We also spent some time Saturday at Beluga Point... were we saw no beluga whales but we are led to believe they can be seen there from time to time.
It was windy but a lot of fun to climb around the rocks and have our kids get up close to the ocean, some for the first time.
Yesterday we had our first day of family exploring since we've been in Alaska. Hubby and I had a chance to plan the day on our Friday night date, and so we had our plan, and then we were able to be a little spontaneous as the day progressed as well.
We visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where we saw a lot of native Alaskan animals that for one reason or another are not fit or able to survive in the wild, and so the conservation center has provided medical care and then created a healthy environment for each animal, similar to the wild, but where they are protected. We packed a picnic lunch, walked the trail to see all the animals, and had fun. I'm glad we went and know what's there, but it was more expensive then I expected so we will not need to go back. Now we can recognize Alaskan animals when we see them in the wild because we've seen them at this center.
We saw wolf, grizzly bear, black bear, moose, elk, reindeer, musk ox, porcupine, a bald eagle, wood bison, and black-tailed deer. Seeing musk ox for the first time (and pretty close) and watching the grizzly bear swim were two of the highlights.
There was more to the day but I will save that for another update:
Just a friendly Public Service Announcement from your Alaskan Mountain Millers...
Alaska's waters have leeches.
Note: All the children in the picture lived to tell the tale.
Brady's second birthday was in May, and by then, we knew we were moving to Alaska and selling many belongings. So, my parents agreed, at my request, to delay sending Brady a birthday present until we were settled in our new home as I didn't want to have to move the new gift. They said that sounded great and we all agreed that a toddler basketball hoop would be great for our little man (we had one years ago when Howard was 2, but it was fell apart a few years ago after much wear and tear).
We ordered Brady's hoop yesterday... and if you ask me, it can't come quickly enough.
After a FULL day of packing as fast and furiously as I could, I finally sat down on the stairs while I was watching the children make their own dinner. Within a minute, Brady had climbed up behind me and started rubbing my back. Hunter was fast to follow Brady's example.
This move is big and it is challenging, but I have no doubt in my mind that our family will make the trip and find a home in Palmer with flying colors because our children are amazing tiny humans and we are supporting each other on this next adventure.
The back rub was amazing until Hunter said he saw an ant on my back and promptly slapped it (the ant...and my back) as hard as he could.
This boy is happy.
Grammie's cinnamon bread in one hand, passie in the other.
This is his best life for sure!
Here are some pictures from the morning of our second day on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel. So, our first breakfast...
Happy 12th Anniversary to my Hubby. Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all," and life with you has been every bit of a daring adventure.
Twelve years ago I vowed to you that "Where you go, I will go... Where you stay, I will stay."
