Family Fun

So, for the past few days we've been in beautiful Anchorage, AK enjoying time with friends and family. On Saturday, we got to walk through the first Saturday Market of the season while taking in some fabulous sunshine. We were also able to celebrate the birthdays of two of my nephews and my Dad together as a family. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone in a relaxed (and somewhat chaotic) environment. Kathy and my other family members made a meal that was beyond yummy, and I really enjoyed great conversation with everyone.

On Sunday, we took a scenic but very rainy trip from Anchorage to Whittier via a 2.5 mile train tunnel (the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, in fact). While the rain was a complete bummer, we did get to see a "real live" moose as we were driving, and the scenery was beautiful. There's not much of note in Whittier, especially if you're not a fisherman or snowmobiler, but it's still worth the trip at least once in your life. I highly recommend it. Oh, and I recommend the chocolate chip cookies at the Bake Shop in Girdwood / Alyeska. Yum, yum, yum.

Monday brought the graduation of my beautiful niece Jordan. We sat in the Sullivan Arena, a large venue in Anchorage. It was amazing! I have to admit that I haven't been to a high school graduation in more than 10 years, but things have changed since I graduated... as we walked in there were stands lining the sidewalk schilling flowers and other knicknacks. Once inside the arena, we secured seats just below the nosebleed section, with a clear view of everything that happened on stage and elsewhere. After some of my family made a trip to the snack bar (hello? Who wants fake nachos at a high school graduation?), we settled in and listened to a few speeches and some good music while enjoying a side game of Crazy Eights (what can I say? I'm easily distracted, and graduations are a little boring!). Either way, I'm really proud of my niece, and I can't wait to see where life takes her.

OH, and on the way home from dropping off family from the graduation party, we got to get up close and personal with some more Alaskan moose. My sister tried to do her best moose call for us so that the moose would look our way, but we learned that she may need to stick to her day job instead. ;-) Alas, we had a great time appreciating nature and laughing at our bad moose call skills.

We got to walk around downtown Anchorage on Tuesday, enjoying some food at Humpy's and taking photos downtown. In the evening, I got to take in a few hockey games with my super-cool nephews, Jake and Andrew. Jake earned the nickname "Tractor" from the announcer, and both boys kicked butt during their games. Good times.

Today, I'm feeling the vacation relaxation take effect, as my siser-in-law Heather and I got to go to the spa and get back massages while Lennie took an hour or so to put in closet organizers at Eric's place. His handiwork looks fabulous, and my massage was well worth it. After experiencing my first gyros for dinner with family, we shared some laughter and retired for the night.

So far, it's been a great trip, and I can't wait to see what the next few days bring. Perhaps a few more wildlife sightings? Or maybe some more laughter with family and friends? Who knows?!