tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69080544468090470942024-03-05T07:41:16.700-08:00Hey it's me Janel!janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-89042189640887622102014-04-07T00:07:00.000-07:002014-04-07T00:07:09.600-07:00More to Come<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ok so I knew that I wanted to re-start my blog and just try to keep in touch with people a little better. I often love quickly catching up with some of the latest things going on in my friends and families lives so that I get a better picture of what is going on, and it's fun for me to share more than just pictures on Facebook or Instagram - this way I can also share my thoughts.</div>
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So for now I posted two reviews of the hiatus I took in 2012 and 2013, I'll be back soon to post about my fist winter in Alaska and how this year is shaping up so far! I love you all!</div>
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janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-56279903497936384252014-04-06T23:47:00.001-07:002014-04-07T00:07:34.332-07:002013 Review in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2013 was another great year but I made a transition from my job and decided to head back up to Alaska with the intention of taking a "working vacation" and then diving into the next thing. I wasn't expecting to find an opportunity to stay or even that I would really consider it and eventually accept that offer - but just like most things in my life, it doesn't quite end up like I planned but everything ends up just as it should!</div>
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March 2013 - 1/2 Marathon that I didn't really train for but just ran anyway, so nice to have these friends to motivate me and wait for me at the finish line!</div>
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March 2013 - Celebrated Shaun's 30th birthday in Sunriver, OR</div>
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April 2013 - Took a road trip to visit friends/family in the Pacific Northwest, so nice to re-connect and get some good quality time with the people that remind me who I am!</div>
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May - I decided to head back up to Alaska to work on the trains and convinced a friend or two to join me for some summer adventures!</div>
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May 2013 - Quickly reminded myself of how much I love Alaska!</div>
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June 2013 - We had some visitors, Katie made it up for Solstice</div>
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July 2013 - 4th of July raft down the Kenai River</div>
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Aug 2013 - Carlina came too and caught our silver salmon in Seward!</div>
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Aug 2013 - My parents finally made it up to see me and I tried to show them as much of Alaska as I could in about 7 days, while balancing my work schedule!</div>
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October 2013 - After I decided to stay in Alaska as the Supervisor or Rail Operations for the Wilderness Express Train, I went home to visit and get some warmer clothes - we headed over to Yellowstone too to see Old Faithful while I was in Idaho!</div>
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Oct 2013 - Then we sent Nathaniel on his mission to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</div>
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Oct 2013 - Stayed in Utah to go to Lake Powell for the first time!</div>
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Dec 2013 - more to come on my adventures during my first winter in Alaska but I made sure that I got to spend the holidays this year with family and I flew down so that I arrived just in time for Christmas morning with some of my favorite people!</div>
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This year I was grateful for changes that I expected and others that I didn't, I know that many of our experiences are given to us to allow us to grow and become better so I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity that is sent my way!</div>
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janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-41466962883967202222014-04-06T22:32:00.001-07:002014-04-06T22:32:22.398-07:002012 Review in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well in order to catch up I thought I'd try to fill in the gap a little - so here is my review of the year 2012, mostly in pictures cause let's be honest that's the best part!</div>
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Feb 2012 I finally made it to Delicate Arch!</div>
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March 2012 My first time to Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork, UT</div>
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March 2012 Got to celebrate the wedding of one of my FAVORITE people! I love you LJ!</div>
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May 2012 Visited India with Kaiizen and had an amazing trip and fell in love with the kids there!</div>
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May 2012 Came home to my niece Miley being born that same day (this picture is of her blessing later)</div>
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May 2012</div>
Rob easily won best birthday gift award with my own corn hole set!<br />
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Aug 2012 - Had a family trip to the Oregon Coast and took some "classic" family pictures.</div>
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Sept 2012 - Finally hiked to the top of Mt. Timpanogoes (not sure if I'll ever do it again)</div>
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Oct 2012 - Ran the Dirty Dash in large animal face T-shirts with my work!</div>
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Top: Before > Bottom: After</div>
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Oct 2012 - Went to Madonna in concert in Vegas with work</div>
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Oct 2012 - Finally made it to TN to see Amy Lou!!</div>
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Nov 2012 - Welcomed my niece Norah to the family (picture obviously later)</div>
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Dec 2012 - Made a last minute bouquet for my cousin Callie's wedding</div>
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Overall 2012 was a great year, although it's funny posting about it now cause now of this seemed very long ago yet more that a year or two have already passed, CRAZY!</div>
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janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-90672168232153960902012-01-28T18:15:00.000-08:002012-01-28T18:45:17.242-08:00"The Incident"I'm currently working for an adult drug and alcohol rehab in Utah which has been both rewarding and challenging. I enjoy helping people, especially those who are trying to improve their lives and progress to reach their potential. It's not always easy but I feel needed for both patients and therapists and I have learned a lot and grown.<div><br /></div><div>However last week was by far the worst day in my year of working there. I took half of the group to a recreation activity at a local trampoline gym. Unfortunately one client had smuggled drugs into the facility after a weekend pass (he had almost completed 60 days of treatment). He shared it with two other clients on the way to the activity and then decided to elevate their high by taking more when we got there. The used a synthetic drug that can't be traced in your urine but took way too much and by the time our session was over one client was babbling and acting stupid. He is a total <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">jokester</span> so I thought he was messing with me and after prodding him and telling him it wasn't funny anymore I told him to follow us out to the car.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I got outside I found another client just sitting on some steps near the van and when I told him he needed to always wait for me he turned around and starting slinging a bunch of profanities. This didn't face me just caught me off guard but I don't think I'll be able to forget the look of his eyes. His pupils were the size of pins and it was as if he was possessed. I mean I could not even glimpse a part of his goodness or anything true to his nature. When I looked back inside and realized the first client had not "snapped out of it" I knew something was really wrong. I'd love to say how strong I was and how I heroically controlled the situation and made everything better.</div><div><br /></div><div>In reality, I was completely overwhelmed and out of my comfort zone. The clients continued to be aggressive and incoherent and although the other clients were trying to help I was so lost. I started calling my supervisors only to completely start crying and already being sick and losing my voice they couldn't even understand me. We eventually got them the info and were instructed to load everyone up and head back to the house immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div>Easier said then done, the client who was sitting out side was hitting and biting and cursing as two boys guided him into a bench seat. The other client was holding onto a fence and screaming and when they tried to lift him up went crazy swinging at anything he could. Finally once he calmed down they tried again and this time he started to pass out and go unconscious on us. Now I knew we had a bigger problem and that these boys were in danger of an overdose. Another call to my boss and we were now headed straight to the hospital. Oh it gets better, on the way to the hospital the unconscious client is turning grey and not breathing well and another client leans forward to inform me that she is positive a third client is high as well - I look in the rear view mirror and she similar eyes and know that we'll have to take care of that soon as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I pull up and have everyone wait in the car - come inside and while yes still crying explain my situation to the nurse who grabs some friends, I don't want the clients to hurt anyone, and they come out to the van to help get the clients onto beds. From there a lot was happening fast and slow at the same time, I'm trying to provide information to the hospital while keeping my other clients in sight, and giving co-workers updates and directions to the hospital.