacular! This glacier-fed lake was not far from Debbie & Aaron's house (the glacier is behind my head). Tyler's favorite activity was throwing rocks in the water and watching them make a big splash. I think he could do that for hours. Debbie occasionally had to call him to come back closer to shore before the water went over the tops of his boots.
I couldn't get enough of the amazing view from Debbie & Aaron's front deck . . .

The trees in various shades of green and yellow and some orange were gorgeous along with the dark green evergreens mixed in. We went on some beautiful drives, although Peter, Tyler and Sadie missed some of the views . . .
"Gwampa" said that he loved bonding with Tyler in the far-back seat, although he claims that Tyler was out of his car seat about 60% of the time.

My camera ran out of battery power at this point. Hopefully Debbie will add some photos of other adventures.

My Trip Hi-Lights:

*First hugs at the airport with Debbie, Aaron, Tyler and Sadie

*Stopping at an art dealer's place in Anchorage and seeing some of Aaron's amazing carvings

*Uplifting and inspiring views everywhere you look
*Lunch at Lucky Wishbone

*Finally getting to see Debbie & Aaron's place near the Butte

*Cozy fires in the Barrett living room

*Cuddling with Sadie

*Excursions around Palmer/Wasilla (getting to see Sarah Palin's house)

*Shopping at Wal-Mart

*Rock skipping on a beautiful lake--Aaron could easily win "gold" in the rock-skipping Olympics

*Church meetings in Palmer

*Sunday Family Dinner with the Barretts prepared by Shirleymae (yummy Mexican food)

*Birthday Party with the Barretts for Debbie and Tyler
*Watching Tyler's excitement when he unwrapped a toy loader from his parents

*Watching Tyler play with the loader--pushing it and running back and forth and back and forth (dozens of times) across the living room and into his bedroom--Sadie trotting along behind then turning in fear as Tyler headed back in her direction chasing her into her Daddy's arms and safety (but she kept doing it)--there were some close calls

*Sleeping in Tyler's not-quite-finished bedroom on Aaron & Debbie's very comfy bed while they slept on the floor

*Seeing pictures and hearing about Aaron's adventures on the Island buying whale bone from the natives (Debbie--post some of them on your blog)

*Pete's excitement when Debbie brought us Sunday servin's--toastwiches just like he fixes

*Hearing the GREAT NEWS that the Barrett family is coming to Idaho for Christmas! (Made it way easier to say good-bye . . .)