Finally, Alaska, Part 1

Sister Carrie surprised us by meeting us at the airport!

We spent our first day at the Alaska State Fair...

The bird show was my favorite!

Yes, Alaska...

Cute little Irene with Uncle Ray...

This has become a trend at the fair- to get your hair all sculpted up. Again, yes, Alaska.

Doc and Sue got some cute new clothes for our little ones! Look at this little lady....

We drove out to see Mark and Tammy's farm, where Ray used to work as a kid. WOW- what an incredible group of people, what beautiful land, and what a perfect farming concept.

Alaska, Part 1.5

On our way to Homer. A little avocado makes for a nice traveling snack!!

A five hour drive south from Anchorage- we made it!

Corrie, Stan and the kids drove their camper down too!

Our first walk on the spit...

A visit into the well-known Salty Dawg Saloon...

Doc and Sue surprised us with a cruise over to Halibut Cove for our anniversary. It was extra special because they were doing an "Iron Chef Alaska" competition!

When we left Homer it was raining. During the 30 minute boat crossing, the sun opened up and we have blue, bright skies!!

Amazing appetizers: oyster shooters, fine cheese and local mead- so tasty!

We went and sat down by the dock before dinner. The babes loved the sun!

There were 8 teams of chefs. The surprise ingredient was salmon shark and they had one hour to prepare three courses. The food was unbelievably good!

All local ingredients- our salad was made with red curry and beets... yum...

Our main course was seared shark atop a croquette with colorful sauteed veggies.

The sun stayed out all evening!

Truly a magical place...

After dinner, we took the boat back across the inlet. The sunset was incredible...

Anyone familiar with the tv show, Deadliest Catch? This is the infamous "Time Bandit".

The next morning we awoke to this view, above the clouds. The glaciers were breathtaking...

Alaska, Part 2

Val (Ray's Mama) had made beautiful quilts for all of Corrie's kiddos. They were so excited!

We went blueberry picking up Hatcher's Pass with Corrie and the kids. It was a bit rainy, but SO beautiful. The berries were so abundant this time of the year...

Ray got in to the Crow berries...

A cute little Pika...

A MOOSE!!!

Corrie and the bambinos. They love their Auntie!!

Carrie, Golda and Otso at a lunch together...

Finally, a photo of the kids and all 14 grandkids!!

Oh Sophia!!

Corrie's amazing log cabin that they built!

Sophia meets rice cereal!

Dear Solomon:)

The kids LOVED it when Ray threw them in the air. This is a fantastic photo of Rosie, taken by Patrick!

Saying goodbyes at the airport. Sure did love our time up there with dear sisters and their beautiful families... Also, a BIG thank you to Doc and Sue Larson for graciously housing us. What incredible hosts and friends...