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first client has a strong reaction and after not breathing well on his own is eventually <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">intibated</span> and moved up to the ICU. The second client when he wakes up is so violent (and a strong person) so he is eventually restrained in the ER. The third client eventually had a gradual reaction in the waiting room, passed out, wet himself and also landed in his own room.</div><div><br /></div><div>So on my watch 3 of the 7 clients ended up in the ER. I cried pretty much consistently from 3pm - 10pm when I finally was home and went to bed. They say I saved <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">someone's</span> life by getting him to the hospital but I was so frustrated/hurt/and scared that it had to even come to that. All three clients were discharged and although I still hope for their recovery I personally can no longer be involved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Addiction is a real disease and it kills people, lots of people, everyday. From my observations there is no "high" or "buzz" that is worth even an once of the pain, sadness, hopelessness, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">aloneness</span>, fear, and frustration that it causes to all those who have to share the consequences. I just needed to share my experience to try to let it go. I won't blame myself for someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">else's</span> choices and I don't have to hold onto any of the emotions that I felt that day. I will not be able to forget this experience but I pray that I never have to be present for something like this again. I choose to be clean and sober because I want to be present for my life and I never want to let something control me and take away everything that I am. </div><div><br /></div><div>We end every AA/NA/CA 12-step Meeting with the serenity prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."</div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-8425982806399436082012-01-28T17:41:00.000-08:002012-01-28T18:14:50.417-08:00Everything is better with Friends!<div><br />So this year started out great I was able to head up to Washington for my brother's reception and see a bunch of family and friends. Unfortunately it seems like every time I get to visit with someone it is not enough time. We try to catch up and share some laughs but I just wish we all could take a month off and just be together.<div><br /></div><div>So every October Southwest Airlines has this great deal and if you fly the beginning of December or sometime in January or February you can get great rates. I really wanted to go visit my friend Katie who had just done a full year internship with Walt Disney World and since I had never been there before I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And luckily my work appreciates what I do and how hard I work so they allowed me to take a full week off so that I could take the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Am Track</span> with Katie up to Washington DC to visit her sister Anna too. I loved that I just got to spend TIME with them and we did just enough sightseeing but enough relaxing to still call it vacation.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The photos loaded backwards and I'm too impatient to re-do it or move them around. But enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e81MrRComb-ou4Zp2wID4cZuR6V_xkUId7jbFnyxcf_U_DUq4T190FiTEONWVga6Xun46HDQW1pQAIlAV-CU_wlBP_us8B3UHoZmpkAb8oPhjc8Ie7vTymNNyB282dbSwcAazxbVsL0/s1600/dc+time+122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e81MrRComb-ou4Zp2wID4cZuR6V_xkUId7jbFnyxcf_U_DUq4T190FiTEONWVga6Xun46HDQW1pQAIlAV-CU_wlBP_us8B3UHoZmpkAb8oPhjc8Ie7vTymNNyB282dbSwcAazxbVsL0/s320/dc+time+122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868709386565170" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In front of the Washington Monument - thank you random man who took our picture and got none of the Monument (the whole point). Don't worry he cut out the baby in the first picture too.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLSXG_KDwdAuyEvzOu_ZxZQHwYgCZ7Wf92O2b2A5nN459qc_gzbTVyqAHXv26_MiIe8SCWkVdAOvI4rPw1VQmr7NZflltEz861IGr-aZUEau7qsF6B-ezWoM28n87p5yh8_hOPDapZvE/s1600/dc+time+115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLSXG_KDwdAuyEvzOu_ZxZQHwYgCZ7Wf92O2b2A5nN459qc_gzbTVyqAHXv26_MiIe8SCWkVdAOvI4rPw1VQmr7NZflltEz861IGr-aZUEau7qsF6B-ezWoM28n87p5yh8_hOPDapZvE/s320/dc+time+115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868101598943298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">At the Lincoln Memorial - it was pretty cold this day with some good wind - add that to my eye itching and watering all day, hence the squint. But we still had a great time. And yes I forgot a hat so I'm wearing my scarf like my grandma used to.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorUPPe-v0U_P9dFX2335wcO2yHvLG-599bNPufCqq1NidAHQ7IjAj8JNeof8bb7_3PYAlpn8fj5MFnaDpk5NdEXH-K0gSa5fjTyPqUFx77Kfnr7nurYA4NWjGdyDy3cv0kRvIZNaups/s1600/dc+time+111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCorUPPe-v0U_P9dFX2335wcO2yHvLG-599bNPufCqq1NidAHQ7IjAj8JNeof8bb7_3PYAlpn8fj5MFnaDpk5NdEXH-K0gSa5fjTyPqUFx77Kfnr7nurYA4NWjGdyDy3cv0kRvIZNaups/s320/dc+time+111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868088864654322" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We went to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gettysburg</span> one morning - Katie and I climbed an observation tower. It was so cold we stayed up there just long enough to take a picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlPJXoPk4TZkn9Obk7szftBkfYtN5nHV_qNxLgNNl80h0tBk5l13u2J_2sSMiGShkI_rMIIYzX2OZ-FjrznHNal-Uv3-PQCUDs0sXoq_QBd_bWp-vpNKjGo-Z9ZxtBLQ_QJIRfFTWpg/s1600/dc+time+108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGlPJXoPk4TZkn9Obk7szftBkfYtN5nHV_qNxLgNNl80h0tBk5l13u2J_2sSMiGShkI_rMIIYzX2OZ-FjrznHNal-Uv3-PQCUDs0sXoq_QBd_bWp-vpNKjGo-Z9ZxtBLQ_QJIRfFTWpg/s320/dc+time+108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868080899179442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The canyon location where the union Army held the high ground.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPnvtad8vHoM4xLOt8HpQxF5l18j86j7_JOjbbMTlOuGDgY2oPUL_Xwvi8cIisDR3sl9L2pN-KEJW0lXuudVQUiAC9SIibw5CSuhUE4wB-SOxiTHMSrZYdWvEhLjBJOkBofYJ1MbL30g/s1600/dc+time+107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPnvtad8vHoM4xLOt8HpQxF5l18j86j7_JOjbbMTlOuGDgY2oPUL_Xwvi8cIisDR3sl9L2pN-KEJW0lXuudVQUiAC9SIibw5CSuhUE4wB-SOxiTHMSrZYdWvEhLjBJOkBofYJ1MbL30g/s320/dc+time+107.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868064224107698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We were on a self-guided driving tour and when I got out of the car the map blew away - and I'm talking it was incredibly windy so it was like gone. It blew about 60 yards away through this fence but I saw it get stuck in these grasses so I chased it down and jumped the fence - tons of prickly bushes I didn't see (oops) and retrieved our map so we could continue the tour. Abe would have been proud.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbM5hR50SPZNgHdoUxCpU_pyCJcYY8ZEEDdaXuqRgCpV68xt9cYzvSCBRvRaeOwX0wFdPAk44p3FFBpcnowqi3BagZLXFa63h8evie2l8fFIyCCqpVZlUb_oxc7p-yPn9UX8FHhgg7TE/s1600/dc+time+105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbM5hR50SPZNgHdoUxCpU_pyCJcYY8ZEEDdaXuqRgCpV68xt9cYzvSCBRvRaeOwX0wFdPAk44p3FFBpcnowqi3BagZLXFa63h8evie2l8fFIyCCqpVZlUb_oxc7p-yPn9UX8FHhgg7TE/s320/dc+time+105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702868061300328290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The other observation tower check out Anna's scarf and hair the wind was so strong.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIJVEGymuAyiIIhESXCsaNHQmzSpONTh29_Rajb1min_6IXmo4BQPitjwxGf5z5_5gRz5cWaHaaR21gLHCTSmwSrNlRIV4XFds4_S8ZgwUb9t5F5yja0hNDdQmq3cSBxO3Epwqzj8050/s1600/dc+time+089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIJVEGymuAyiIIhESXCsaNHQmzSpONTh29_Rajb1min_6IXmo4BQPitjwxGf5z5_5gRz5cWaHaaR21gLHCTSmwSrNlRIV4XFds4_S8ZgwUb9t5F5yja0hNDdQmq3cSBxO3Epwqzj8050/s320/dc+time+089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702866037996004738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our walking tour of downtown Fredrick. These towns are so fun with so much history and personality it was great to walk around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0brohKwi6-bDHNPl8jGi-8KWCW_1LIOsktiV3qwz3iImuUunfpYlJbYhoncS38yhWxlT40xpDZLVeKq8C5hS-i5iT58ajXVaGkV4QVtUu_U05LC8GDAdIVp3uK3Mm4Ztmtuc5LzwNsc/s1600/dc+time+084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0brohKwi6-bDHNPl8jGi-8KWCW_1LIOsktiV3qwz3iImuUunfpYlJbYhoncS38yhWxlT40xpDZLVeKq8C5hS-i5iT58ajXVaGkV4QVtUu_U05LC8GDAdIVp3uK3Mm4Ztmtuc5LzwNsc/s320/dc+time+084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702866024747129554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Katie and I took the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Am Track</span> up to DC from Florida, not as scenic as I would have liked but still a great experience. This kind gentleman rode with us from Orlando and would constantly come talk to us about places to go in DC. I think he kept trying to think of more so he could stop by our seats again. So nice!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5TsOoFJTHOus-Q7eJKv7upe6wqPFj5I88_0fpDb4BG8UA7JBibA3g1B3nS0fKBrQ85a4i0UMkYN5X2lBTnuO80mwkFfFH3gEXRrdcuiaOvPGCOp343wyQCU4DFXZCEex0ODjV0c-D0k/s1600/dc+time+083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5TsOoFJTHOus-Q7eJKv7upe6wqPFj5I88_0fpDb4BG8UA7JBibA3g1B3nS0fKBrQ85a4i0UMkYN5X2lBTnuO80mwkFfFH3gEXRrdcuiaOvPGCOp343wyQCU4DFXZCEex0ODjV0c-D0k/s320/dc+time+083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702866015866276562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wildlife Kingdom Walt Disney World - by the Tree of Life</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_zxjboPKdDK0mCBqKrFHwlAIl1rL5PYaOEzLQdoGSQ9MWLMZU3j3kP8mZpSOuhku19O-jEAOL-JQ4YFZcMopGP50gFRjlkp9uSIHdDQPqZmAK-JbXHvrhmElxUCFDCEowFlAdn7Zo34/s1600/dc+time+071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_zxjboPKdDK0mCBqKrFHwlAIl1rL5PYaOEzLQdoGSQ9MWLMZU3j3kP8mZpSOuhku19O-jEAOL-JQ4YFZcMopGP50gFRjlkp9uSIHdDQPqZmAK-JbXHvrhmElxUCFDCEowFlAdn7Zo34/s320/dc+time+071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702866004071878050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Epcot - Katie works super close to this and she took me on a backstage tour of the hydroponics greenhouse she had been working in. It was so fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYmJ4f40Lls4ksGG8Nr6ZqABpIfgI5IEwSlpuMD-i5WB4XNmsh9sIxYAm00QJB5kCTGj9OrV9BMcQIpRsJb0uJDzTcLUrI7kA1wX8ix5LiuUrGSfDzBflcn6fVWqhxmJbxi5JvwFyj-0/s1600/dc+time+070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYmJ4f40Lls4ksGG8Nr6ZqABpIfgI5IEwSlpuMD-i5WB4XNmsh9sIxYAm00QJB5kCTGj9OrV9BMcQIpRsJb0uJDzTcLUrI7kA1wX8ix5LiuUrGSfDzBflcn6fVWqhxmJbxi5JvwFyj-0/s320/dc+time+070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702865998303222210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Had to get a picture with a character! Katie's roommates came with us and we all had such a great time touring the parks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks again girls for taking the time to let me come visit. I'll be buying another ticket I'm sure next year in October so let me know if you'd like a visitor coming your way.