Alaska Vacation

In July we spent a week in Alaska visiting the Tuomi. We had an awesome time sightseeing, camping, and most importantly celebrating Jack's baptism with the whole family.

Getting there was an adventure in itself. We were all flying standby courtsey of Jane and Jim's buddy passes on Alaska airlines. Jonah, Ben, Mom and I tried to start a day early, but were unsucessful. What does one do to pass time while waiting for the next flight? After the first missed flight - hanging out at the Mall of America. After the second - checking into a hotel!

Eating at the Rainforest Cafe. Jonah was extremely excited to order the Volcano cake. This is how he looked during the entire meal waiting for it....


It's arrival....

Even Ben was impressed. But as soon as the waitress left with the burnt out sparklers, both boys insisted that they weren't hungry - they just wanted to SEE the volcano cake. Thanks for the expensive dessert mom. (It was delicious!)

Hanging out with Uniqua

Shopping

Eventually checking into a hotel for the night and watching movies.

The next day we were all able to make it on flights and arrived late in Alaska. Jonah had to wait until the next morning to greet Marcus:

The big day - Jack's clearly smiling at me! :-)

Grandma and Jack

Simply ADORABLE!

Not exactly sure how Jim is managing this one armed feat - it's impressive!

Sponsors - Aunt Emily and Uncle Randy


The whole family.

Getting all three boys to look at the camera at the same time - impossible. But boy did they have fun in the "bubble tub"!

Saw a moose in the neighbor's yard on a walk that night - very cool!

Few things get Ben as excited as new pair of pajamas!

Hiking in Girdwood

Grandma and Grandpa with Marcus, and Jonah in front.

Jonah leading the way

The hand tram that went over a rather large gorge!

Send Grandpa and Uncle Jim first!

Marcus considers it.

The view as you are going over. It was a long way down!!!

Emily and Randy make it.

Camping on the Kenai River. Jonah was "mildly" excited about this!

The men start the fire...

Successfully!

Thumbs up on the fire!

Snacks. (Never have I eated so well on a camping trip: homemade salsa, taco dip, omlets in a bag!)

Jonah and Benjamin helping pitch the boys/mens tent.

It's up!

The first bear we saw (in downtown Anchorage).

Train Ride to Talkeetna

Fun on the train.

On the outdoor viewing platform

Arrived in Talkeetna. Found an awesome playground and a great restaurant.

Then off to McKinley Lodge.

McKinley is behind us lost in the cloud cover. The view was still breathtaking!

Hiking on the trails at the lodge.

Taking a break for 20 questions - a popular game with the boys right now. Ben's favorite one's usually involve animals with 3 or 5 legs!

The second bear we saw.

Benjamin and baby Jack!


Couldn't make a connection flying standby on the way home and got stuck in Seattle. No one really seemed to mind - the pool was awesome!

Up for our 5 a.m. flight on the last day - Ben is definitely the morning person in the family!