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-21010171009810622692011-12-25T07:43:00.000-08:002011-12-25T08:47:15.780-08:00Year in Review - 2011<div style="text-align: center;">So 2011 wasn't my best year for blogging, in fact I posted once until now. However I don't want to give up on blogging I like to get little updates from friends and share a few pictures from my life and what I am up to. So I am taking the time (while working over the Christmas weekend) to post a glace at 2011 for me. Nothing big but as a quick way to get caught up so I can continue to post from the present and not get overwhelmed with what I didn't get done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year ended with an amazing trip to Spokane for Kurt's wedding and then traveling with two of my best friends to catch a cruise out of LA. We were able to visit friends along the way and stay at the "Bro-mansion" out in Claremont.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiYz2NwaI_k_G_sgxOdJk-zTXF3REIbT5Y3Dq-jqPfFmqegsmzg4yAV_xA5e3DApAvWvRzAVYtvKm4bv-fQgSe721fKWXeh2Ehil1L5plfkmbgvuunuBckiBTVFVDSacBAbMgssnfMuc/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiYz2NwaI_k_G_sgxOdJk-zTXF3REIbT5Y3Dq-jqPfFmqegsmzg4yAV_xA5e3DApAvWvRzAVYtvKm4bv-fQgSe721fKWXeh2Ehil1L5plfkmbgvuunuBckiBTVFVDSacBAbMgssnfMuc/s320/IMG_7136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690101012927048658" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The cruise was so much fun we went down the Mexican Riviera and had so many laughs along the way. Falling out of THIS boat actually, zip-lining through the canopy or Puerta Vallarta, eating guacamole, and watching some awesome and not so awesome entertainment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I moved down to Utah to live with my cousin, got a job at a drug and alcohol rehab center for adults and moved in with this house full of girls. It is so fun to come home and have great people to talk with, play games, or go for a hike with. I feel very blessed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Picture taken from recent Christmas Party) </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeBJY6t7lsl0r_qZ4AYbNKjf_Gbw7dk5EaPWQ_B2HKhiMoIBUyB0B6T9-E2kbZClLGpueWwZchqg6oWgBEFnH5dSmVoAnu8tot3SqtvMLtaol0HHSnvzsoZ79cTy7sCn6bQQv3afZ5EA/s1600/roommates.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeBJY6t7lsl0r_qZ4AYbNKjf_Gbw7dk5EaPWQ_B2HKhiMoIBUyB0B6T9-E2kbZClLGpueWwZchqg6oWgBEFnH5dSmVoAnu8tot3SqtvMLtaol0HHSnvzsoZ79cTy7sCn6bQQv3afZ5EA/s320/roommates.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690100833840227122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then in April when Joe and Damon were visiting from med school we all headed down to St. George with some new friends to go canyoneering and I got to climb down these canyons and repel from this huge rock face. It was a little scary but very fun.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NsP4zdr1ifOuOHRQ75tQoDvtLRWycRZc_2BpMAbwQWZMms5oq3RkSd9G_pR-mAF7RtSNkfPfIk8IENnw1HfVCNnD9I8FOCa87lQeXvvaN6cCN-5YAdmqah435T6TMvKB8RdLeTXRJZI/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NsP4zdr1ifOuOHRQ75tQoDvtLRWycRZc_2BpMAbwQWZMms5oq3RkSd9G_pR-mAF7RtSNkfPfIk8IENnw1HfVCNnD9I8FOCa87lQeXvvaN6cCN-5YAdmqah435T6TMvKB8RdLeTXRJZI/s320/IMG_7213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690100734409535074" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I visited Arizona for spring training and a friends wedding and we were able to attend all the festivities and still meet up with the boys at the Cubs game!</div><div style="text-align: center;">GO CUBS GO!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGbtTrz1NIL3kNHg9TbWM-gN2Ydr2yBp0ViToIAdiCwNHeDLG5VP9ibvdEfUZvjSlDPF7_vQTV_WR0uhyJwzTCahLIflFvHsgvfRrt2rZXwCcTcCrBaeDWL_Jq1shAKTgNgYXj4KfF-k/s1600/IMG_7240.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGbtTrz1NIL3kNHg9TbWM-gN2Ydr2yBp0ViToIAdiCwNHeDLG5VP9ibvdEfUZvjSlDPF7_vQTV_WR0uhyJwzTCahLIflFvHsgvfRrt2rZXwCcTcCrBaeDWL_Jq1shAKTgNgYXj4KfF-k/s320/IMG_7240.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690100562806310450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped by Horseshoe Bend on the way home which I'm pretty sure has to in some way be part of the Grand Canyon.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqlw-eT8P-HftQdsz9FBVE3p-6PxF2Td-tKYyogTuNMaWKspu-ho5vuiCeGr8Gprq_a2y22Z9_9FS7p5GRWNR0bPSpI5IowheDPcdYv5yA7vrRRaqD2jjKyOFW0RwBP_bpbtt8sOf0M4/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqlw-eT8P-HftQdsz9FBVE3p-6PxF2Td-tKYyogTuNMaWKspu-ho5vuiCeGr8Gprq_a2y22Z9_9FS7p5GRWNR0bPSpI5IowheDPcdYv5yA7vrRRaqD2jjKyOFW0RwBP_bpbtt8sOf0M4/s320/IMG_7277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690100403323670050" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Later that summer I ran in an Epic Relay Race that went 205 miles from Layton, UT to Jackson Hole, WY. We ran in teams of 12 and it was so fun I'm so glad I was able to run with friends and the race was awesome, not to crowded and some beautiful scenery.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4f3mUasPTf4UVEKKJncVLLRyzvu4oKpSm-3h6jFBrHLgv69X6pgjsNmvqlAsb6BANHR5tWUKVn5G0NL4M6me6p0mZjTBgkN60X3p1ZSwXk2EFRyl6d6MdQAVMWB9okRLP747VkVvYDs/s1600/Epic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4f3mUasPTf4UVEKKJncVLLRyzvu4oKpSm-3h6jFBrHLgv69X6pgjsNmvqlAsb6BANHR5tWUKVn5G0NL4M6me6p0mZjTBgkN60X3p1ZSwXk2EFRyl6d6MdQAVMWB9okRLP747VkVvYDs/s320/Epic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690100083316058066" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I flew up to Juneau to visit Hana who worked their this summer and finally saw some of the inside passage of Alaska. We had so much fun and went to the glacier everyday naturally!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tvv4GbuWIv1zj05FpdoqMB7MkR4Rxk5hZ8PWjz2QZTAbJg9quklEjFmdnfswWhk6hqEBHT-RSHXvYpwCRPbbPgM97aq2sGeF4S8LziCbDWxOYi_zLgP-RZ2FM6_yvlPRJbaK4q5O8Ms/s1600/IMG_7297.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tvv4GbuWIv1zj05FpdoqMB7MkR4Rxk5hZ8PWjz2QZTAbJg9quklEjFmdnfswWhk6hqEBHT-RSHXvYpwCRPbbPgM97aq2sGeF4S8LziCbDWxOYi_zLgP-RZ2FM6_yvlPRJbaK4q5O8Ms/s320/IMG_7297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690098973200231186" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I wore Red to my first football game ever because Amy got a job up at the U! And I told her I loved her more than any team so I would always support her - plus I couldn't let her lose her season tickets. They are intense about it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdDxPGON3wxjabFLcVIRpTisZkWMTX0X66y-tfllL_4hTUlpzsaPIeCSJrki5aj8exTzK_yX9cfJKwxl0JLlgEpuoqjTahjrJz4cVceNpAQyD8UlnYDUGuFhZC5NOEG5bOkVqX0Ldf6w/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdDxPGON3wxjabFLcVIRpTisZkWMTX0X66y-tfllL_4hTUlpzsaPIeCSJrki5aj8exTzK_yX9cfJKwxl0JLlgEpuoqjTahjrJz4cVceNpAQyD8UlnYDUGuFhZC5NOEG5bOkVqX0Ldf6w/s320/IMG_1329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690098154403124130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And we got to spend some time hiking up some of the SLC canyons and near our house, this waterfall up Big Cottonwood was a great little hike one evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf7AiWmIfCVYFc9-fxpS7tTsAxp7JgdGcGSl3FQkg2KBilsXyNOPsAYCqD8YDIIq8rAtjDaDpn-IiK3RX0mS1notUwHeK4L4n_vlLBSwUKNChztfQgkkXvOuCT_sL85JVleiHKgq1Kts/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf7AiWmIfCVYFc9-fxpS7tTsAxp7JgdGcGSl3FQkg2KBilsXyNOPsAYCqD8YDIIq8rAtjDaDpn-IiK3RX0mS1notUwHeK4L4n_vlLBSwUKNChztfQgkkXvOuCT_sL85JVleiHKgq1Kts/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690097463770865458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And to top it all off we even saw a moose on the way down!</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erU50R7At4js6lPf0SAu8khVEawEOHCnwRpMknVayJV6uuxqIgam4tuRFxllHHV83RDEVBQAwhptMHzJ3DartY8mS14nhhqYeYzJd9pYbu58XAWDw5vd9RazySMnFJPPoMDTlc2xxKU/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erU50R7At4js6lPf0SAu8khVEawEOHCnwRpMknVayJV6uuxqIgam4tuRFxllHHV83RDEVBQAwhptMHzJ3DartY8mS14nhhqYeYzJd9pYbu58XAWDw5vd9RazySMnFJPPoMDTlc2xxKU/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690097160986824866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And in December I traveled down with Kaiizen to Mexico one more time to help with the Christmas trip with the orphanage. Josh is moving to California so things will change (they have been changing for a while now) but Kaiizen will always be in motion in some way or another. This was just a great way to see the kids and spend time with great friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zk1C8MvxXJM7XbQxMsFzPCqzUip3zEuR0jNtgUlQzLIHf1LmBxZ5153kNn-_s743HqvbsA2WsbPiNph-Bp3PU8P6IVKyM8rAwkOhcbGVaAz0OtxnaB7fjGS4gwm2eAhRjd-6cW9YkEM/s1600/Mexico.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zk1C8MvxXJM7XbQxMsFzPCqzUip3zEuR0jNtgUlQzLIHf1LmBxZ5153kNn-_s743HqvbsA2WsbPiNph-Bp3PU8P6IVKyM8rAwkOhcbGVaAz0OtxnaB7fjGS4gwm2eAhRjd-6cW9YkEM/s320/Mexico.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690092429513091298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And a few things I don't have pictures of for one reason or another that are still noteworthy:</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">> I bought a car (Honda Civic) back in February and it is running great.</div><div style="text-align: center;">> I'm starting an application for a Masters in Teaching program for fall 2012</div><div style="text-align: center;">> I was able to stop and visit friends along my trip and some even came to visit me (Amy Lou I don't know how I don't have pictures of our trip did we only use your camera>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">> My little brother got married - this one just happened so no pictures yet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure I'm forgetting tons of things but I think this is enough for a glimpse at 2011. I hope all my friends and family have been blessed this year and that 2012 brings you blessings and joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Janel</div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-49656035173744217562011-01-15T21:02:00.001-08:002011-01-15T21:11:51.471-08:00Where? And Where Now?Where have I been? - absent from blogging for a while yes, I just didn't make the time not that I didn't have the time that's for sure! I have for the last few months actually been spending some time with my G-parents. It has been great I was learning some cooking skills, oil painting, how to be a card shark, crocheting (sp?), and just having a good time overall. However it's hard for me to sit still and I had taken a part-time job as a nanny but lets be honest I felt like I wasn't progressing in life at all which I've been trying to think more about.<br /><br />Then I got this lead for a job from my brother filled out everything, had a great phone interview, flew out to Chicago and thought I was for sure on my way to being a full on Adult. Unfortunately the company wasn't ready to move forward with me at this time. TRUTH: I had prayed that if the job wasn't right to NOT let them offer it to me because it was too good to pass up and I would for sure say yes. <br /><br />Now I'm just trying to pray for understanding at this time in my life as to where I should be and what I should be doing? I'm headed down to Utah because it seemed the most obvious place of friends, family, and job opportunities for the time being.<br /><br />But now I face this dilema - and please feel free to comment WHAT DO I DO NOW? I am trying to look for full time "settled" jobs and feel like maybe moving every 6 months is not what I should be doing anymore. At the same time I love working in Alaska it's beautiful, it's good money - but I've already done it twice now and I feel like I've had a good run and would not regret leaving it for now and what it's been. I will be 26 this Spring so what do I do now.janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-84385471120984942702011-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:58:50.849-08:00Family + Football = Forever?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3V9L380GwzN7SLezqG1lWH_ZJ_Hlmj9amCq7RZNrt3bps81zsaJ6zIgwjJXbEov5f7oTUX8Rs_J3DTsfl4rcmHINwQdjJSouuLQ4NsK8RiZWu6yCE2qOB94DJOjrR8Lwm4b2UiKTng/s1600/IMG_7024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562643695292081954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3V9L380GwzN7SLezqG1lWH_ZJ_Hlmj9amCq7RZNrt3bps81zsaJ6zIgwjJXbEov5f7oTUX8Rs_J3DTsfl4rcmHINwQdjJSouuLQ4NsK8RiZWu6yCE2qOB94DJOjrR8Lwm4b2UiKTng/s400/IMG_7024.JPG" /></a><br /><div>After I got back from Alaska I spent a bit of time visiting my family in their new home. Then Dad got the great idea to drive down to Utah for a little football. It had been a while since I watched a game at the stadium but it was fun to visit campus and cheer on the Cougs!</div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-56006432127428154652011-01-15T20:14:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:38:43.967-08:00Alcan - we meet again!For the third time thus far I was able to drive the Alaska - Canada Highway! It is beautiful but what a different trip this time. We slept in the car every night - sorry Benji the first night I picked a terrible place and we were woken up by these loud groups of people that we were afraid were going to steal something from the back of the truck). But of course once we got into Canada first chance we got we bought ourselves some Wonderbars, this same gas station said they didn't have these back in April - lame.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9Ogr4AzyEJUpaMhrNYVFGirBaaOyPldGD_1yk7TM9H-4fGqTPZfP9VXm5Eu38dD4jSG3FsG-7YI_u8_abhpQvCs292braxY9mMmwLVBuT87W1TFbPLpukYFl6QOcisBhVUkAnq2WY0/s1600/IMG_6900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562635300777091522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9Ogr4AzyEJUpaMhrNYVFGirBaaOyPldGD_1yk7TM9H-4fGqTPZfP9VXm5Eu38dD4jSG3FsG-7YI_u8_abhpQvCs292braxY9mMmwLVBuT87W1TFbPLpukYFl6QOcisBhVUkAnq2WY0/s320/IMG_6900.JPG" /></a><br />We just drove through the day and it was beautiful - luckily we only went 65 mph so that the car wouldn't break down again and we got great gas mileage but this FAKE cop car cut out did give us quite the scare still. We had to turn around to get a picture!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PAhYLsglp5NN2BA6foAKOC_jLieIG98SqIz2SLx9aQnzl0ryLd3tW0maMk3W7uS36e4-8X2fmsdOihbwStRTohNkbrYI6DacksNKRzqSI9FLQsYtysSImzUJNXscwfTmRTp46fxbysg/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562635295104135458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PAhYLsglp5NN2BA6foAKOC_jLieIG98SqIz2SLx9aQnzl0ryLd3tW0maMk3W7uS36e4-8X2fmsdOihbwStRTohNkbrYI6DacksNKRzqSI9FLQsYtysSImzUJNXscwfTmRTp46fxbysg/s320/IMG_6901.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Of course we saw lots of animals on the way</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OUi2-mG5bQfQrbGHp5b6FU-eFzFKFne2rG8G25ivrTepXXGMcLcAl6PuU8MBP3gVqP8Gei37zEuIjfHzuL-3FinYIJyOeAYOzQbl9RDQ00RF9fo2E9zZnAnAUGNRWJkPoOrrZ5jxt_M/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562635289713625586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OUi2-mG5bQfQrbGHp5b6FU-eFzFKFne2rG8G25ivrTepXXGMcLcAl6PuU8MBP3gVqP8Gei37zEuIjfHzuL-3FinYIJyOeAYOzQbl9RDQ00RF9fo2E9zZnAnAUGNRWJkPoOrrZ5jxt_M/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS8jhDlsdQPgs5LUDKfGQHQ5tEHfxR_Gud8DjcbnsrTVdJIShdJcgylDbmeI9p237K3Bdphqgn8xnLBrxAavCRIn6kg9voxbR8IOQtXM9GqYinf1gayoqxjR9Nf7ha1rNVdjixdfvyKM/s1600/IMG_6936.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562635284051494098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS8jhDlsdQPgs5LUDKfGQHQ5tEHfxR_Gud8DjcbnsrTVdJIShdJcgylDbmeI9p237K3Bdphqgn8xnLBrxAavCRIn6kg9voxbR8IOQtXM9GqYinf1gayoqxjR9Nf7ha1rNVdjixdfvyKM/s320/IMG_6936.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSgy1paxTlcLw_udBpQiBxFiekncycIn1IzjUbe2-0EN9fk6ZCsmzWArh8CMTwRJx-JV9dSXrjERfZpQDMNKlItP7wpDlk47epkV4WT-X-BAfCASVw5ZOlvjHwvqa95M-OP9OJmo3Uow/s1600/IMG_6939.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562635273185326898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSgy1paxTlcLw_udBpQiBxFiekncycIn1IzjUbe2-0EN9fk6ZCsmzWArh8CMTwRJx-JV9dSXrjERfZpQDMNKlItP7wpDlk47epkV4WT-X-BAfCASVw5ZOlvjHwvqa95M-OP9OJmo3Uow/s320/IMG_6939.JPG" /></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562634393759271186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nnWPCzkuzbTtFl7bvxRtUAv5KKHssDA3XD_rR0iu1cEHoZSgH3dieG4Z1mvwh-F7eiCxlF03f04TYGyNbx5Vs15hjmQI7BSSeQvfpWkTe-bHreS5ZY4OWYGZ-s4j3_UGjRQm4yEVh_o/s320/IMG_6960.JPG" /><br />We finally got to milepost zero</div><div align="center"><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEfY6vN6fi1xFb3oa25z30CD6WxIe_3_7j0NJxJ5BbQha32yC6QDLPPKa_Zh84aATWmMhiHkvjXTpH8nKx2b3bmQHUAMfmu21b-bC4ZMYoip_9fk7IiLdFVTkEpJ9gPFtRYgKbs7lTKc/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562634411600142466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEfY6vN6fi1xFb3oa25z30CD6WxIe_3_7j0NJxJ5BbQha32yC6QDLPPKa_Zh84aATWmMhiHkvjXTpH8nKx2b3bmQHUAMfmu21b-bC4ZMYoip_9fk7IiLdFVTkEpJ9gPFtRYgKbs7lTKc/s320/IMG_6945.JPG" /></a><br />And in quite the oppostie of last year when it was warm and beautiful most of the way down - this time we hit snow!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8N90dGeE5INOayhRNtuUuqeXWVQYcuFmr9Zx1wDw22-kZLQ7WzlwCBGg-qLUSwkN8756JWFY1dqTVAlL5C7CzhkM2u_aXN-G3dwek538BNUcwjwDGoCciO-gF_y_K2BbBhNkuF2IlZk/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562634402256749986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8N90dGeE5INOayhRNtuUuqeXWVQYcuFmr9Zx1wDw22-kZLQ7WzlwCBGg-qLUSwkN8756JWFY1dqTVAlL5C7CzhkM2u_aXN-G3dwek538BNUcwjwDGoCciO-gF_y_K2BbBhNkuF2IlZk/s320/IMG_6947.JPG" /></a>The waterfall was pretty but freezing!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm8OIT0r7KHN8aIaYk4W-QJDXbSA6m18VRtcgeLaM7dSfR79IDLgzLiHuROhxxdJ3UlWfXzOcvB-uuyjKeh63mTG9SQ74JZbMjMgcnn4kuedlPk_2WjaYzb6UrfopF2OS9ZErIF5dOyk/s1600/IMG_6966.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562634389317134178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm8OIT0r7KHN8aIaYk4W-QJDXbSA6m18VRtcgeLaM7dSfR79IDLgzLiHuROhxxdJ3UlWfXzOcvB-uuyjKeh63mTG9SQ74JZbMjMgcnn4kuedlPk_2WjaYzb6UrfopF2OS9ZErIF5dOyk/s320/IMG_6966.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDcpHWnbI35dqFa1lQYfYVY_Rbq6KGVgypQZTYDjqP6_yW5ls3HLOuxG4g5k2JeMylG7ydJQtIrGztcPNi6pOVnRe1ZK_clA0Cs_M-ahWwIBSQrB2Ic07eNbcXqMPY7l0E9L9gawBsHc/s1600/IMG_6978.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562633795009775490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDcpHWnbI35dqFa1lQYfYVY_Rbq6KGVgypQZTYDjqP6_yW5ls3HLOuxG4g5k2JeMylG7ydJQtIrGztcPNi6pOVnRe1ZK_clA0Cs_M-ahWwIBSQrB2Ic07eNbcXqMPY7l0E9L9gawBsHc/s320/IMG_6978.JPG" /></a> The Columbia Icefield wasn't as beautiful because there wasn't really a contrast in the landscape.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0vZNRfj5pq2g07251JUXd9KwhPUL9kcozH9fbkZVmXRwPbR4m7YF1YgOY9xvru96E50XbYi4q53qrn9VuIdpK80eITuiSDWZoT9L42JZkN_dCPSmkKBiPLpHRd6CjyimswSudPaxjuo/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562633785192196098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0vZNRfj5pq2g07251JUXd9KwhPUL9kcozH9fbkZVmXRwPbR4m7YF1YgOY9xvru96E50XbYi4q53qrn9VuIdpK80eITuiSDWZoT9L42JZkN_dCPSmkKBiPLpHRd6CjyimswSudPaxjuo/s320/IMG_6989.JPG" /></a><br /><div>And Lake Louise was all clouded in, I tried to describe it for them but they promised they'd come back too.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562633777143567682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KKG2Kl5GtH8nGc4sMU5Yb57SR0aInusAUQGg5FO1pb6KHaYLxl7BulYZjgAH3OU38bA0sM0g4_NaCHMsIqYG-se5eYU_jsOiCIv7nfuQsOZFcD_vZh7FbL9YEmuJpHVkcZqjsNnQS4U/s320/IMG_7012.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugqn43cTvtgP43gAKDoU1kiywdb60GL5IxmBFqH-OPv1u7qWXMEyVQqQiFdKuNI1ClaopaYm8F8CSECAKdqIT5LF_ldsnZ8aM91blDmTWTCbDyvwLxCX4gbzNRWB4rSHou_FACV69ucQ/s1600/IMG_7008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562633780114102850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugqn43cTvtgP43gAKDoU1kiywdb60GL5IxmBFqH-OPv1u7qWXMEyVQqQiFdKuNI1ClaopaYm8F8CSECAKdqIT5LF_ldsnZ8aM91blDmTWTCbDyvwLxCX4gbzNRWB4rSHou_FACV69ucQ/s320/IMG_7008.JPG" /></a><br /><div>But even so the trip was still completely beautiful and we were blessed to have the opportunity to drive it yet again! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-78965096005608977932011-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:11:09.133-08:00Turning Out the Lights in Alaska!My very last week this summer I was assigned the longest tour. We literally were the last ones from our company still working and the last ones to leave Fairbanks, AK - so it's essentially the tour the turns out the lights. My boss was so nice to pair me the last week with my Tour Director B.F.F. and it turned out to be the best way to end the season and one of my favorite tours. <div><br />We had a boat tour the first day in our itinerary and the weather was beautiful (the last time it was pouring). Still no whales but it was so nice to be on the water with unbelievable clear blue skies. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628915440826674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy0FQsp3iSQyFPYfdtnoNPQAj8mVjq88wDoprPbOgsPjnn2qllYaKb6rrWOiMkRq12GuHxE0j_mmbCUPscXTN6PNJ19qf1cVqdt6vpHtCtwJWsSjcaImy0mQ0RSNboPgJhKrAUZBCLic/s320/IMG_6787.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628918739945394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIyicuke2AuT1YAnnSnEvcuHfZ1OuzgmnSE6eYG83kFSLoOx0V88P2Q5-HUIGLMZwFtriaNKBhMht86DjidMxaw0OtxyDQFGl2fAU3njVw1qqGLFdEeDwrudPUNFvXbOILprpwaXeCs0/s320/IMG_6766.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628928746904898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5j2KqUJbhuwudmcmL7SvvoTNZiWQD-1rToDHYERUFWa7kEmHAYyB8qZQnbyrwRz0qR_3RVtuu56wKni4Ii15-nkGoMpGjISQN_SYMDkG5OD_k98u1E5RhRpWHzZoxpRTPtzCGWxT5Vc/s320/IMG_6815.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628214898342290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxf6YoFO8Pgf_K1Tie0htz1Adc4phEHnsckwnSXncb2yuXxB8-Tgy6n8ziX1oWdCP-vowcswo3T15FVOJ8cpwuuD0nGMTYb1rDWOY0f4HBUYeHXi9SjlfN_87Zs68Er_hBiUiM7gLT1A/s320/IMG_6822.JPG" /></div><div>Then after we got back to the lodge my roommate came down to visit and we drove to the Exit Glacier right there in Seward which was beautiful and I can't believe I had never taken the time to go before.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628210931145282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2m2mLKaAJrUNoqWhKNd_3TsIcMD-WM4Kt3e-SSCvgtEM32bYQTnvut90SFaXTNqco8AG2_dqksX_T6-o-BVxuZZs-ekr71QFDpblr8WCQ-2vaTaZkifaeSwJW00tCOj0giQHZUGLTBs/s320/IMG_6834.JPG" /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628200781225346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv3iN_tVZF2aCR6s3pD5hvLjGkHqgd-Id-aOqYy8wDd4_zNUij4movDPFPtNCFdDlR3t5hM8UVFBQkMGrW3x3koROBi_mAZkHxnr2Ao_dYlGcGJuNO0Dz6OdxNOB7SR7GYil_Lm7r6g8/s320/IMG_6840.JPG" /></div><div>One of my last train trips I was on with one of my favorite conductors and finally got a picture with my own camera (we joke about how many pictures there are of us floating around peoples photo ablums in their homes across America).</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628196574898882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygXfDMzozurDtv77sD4xwYOGuD2p_Djsmq08rLbV5ouKmJIwazRYmf-h4sk0DzI-dyYTJDh6sDi-6_st8KWoWEYiBBR7uuqTiJrHLWI0I6TIehwbAbYQhwhul5mhujW1R7hQVfvcA9hE/s320/IMG_6856.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Mt. McKinley was out and stunning the whole time (the last time I had seen it from Talkeetna was over summer soltice when I was with Laura the last time - she must be lucky).</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627531267635874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm83vupBhLg-q73qYbszE3LaBUwPgVvF0nKtNZbnPJN1A7ynZzZodd9RxSC8uB0dCZq4cMa5COnDW4qpVxWv2HRjQONDGX9Pty2cCJ2iriocCrGMg53X8EYvC9xgZtmuhMi0uaf5gGPjs/s320/IMG_6875.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627524268364994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNj6JVz3rVvXt7TUWCe2XmerwjjKN9-L9jPGT-W-DH2amahpIIX3VKiaEYvj5Zjm42yfL1HmkrK03Tmjiz_WkOke82xpA3buMFkx5BGSblfFodo06xl1865-UHIJl6DyfrvldLdoGHzE/s320/IMG_6876.JPG" /></div><div>We saw the Northern Lights both nights we were in Denali because it had actually gotten dark at night - our groups saw tons of animals in the park, and best of all we had the BEST groups EVER. They were so nice and everybody from both busses got along great with each other and were just truly appreciative oh how much they were blessed on the last week of tourism. It was an amazing way to end the summer!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627514944313810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEelnLqHdMPhlkXgbXmjk9JL9FSwv3AqWs19CWbOlhzflw7lKcWEjTlitOPrQzVeuRhVq4gJRiSHd44PhBtQ1tX3o_hS26atao4Fkl4jlZmA0-atygWxnvlv9OqwdVxXvkFlKQZMMqayU/s320/IMG_6880.JPG" /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-79746518076181741812011-01-15T19:31:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:12:54.149-08:00Riley Creek Bridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4W0fosh44U0ju_MYfqD5iG5J32ohXz7Z4_uMLKZP5NHypwn8ZELrmIqOue92IqIIj6cFitOhpLZ9vAoe80vlltfBXjyrIfrWw63iWvQLfGQ-Asb8jrCjUwWqRrc5gDR9IpIWtPipBMN4/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623606172296690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4W0fosh44U0ju_MYfqD5iG5J32ohXz7Z4_uMLKZP5NHypwn8ZELrmIqOue92IqIIj6cFitOhpLZ9vAoe80vlltfBXjyrIfrWw63iWvQLfGQ-Asb8jrCjUwWqRrc5gDR9IpIWtPipBMN4/s320/IMG_6738.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I am "one of THOSE people"! The kind that had been given great opportunities to travel and visit places all over the place and do some really cool things but I totally take for granted the areas that I live. My friend A.L. got so mad at me when I lived in Utah for over 5 years and had never been to Moab (finally went with her), Zion's or Bryce Canyon (still never been). <div></div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623592242049890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MXo-72P0N2LGbvIytVRVgtC87KU6oOxenEC7y93xu7_rrWxBOh76enNaBHDtbGQjo2A4k4y8KT7rdMtxLYn1-JTggiteGKgNRJz-JW9fTu6tEbSpr8auPzNFgHmm6linO7YK9qJS6xw/s320/IMG_6726.JPG" /> Alaska was kind of the same way I see a BIG part of it - but it's usually the same part all the time and I can get in the habit of not making an extra time to get out and explore just for myself. But the fall colors were too perfect and with some great company we had a great hike down by the Riley Creek.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562623596930445346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjejmLOIdPHncMLarufjU2cpQ8IY-3nFs9d1k0p86o3bbGR0R_vULhmHJ8_JRCZDGBd37U2m2RjdNJ_lODt8pBcM5ovoaNQx4dYAghniwNJtKUNTK5welfUWQknbzO1HNZy71PUfYWLrg/s320/IMG_6727.JPG" /></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-74831683983353887122011-01-15T19:15:00.000-08:002011-01-15T19:29:09.024-08:00Helicopter Flight in Fall<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562618778607456258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkxgNidd8x7VL5QSdmERNWLhl_FpwqOJH-8Kz0VCQhJxNaMvn_5wB3b-mC5Uj7nYEleYeQCCvNYqbvyp-AcZiI08Qz_EAaudRweN9LtKRACofiCDYYDJl7EDlBRXKAUMKcyK-EyaCxOg/s320/IMG_6608.JPG" /> I was on tour in Denali on a hold over day just after the height of the fall colors and a tour director was able to get on a helicopter flight in the morning while I helped some of her guests with their excursions so she offered to return the favor and I put in a request - luckily after the weather cleared they were flying and had one spot left so I literally jumped at the chance and I'm so glad that I did, seriously one of my highlights of the summer. (The pictures don't even do it close to justice)!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562618782453483074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kIG7I22Fi2XxyGGs3rZI7S9ZpJOPqQU5bNuUZxgRbmD_O8ssc2Z-1iZJAt8C5iYJg8ARK7IkepjdvpRi3PIXVt0eBmMrQTqefp4Gq33MrZ3LcpAWS9PdT96Y_uUv3M64oBL-I_ni_-k/s320/IMG_6625.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619639129392002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElk2AWAJNN3cO2ADPK9BVbEVo4-WTCI_-0hGVdbvbheUdvZ4wYiMR7ijz9E2cqYzf67YHwEyO-uCif97hQJmBi-S12GpX4-9ebQxTYFu_TdapnntUFZ19Ruc7-AH1Vox_V_9Kqanvs8s/s320/IMG_6649.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562618792154934194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2HGxHcCYaDAWCBJLu8GRaDLO05nk6fgBxNZQ8Yj8SIjnrm9PbsUqml6J5CRYaBK5sQoejwbKOzYO2mBeCAbMsHszRxhOZbQraeU6w24xeFu5e04jtZKkspJI7IvA2ojjyJurD4mJelA/s320/IMG_6661.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619651449912530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M-RaqqNHJcRm9RANz6WmYHy2cownupbaTL0SwhMV3GFuw3s26fIichryUmaESaIQBm9XBTt81vWfCrO-9jeg2rmdSwjgWgl3heqxG2aLq3eA1PBkvT_6lyJV864EXsE9R1FAlzwTVyM/s320/IMG_6678.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562619640734964226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ112huDq_v4ce0WjxuhyA73jVXvRWU-9xsUD0oaLaZ0U1knSP_bzwARi7kgJkRADkYk1joUqjx5wR1uxTh2fLxPGisfK07vI1_fzFUX4UAxSUE7_nZdcjd0EqdDkfo-W494BCyVNLMEc/s320/IMG_6693.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562618796544868850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE56luONj2pmFXuhS8JCp-Ji4QMg7mfkpZA0ipdSN0f5ZSbsCjpb1mucgK_EGZWaAFoYFREijbvY0dOT77U0io4dJ5sFmK5291Ev-tT5DI5Mir6rvWbVSZyPunHEmNV7f9RjuRPf8GtE/s320/IMG_6671.JPG" />janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-57846586747980081312011-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:002011-01-15T19:15:45.177-08:00Alaska State FairOf course we had to go out an afternoon to Palmer, Alaska for the State Fair - my ulitmate favorite are the giant vegetables they grow with all the sunlight that they get during the summer. (unfortunately the family musical group that I LOVED last summer didn't make it back - tear!)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562616152634712466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g9J6xIeyxFgWFpjnEzfk5_-PKzVJnj_agXfpdIzXqWFhR7knaQGPmWhdtE3yPvqDPn3ByHO9ijeaCcgnROdLQYtLJZavWnTKDRK_-x1PaCOG1nUEGXxgdk6oQ9PRPJ_Ytc3TDAKMus0/s320/IMG_6587.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><div>We then had to get some fair food and take some pics in the cut-outs provided (oh we went to the lumberjack show - Yo HO - it was the same as last year I didn't take any pictures).</div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562616157971635858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPev1UCtrzh7WqEBrdSwOR5O483JALzWD-9wLXYQFcP6ZlItWYdAd03tb5yPWV7PkluLAQqA_EPPE66yaQ-DPlSNXfikmBcCFai-5FnpJaph3WrcnfQvj_dNCJUTA8nTA9qANTR-WDby8/s320/IMG_6588.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562616169980265762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO91YO0z5b5P7j_ZT5fziOVb-991dV9dah8Zbc9RgyJczOnPNyk5z_MCS1QnbTdoa4Fe3MCNnkX7iAXjHsv6r_9LzAHB4PtcJLnczlVa0FnF4x9zNZDLOyp70X4fBCIQ8bntxZS8gYqs/s320/IMG_6592.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Finally we went into one building after looking at the art displays and animals too and I leave for a few minutes to go to the bathroom and when I come back all the boys have been enticed to try this muscle stimulator machine. Later they got talked into this meditation booth as well (I think I watched the vit-a-mix demo while I was waiting - and the guy was creepy), I was afraid if I left them again they might join a cult - But you know the usual fair experience.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562616160366697810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkfhmiw7dYiF1o857y3U5AnCunYh2W8eVWhLqK94yxC8mJ3tQRCsvVKGlkYxXzuj-1oWDcLW_ix3gn_LMQfdRd3ZYbFIm5eaGS5FIO40-Oghyphenhyphenvga4SlTJZ7le95Oe9ceycJbicmRXyxA/s320/IMG_6590.JPG" /></div></div></div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-47113883735543265022011-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:002011-01-15T19:01:37.940-08:00All by myself - SURPRISE!So I picked up a tour where it was only going to be a one bus move so I was going to be the only tour director on our pattern - not really a big deal except that one night I would be all by myself at the Alyeska Resort (no other tours were there and my bus driver left too). Luckily my roommate and friend Hana had the night off so she drove down to stay with me and we got ourselves tram tickets up to where the ski lodge is! Nice to kind of be a tourist while your on tour and thanks Hana for coming to hang out!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562612705524972850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LNsyX9drBW2fRj0vz2_y4pEjRuJ29qcgQNYNMVClW-cMEkrYYLmFH__qDE7dt7aCggQKYJR-NojTMR31tyHYWuIyQjNt6cZzOlUGzMnmc9pOqukjCoSFHFC4oDuPw-yjtwlCLtXBAFw/s320/IMG_6576.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">We took the tram up to go for a little hike - who knew it'd be dangerous!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562612696860188642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjC3DEbgy4ziMSJPN5NGfezLvgJUE7WQ16Z91tO-eqVGCYEQIhglSYVqqv44GZ-A_uds8mETJHv9cjexJcRxgiEY3AihTOwbjDCafYN8NZ14BA72s1uIdUrHx_FN9Ax-tUkxfnELxtc60/s320/IMG_6570.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562612689453115778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqV1EgDaREk_KcxChnCxuIw_OY71dPQoXVmpXmtR94PIG6DynuuOdXnYnkF0Zzmf6rrO6c1Pf76CVNNHLTrV0xD99cmVIxCkjmowmgzY2rM0BSD2b5SBbCoJmuwaML80Y2zTQfZG-M58/s320/IMG_6558.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Thanks for driving down Hana - view of glaciers and hotel below!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562612709589468226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnjBJ-noBfHvQEEGp8z_Lc5aox_kDjXgKghyphenhyphen0yyDIbfz4BeNLY04lLf_jEAEAmXPURd6mRp30F-w9exOrc3dzpDahRK-jPOZVhbJUnv6yZnyaq00_hFQna4NUTxg6cU9UYwq_x0bt4tk/s320/IMG_6551.JPG" />janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-83226587549137543022011-01-15T16:25:00.000-08:002011-01-15T17:02:37.478-08:00To Share is SweetMy friends Levi, Mandee, and Joe came up to visit me in Alaska (Levi once lived here). It was so fun and we had some great friends that let us stay at their house while they were out of town. We spent the little time that we had doing as much as we could, and we took way to many pictures so I'll try to sum it up!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562580368127230834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_WEeokMJ8MYfCvr9mx_GAX_xaDV7G4kcNmdnEN3TCCZ_ztzt91wO4uvVNvMSgppyRae8Yl1hf9XqcxRrozbBG_DbMny1Z_PzHBg6mcBejCoyC4tslQAAgGRMzcHBb8HCQuTFo8vDUxg/s320/IMG_6110.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">We started with the Trolley tour of Anchorage then drove to Potter's Marsh</div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562580361255309090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8zfKvXlpnGZHlhmd9FSyk839x7J1CDuwjBj7MNbs_5N0ructN9alPy93uV28ityPXZRkbIzVVciikFlb9oZlqmquraeQoFQ46ncYPOL1t04mKeEpWtc7oCNQ3_topr9-Nw0WTJ8qpbU/s320/IMG_6113.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562580357246149970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWYiaIeslIo76a8TRX5pTw6yAAEq5HsuEwkX4IetJXklJ___VgbW9URx0QKCYY2DS9GoUBka3EMqKQ6s9er3RtNBLLSCJ6Ues8WBK1htiW3ALyoijaPBB5FT9z-N1iBJcDamtDqbdRps/s320/IMG_6172.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Then we went to the Wildlife Conservation Center to check out some animals!</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562580352239535394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6S_tSFdY0vucyuszAzgJNmLs5IC4F0Ikt6hunRzAvR_6Qz8B-CvA_tvlMSviTyp_7_aFEGnTvOjSw9lPI6ZTsITscPOfAri1pyhn3WAj7IwcPiYy8kbXuRt0_q-gVlzhvaIuNWLzCMQ/s320/IMG_6209.JPG" /><br /><br />We headed to hike up to Bryon Glacier<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562578397896165714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPQwD4RKwyyf9akkfGOa0eKJ-6gZbzclOWnGqmLA7ujkSLfp4nKtLOvb8_y3wwfRPFSwPzxiOxPY8gjT-qBo4UabwOihmA8v9GHKS3_mTK9FrKBLpiK0cB679XEcx0oAC53ohYVrr5c4/s320/IMG_6318.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562578392121429730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivBosW1zb1FtXJHg81uDAQ8VqlEYXH3G0_HXP4Isrc7zV-wIxiM6yAm-k-KRVriTC2lqc8GUnU-ncpMw-Doybv-TkoqbVj-el28t3EebafnGXyABLhNnh0sXaay35HX0W5JQnIAJlJFQ/s320/IMG_6258.JPG" /><br />The next day we went to the Alaska Native Center to get our "totem on"<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562577374260686226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlYY_-SixDTLlTEpNcGLh_eKE336LqmTCl3XL_-xe2mB1aCyjLn3rmffKhTCqlq9UfxCo5sskW2EvqYZogF6WrmLQJWZ762ErupMRpl3wI3Cj4a6edQI1OG52ZOZ9RZM-RUa0WXke340/s320/IMG_6345.JPG" /><br />And tried on some native sunglasses<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562577366066014386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHabe09ryzHjEQcwAfLj_gAh-OcGospjAHWIlBD4Bs7Ek9qSpkkCv81e7zTTfLoLK0Z_ll3324GEu2fSn-801MZ_GTPp-0QfqEzTlQj3Ns0C6gkLYVz7Ybx26gYmMqMWBM4ToVTFm5Z1U/s320/IMG_6362.JPG" /><br />Then we stopped where Levi could've stayed the whole trip - The Aviation Museum!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562577362085909346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRl_CT7QX3JQmt7X-R0LoR1ElzSm2v11XnUB3TplPpn5GMp6XJDh4lgN-Q5m5-0a2feOcg-oMjxlwNCg0xwaCiVsiM7Knbm9B6yp3tDUSce8dv-wVaPoyveZTB5A1vShFNkfyyC0NMj0/s320/IMG_6391.JPG" /><br />Levi is in Heaven and told us about EVERY plane and small detail - but it was really cool!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562577354461663874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJH2gR3AmkN-LHN6udGOjw3ux8YhSF_0hnKjxtJeAbD-E4bREC-uUh3suJZunMk1kXNCY3WKc2mnh2lqHw0OIG5qVuvJKRGq_ueFuazA8Or-NVsO_t-YRhiTlNdOU1ApizP7rgbbF604/s320/IMG_6384.JPG" /><br /><br />We went down to Girdwood to hike the Winner Creek Trail and went across the tram over the glacial runoff<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562576368813649602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pbLneRSdEHEAxjpPZd4O6XXSB-5HP0Is60-AGXEowPzpVUuubjWJboU092gyv0VWms7qmUcPJKLTTK3E2kcS-wFXQk14egj3xdOJ_phyphenhyphenWgBT7LA096aVc6Is__ybEF8NLWYww7-qxPg/s320/IMG_6432.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562576359246005010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKhHw2kzrGZv5bkYIW3HqJI4ukBI5Npwiic1NHe9EGsVqnTQrtnSNe04pLAi0gqyMuq-700yQkGDeCg5fXXakTf9oaZNX4-90mb2dYxNiiVPmuB_iMd2NOiCa3f8Q2idSG7PHTfmNEf0/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" /><br />We stopped by the Anchorage Museum (no pics) and then rented bikes from Paublo to ride along the coast and watch planes take off overhead!<br />(By the way Uncle Paul happened to be in town and so he game with us)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562576357522654546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRz8q-SpAryRoWXaGrnGKMs7jd9NY3tvlc1hmunatyyW8NR3Rezx-VlxNwTrXiVHjeydS5sGAgrfMyFBGDHod-JMN5sOAjIju6vzqfYsQ2rIghJUbU1QKgsqRLLpmslPnZfc_qCQi5mw/s320/IMG_6492.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562576354223690898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqg_kR1zzR6vS2ukn4aDyklQIxznBIIC-_d_YN7wKbgq3Zn2NIorN9OkbC6wPDXKo98tmA85WJEbVlP45Kta4fm_mq0XBhkm9ZIpCi2Gg7Ii3YwDGwwGil7ZoHzTR25jwEZIucntFF1Fw/s320/IMG_6495.JPG" /><br /></div><p> </p><p align="center">Thank you so much for coming it was a great couple days and I'm glad I was able to share some of my favorite things with you!</p>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-36463708300138338612011-01-15T16:12:00.000-08:002011-01-15T16:20:35.665-08:00Finally A Boat TourSo we have a few tour patterns that include a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park, and I finally got one of those tours! I was soooooo excited and of course it was pouring rain the Friday that I got to go, but that couldn't bring me down. We saw some great birds, Stellar Sea Lions, sea otters, and made a fun stop at Fox Island. Unfortunately it was too late in the season for whales (but maybe next year)!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562571395801755394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbjkAr8cAu9PFBiGADWl12zvz7LEnRRaStGFVZ8FMSO9O_cwQ_kUJ-JNaIgHm5DLh7x5QUuywia0JdcGvAC19PBs3BBiWHFDI3XAPOG-idUFnwTw2AKXR-00yDQDhgZihicsH8DUCmiY/s320/IMG_6532.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562571751712825026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRPYhrUszmPYsg5Satb_NVKT0RXNrz2Hjajq4lXmzIeaGuYmIliSD5dVgIzEz9SvkdqeR11Z7pq0YqhrCuU6QXhnooE_9Ki953eoEUARv2BJ6RplIgVCt5aS2ELdHGAqF_NWORxexA80/s320/IMG_6522.JPG" /><br /><div><div>Luckily too I got to be on the boat with some of my fellow tour directors and we had a great time!</div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-49720858401327149302011-01-15T16:01:00.001-08:002011-01-15T16:07:39.976-08:00Denali & Visitors<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562568083986291810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UsCk33pvyFx1GvlvPWVwx7tEDCb8Lzzm1IhZSaZgHOP6jyAq9tpW1IN661dhqR_3CiruHhK1Whh0V59iSH1-2mWbe3uUOgM3iW1ORwF1le6jUNGYx0fv5ivN6jajedYjV32Eih3Ij7I/s320/IMG_6548.JPG" /><br /><div>Hana's dad came into town and they were passing through Denali while I was on tour so we were able to take him to the local hot spots - The Salmon Bake, Prospector's Pizza, Cabin Night - we even got him to participate as the Moose, and then Hana and him were able to go into the Park and enjoy a tour. It's fun to have personal visitors to share Alaska with!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562568081602747762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9ve06SVpS7AD07Jb5_uEpzpo4Jk3gmeVdJChVDtR4dd_V-fnRUWXNDH7p8Wkw9VvY78SLYVhQiaXAyikS0Xec3DYschHj7JRatVMdOlB0dK5TmqFx21WVP4Cdz3TCN3Knr7ODHfymvg/s320/IMG_6545.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562568073583300978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IpYNkYYRC1hd2GaO8gUagn97GRxAfAIQPRPL8DTOx3KB4gFQGGHot0oV8fN9E50i2tr6p_3FP2mo__dys1xBOR3cIo3emd-bWMqXYF65tVBDPxfDVVmlHxf62ClfqNrGNZAQLkQoekk/s320/IMG_6543.JPG" /></div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-29833543384071500332010-08-12T13:45:00.000-07:002011-01-15T15:55:11.849-08:00We're only in it for the HALIBUT!This week I have a lot of down time on tour and things have been pretty crazy lately so I thought I'd bring my computer along and catch up with some of the latest Alaskan Adventures.<br /><br />We had a week off toward the end of July because a company rented out one of the cruise ships so I was able to go on a Halibut charter with two of my friends and one even had his Dad and Grandpa in town. We went this summer again with Frank and Wild Rose Charters out of Ninilchuk (seriously highly recommended he is so great!).<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">After an early start and a small boat advisory we made an adjustment and drove down to Homer instead to stay safe, and luckily we got BEAUTIFUL weather and had so much fun on the boat together reeling in the fish!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504634620804019458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72cG8sSVBgUr-5WQpfsMz4StZ64TkVMwt3TGlq7xCH4b2M-JNN1PC2MB4fMvNAmvutoVWrj05WoKAsWsDFUpt1idPqV9zqgEv3EccLbAxfE4jogkOMp8bef3kmhtUpTPuAlVSosxBa24/s320/IMG_6107.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504634626873170850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdDo0ePwJDffvC7LYHYMMAst8UCKdSiaBtAUtFnav0QzQJKDXCAU86IbZjcDZ9cr7rrksZkOwVVzZy8m_9BRTI9bWplee41ZEVYZ0TDAkU_vtm_dyptf1ff1Er8y_8xDRsBh2FxGpU5w/s320/IMG_6104.JPG" /><br />Fun story the first two spots we caught only two small guys that you couldn't keep and a mother-in-law fish (that's what they called it, it's really ugly)! So once we moved to the 3rd spot and we're fishing 250 ft. down and Grandpa had the rod that's called a "jig" I think but he was tired of it so we switched this round - well within ten minutes I felt a strong bite, hooked my first Halibut and reeled it in -It was so hard to reel about 30 lbs. up 250 ft. but I didn't want to seem like the girl so although my fore arms burned I caught the first keeper of the day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we got him in the boat and re-baited my line and I let it down. Within ten more min I hooked the second keeper of the day. About half way though I had one of the boys help me out it hurt so bad on my arms. Then I gave up the "hot" pole and moved to the other side of the boat by two poles just sitting in the holder I did a half reel on one pole as Frank instructed to move the bait a bit and within 30 sec I saw a halibut take the bait so I started reeling the 3rd KEEPER of the day. I didn't want to lose the fish which is why I started reeling right away but I also turned and stated - "Someone come take this I'm NOT reeling this one it!" I turned it over and was officially dubbed the "lucky" one of the day!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562562466594140770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ2SVHqHTPid-3ofGF6QE_ZArSKr-kPWP0bueQ9qucXOrmxx-mW8_46h5dBL6_FFIucuWFehUMrCS0dpXE5CS35qOfdy5_HBrwGqEejG5VxzUvgfyvHBvcTzQ_KUV1EC-KbPuHm8yoos/s320/DSCN0784.JPG" /><br /><br />We continued for the next hour or so catching keepers and the occational Scate (sp?) which is like a sting rayish fish that spins the whole way up - poor boys had to reel that one in. But we caught our limit of two a piece and I think maybe Grandpa got the biggest of the day (it was between him and me). And it was nice to see that the boys were struggling to reel in the fish all the way from 250 ft down too! Cohen's Dad just sat there and laughed at us at first so we were more than happy to return the favor once he finally felt the "forearm" pain.<br /><br /><br /><br />Then after we had a successful morning we went with Frank to check his two crab pots in the bay. I became the official crab measurer - which may be my future career calling (here I come Deadliest Catch)! But in the first pot we got an additional starfish and in the second pot AN OCTOPUS! Apparently they make great Halibut bait so we kept him but had to put him in with the fish and seriously five of us had to PEEL him off the boat and after we were done it was like someone with really bad allergies just sneezed all over your hands. We got 5 keepers and threw back about 13 others that weren't quite big enough and not worth the $110 fine but Frank was so nice and let us take a half a crab for each one of us!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562562471586759666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHi_uSr1G236QUTPnCgDbZhLCo90EMM3mBwjF5Wez0HpK6sL93sx2TkEBsifp1YcjunGI5igTfHvLwjx8eURMZrBFC1Wf_GrKqQZvTYGceqWsR9qjsOnQy3KGr5K1brS-HIsa260MMdw/s320/DSCN0817.JPG" /><br /><br />We took back our catch and although we each only got about two hours of sleep we stayed awake long enough to watch Frank filet the fish and help to vaccum pack them, and even watch them disect the Octopus down too - * Did you know that Octopus have a beak? Like a bird, it's so cool I actually got to hold it - so crazy!*<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562564169893924834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE99SUZ2dd8QYLp8ysdvHOTw2zzKg6LwBIDN4n6dM_-zPQlnIUKTj7dRSShsp2OyO6mpm70h-TDAO41R3z3fNjAiBOdDAIuWrUwWyEBUgeZVHtSMejVm3MHXmD85JKQF4AqpVoQJHoT0/s320/DSCN0866.JPG" /> <p align="center">Grandpa, Benji, Cohen, Brian, & Me (check out the octopus hanging up in the back behind Benji)<br /></p><p align="center">Overall it was such a great day and there is nothing better than good fishing with good people and we headed back to our friends cabin to enjoy our crab and "poor man's lobster" = Halibut cheeks + sprite + melted butter. The boys even caught a few Sockeye Salmon right on the backs of the Kenai as well and we all crashed that night after such a full day - true Alaskan Goodness!</p>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-45328503641581184402010-06-22T18:46:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:51:01.016-07:00Summer Solstice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxsNjugmwgs-edjnDzCccA2YqeA3glUcLe_GBoCbdpzdHwpvXwJSn7x5zdTH5NsbOarNbR6yV3fz6c-pihTFsz-nNhVsgfa76n3n1FP-qty27KZvUW-E-xNj1mP4DH-EM2D4YOW5EKJw/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485780473696618978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxsNjugmwgs-edjnDzCccA2YqeA3glUcLe_GBoCbdpzdHwpvXwJSn7x5zdTH5NsbOarNbR6yV3fz6c-pihTFsz-nNhVsgfa76n3n1FP-qty27KZvUW-E-xNj1mP4DH-EM2D4YOW5EKJw/s400/IMG_6047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So I was in Talkeetna for the first day of summer and the mountain was beautiful - somehow I was so busy watching it I didn't take a picture. However I did get up the night before at 12:30am to take this beauty once the sun finally set behind the Alaska Range! </div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-88614158418657967922010-06-22T18:33:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:46:27.491-07:00Total TouristEven though each week I work with a different group of Tourists - I can't help but do some of the things they do. No I don't complain about not having a "view" room every hotel when there is only a 50% chance I'll get it. No I don't pack 10 bags for a 12 day vacation. No I don't wear a fanny pack.<br /><div><div><div><div> </div><div>But I do always have my camera on me and I love to take those classic tourist pictures.</div><br /><div>For instance we went to Talkeetna (a small town between Anchorage and Denali where all the climbers of Mt. McKinley fly out of) and of course I had to take these photo ops.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778751935189218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_inFwsWwx38vIZ13X8Z0ebxQc-2auPn6b6r3LaGLcemz2BEnjjozxUQn9M_yeeNDx4czr-bE1alKKrbQ7lzPb4GNgaEdXaIurjkPnCipgxeOQtORouNQ54pyGWQSKu6gl2Nou08Vhdo/s320/IMG_5937.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778767466521842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rVPq34xnNIfdO_QejeBppen6GW1QXQAsAIhPXinkrp66Y_HRRHDZBzS5du25Lg6ryd-Vs0HDkjOv-Hgt6XzqG-aoMn_x2G8woR5NVhnrFBBbrdUChx24umcBKBpSayVYC8OzM23ckhA/s320/IMG_6041.JPG" border="0" /><br />Plus who turns down the chance to go to North Pole, AK and meet Santa Claus - not me!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778791743624882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsQj8_VcZUxrIbBq28xDZ0x9rUA9NeROHyfAqekMQWzhyphenhyphensfWdfNgGfnB58WrH_cztmhL_CCsoN0ILt-0r_A6xTsiRKLP7TX7BYZu93hnMIBX3GuqQUvBf7CfENaqHI8VROGtCzTzs99I/s320/IMG_6027.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778784855754050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItzNfHCtvbefoGjqmfE_6pzLlkCEyf0TmfW_yRlcOEDSNWAWLN_iOtoRc2V_fFgpRKH7_CAcopnZDo_xWXo6OhbIZGc507yJRV1k26DBp-V3DvqobNmRAoYNDftggJhEUaWr6jkKtgm8/s320/IMG_6032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Who knows maybe I'll be rocking the Alaska sweatshirt with the wolf howling at the moon and the fanny pack by the end of summer. Oh well I don't feel bad!</div></div></div></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-4504392384333715642010-06-22T18:15:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:33:06.650-07:00Fun with Friends<div align="center">Now I do get a few days off even though I work hard when I'm actually on the clock - and on those days we usually try to get together with friends and do something together.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">These last few weeks I've really enjoyed going down to the Winner Creek trail and hiking into the hand tram across the river.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485773740426894274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaq6Za6eBRPAdlRETWSNgw6zaln7WruzykBqckZqGh4ekMDpiwUXkdqg-6n2b6zP7DR9dFMuBI2mTxWRIwJh18gpKdpyRnSiL4hSERGfow3RBHw3ch-wL5uNlZqDk_i3yxaI4T9d7qVU/s320/IMG_5987.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Jared, Conner, and I on the trail</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485773745649817346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzTxUsEUAaDNJ-9eZ9USpyy7_lT0pka5y70yVKQ6Xvl-LXSwYeYhLlh7GMuQKiiqyxE5TIThVPA93-eiCeAy29-RN87eEE5lay5qgB2x5GysskeQ5QE1qSJ524ScK9u6O-A5ZMHqO29U/s320/IMG_5988.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485773768404662594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOML8IY2m-I2Ix1orIvTbHBeOogOU_V1dmKvFOSY2htkUylLNF__s0KpZQb-nAqnMuj6a5uKbVCxQ2ptQlG5Bi95eA-ClckLfcKYVpxoJn11s0p0inw6-aEKtgXrg_z51XNMWYlfLjQr4/s320/IMG_5991.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> Fun on the Tram across the River</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485773760371581330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqh7YtA3qY0Eb9nFo2xIy155098whnkm19xL4BxkUEZZ06xuH0aRPvaPFAxYyMc21dv3zDqjUigL4LW9FdUGT4VyHgrb2ohMOk4zV6bKiGH7HrP9bup1tVNOF_f-VqcbNiZnVXDqIwugw/s320/IMG_5994.JPG" border="0" /><br />Also we headed out to Bob's cabin (my cook from last year) and took a little cruise around the lake on a beautiful evening and enjoyed his wonderful cooking and oversized campfire marshmellows that made the biggest smore's I've ever eaten.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485775211335274914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQv3RElWMPt3KeQzLntyiRCL87-bskey9kbkJPpx0ZFog-HgasinZC6Uh1YzOKvgzHjOr08c0ah_8529I0hxKSAumWsq0_Ptf8oi-eC9WDRNk2PCFF4XXY2x_geOEPpJ9MZXgLMOA5SA/s320/IMG_6019.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Crusin on the Dock w/ a trolley motor</div><div align="center">The group on a nature hike</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485775197171284290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEOYU6cg7uc8v0xFUBm2NdDSeQuxsm9FgYJdIe8qnkGZDMQEw9FBlHsAdHKB1GDlRXupPsqji2ILW4Y0saoRvwXj_Fl-lrb_J5Bkc9gcAy9_ltPa2vicJfqMRhxKgTc5nSl_c6tdHae8/s320/IMG_6011.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485775190215559426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AfiSAblhkKo_I5QuYf6rhUGVm1u39H5i-g1rnsvKqpwzQZbUyQe6emAlTsq1xtJnZU0iU4p5_biq5Gjr7vJSLVR9LLTFFdccO8KFO_KuxMOHF_pJGXIIJTgnCQplMMAC9X-r-w3fxCA/s320/IMG_6010.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Good Times</div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485773778910321394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_o_hFTpY4lDCvUmZKdbI1JR83sz1-6d3QNMkuFHITFJX9_L9KYlMciCtlDsKqXBAJ-qkVnHYKF3B2SDWFrxVDiM_t7jGsRgsRPC2XP1ej5d95goJgfBfbJbZ5AWZ51kjJOndRDIExg4/s320/IMG_6009.JPG" border="0" />janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-72866888925897464942010-06-22T17:52:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:15:19.403-07:00Alaska FAMSo at the start of the season we get to do a FAM trip, which is basically a familiarization trip so that we know what properties have what layout and policies and what are different vendors offer to our guests for their optional land excursions. This year it was really fun to get to know the new tour directors while visiting parts of Alaska again and learning even more.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485769464594862610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztzxqcPa2Js6JmaVH7C_0M7TXB4B0ry01lCYYhUJDYrHjRE_RCtlLfUEXYfOocjfEITZg32KPxFqJTNO4TWUXX5h1aVyQm5iVg2wGCC590iIeBo_dzHpeCtBd3w4QLYVw_DIx6EsrMqg/s320/IMG_6025.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Sea Life Center and Iditarod Puppies at Jeff King's House</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485769455511648242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tZmQNNerbJqf1YFigOnDLxO0AQS1zLrmO_-iJQqQOw5h7CCH5Y-9liQFgjF4NDU0bIDXXFx5zxACWpuuYbbmdIskDn8MfngTQcpvWxoHj3Cl2qfLBuhbHML40Hu4GAuF7jQZnHhAxtU/s320/IMG_5912.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Viewing of the Alaska Pipeline</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485767668198907154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltJehSoadxF1syGkufkFgIdgdXogNavui7UFd4JU9wUcgQsm4dMwNmqpR0Fs1ga8ZKQvl9IMVVmWxN-1_XhvCZeKSMSFd_XIB1sCxUeeN6AI8mH0BJy904aosB_gVwhwPvUuy210giEU/s320/IMG_5819.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485767677865641506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K3D41BrKjQrzG9oVk4l4Hv5OXmQqIDDxTs9t-FIlv8CxK9v8UoMoRBkLiKsCAhaj5aPpS4zj2sn5eLWRt6NQmHMa3UsU0hFQzfi3DvMOMyPrnbVZ18Qqz4LKImzJVo9Y7StAYPBPqJM/s320/IMG_5817.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Flight up to the Artic Circle</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485767699094202130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0-b0HrrlfLktWH92eVC8wmmtnedyqe6IyxjRMCfjX2_JTy5aepP3PWaFA5UhCTL8lg8y-t-hkKqDHKvGhVVrWbKBp0B6HFVTHQd_Yq6u3PODYZkj8MzvTkqn5-Nn_SKbZ0CBYo363qM/s320/IMG_5856.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485767688004862738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zT8htNo2XKzGuRHZGmdy9Atd81tRaKj9X1UeHckpBZl6bis18Zieht6zsYFH9x1kymD7h1cXK4UezixVJTKskpJzAWJ6tO9e74sBZvErItn6mYDwXcbM3tB6Pba7UqCKPdto11FUyyQ/s320/IMG_5835.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485767710127604274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N2YxRvw1wr2AhIT2GnsymSNxU3p4W4kV6HNZD2x3whXAYG5vR7qzDRf91J8lvJ1eQTJ9I4Cmmkoa4Fb9w6X1_Ofu6gsdwTj5BM8Y0R-RjJuZzlqlh98C9601q_pmDVeRjlbNd2VE4lE/s320/IMG_5879.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Read the sign closely:</p><p align="center">Please Don't Climb on the Pipeline, it is difficult to maintain your footing and you may fall - not that it's actually dangerous for the pipe!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485768800115061186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKOyYBX2A6eUWAyakDydMN2N3NkLk4vCAkSqlMDrW1Syosd_c8osGNhE2lnDYRO9-VcMd4dh-RKc8Tq9JA6Bm_pOveTuuzPBLKD1UO3EvV4rz_G0GllTDpuYlTG0Uu89kIHa5m1_hNM8/s320/IMG_5877.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Denali National Park - Tundra Wilderness Tour</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485768834243147794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qPwlDvVPAG0DG6DT4Z-sXvcNnIP3-7YSWj0ZubsZrK5gL3FZIJptwI6nrfNuXoDC1b0tr40XryPyO68ob4ho2uNI7XamUelgvEK6bbMSViOKknTTKkbXfK7R8ZJ78WK3xXqEzxg-0x8/s320/IMG_5902.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Caribou and Moose</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485768802390541218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg635tp5ZAAnhfk56TN7nEiS1QY1KYAn-g_cnyFbR8Oy9H4FKMDre0zC78MVeHJ4OafvuI-Xlf48GD3u7HRxmRq8xtcbWwPdMszZNWprQyJDla1VGiscFwr17NC9vVp2ZuyG0-Eo39CN24/s320/IMG_5886.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485768813252668658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozOO5nON_iVT3S9Ve8HJCPGndm6e6Np9dJpgupvg62mQKnQsXKusHfzcXrcLnxmNGIUQkCBHBnkDl_RnqAV8ZLCiZIz8-vXDM_ci-xNir3bxAKV8X4-JbMB45tKhRB5gaXmxAw3FH0yg/s320/IMG_5894.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The Grizzly Bear and the state bird - Williow Ptarmigan </p><p align="center">(don't pronounce the P in Ptarmigan)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485768848060654082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbMtpbqOLs_954fd39_yOHp_S3u6gEe5Zw9g9nzmq2gGYlTVzOpKPfdZYx5sLh0tu-sAdEtiljuGXTRI3bK7o0nGGukERhpf1kPoBN8KsufQ26-IcFccqcpQxlVjlWtdqNFO2DJQuQfI/s320/IMG_5908.JPG" border="0" /></p>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-27904184699342573542010-06-22T17:35:00.000-07:002010-06-22T17:52:27.424-07:00Dr. Dad<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbP5F5d3Xt35jVhqgqSSxvA2N9sGS-Nf7EbLRTHkl_eumFIzZI2_8huNSPFUgkIlIoO7H0_eubXMhBmwjr2dkqUvEKxqvUrSL_hW4x1sOAl6L0BQ_IdB1tbPXKDBTGK8ugl9kbpm5TW4/s1600/IMG_5808.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485764295414455682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbP5F5d3Xt35jVhqgqSSxvA2N9sGS-Nf7EbLRTHkl_eumFIzZI2_8huNSPFUgkIlIoO7H0_eubXMhBmwjr2dkqUvEKxqvUrSL_hW4x1sOAl6L0BQ_IdB1tbPXKDBTGK8ugl9kbpm5TW4/s400/IMG_5808.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was only in Alaska less than a week before I was on a plane back home to celebrate two things. The first is that my cousin Amy got home from her mission to McAllen Texas, and the second was that my dad graduated from Gonzaga University with his PhD in Leadership Studies. Everyone came into town and it was so fun to spend time together - of course I wanted more but I had to get back up to Alaska for my first tour! <div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763118442840418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpoh8I7D2xw5Jbju5nmBhvvVTU20Hl5W_r6WWQIQ9TYatbj7lBZsyrkiP81uM-bwo6Lyh-QyLlziIRbJr4DXZ0gbTWyPfrrK3jO7b4_j6lnElDTz8O9Z0iQ6LvqOM4cOjWDMTwgJ4nao/s320/IMG_5782.JPG" border="0" />Papa with Gage<br /><br />It was so good to see Amy and it seemed so completely normal right away. I'm so glad that she's been able to have this amazing experience but I'm thrilled that she's only a phone call away now and that we can still have many more adventures to come.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485764844073531538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9OiD3FeV7IN_BxvmMyBr6eD8tFa2eBAnh2B9gzvRMGavU9VMzBD8wn3QOU-OebxVks2O_0z7HHJMOGMcCNgZ-gW6KY-S2GFegOnlnSMS8SA_IpUHHFwMVRHrdhNcWP8iSq7R4xHsosA/s320/IMG_5792.JPG" border="0" /><br />The graduation was a typical ceremony, although I thought both the speakers were "interesting." The first promised to be brief but droned on about nothing that really related and the student speaker seemed like he hadn't even prepared - it was rough. However we finally waited and cheered Dad on as he received his doctoral hood. Then in true Munson (my mom's side of the family) style we headed out for loads of pictures.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763127277559858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZK_P0EXEItqadnSbSFkwOMS283A_cXXOc0r9XTAmUvXjcYadshwfmUwwWu6pKb0HMyuZxxKEF1Q1r5r8kmwJlcYtD_ECn7IZ9GUl4PUe4thtdfKGX9341rvBA1-AnNlbFdxhFuZOuKA/s320/IMG_5791.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763133395214882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP6VfPNd6E-EZZkoa-B03u1DZTpu29PSzPgwSpd1WMA5gx9CjeJStuSBak4aSYrtH9BHcIUhN54gYXdvqP0UpY_46jNBr9074pCLNWUc8pqrFuGhZVFh5pMCivQZjO35CoDTMMizjzkg/s320/IMG_5798.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763137317738898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD96YM6wD6TSCpR3wlujKf6mgBDIHhdNBT2_HXsW7ywhGjHCNPyQ-JmSveEWoMEf2Fj4-n2ZWBs3dzZCKJK6EIlntRE9i2g8SyhYEv8dxBn8ZBrZUDmQrHICcqP1j148zFeqra8VYL_kM/s320/IMG_5806.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Finally we all went home and called Ryan on his mission and just had a great time. Amy spoke in church the next day and after lunch everyone kind of headed their own way and I went straight to the airport for the land of the North. I also pretty much said goodbye to the house because a new family will probably be there before I get back. At least we had one more great weekend together all at home!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763147390035794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDHyFKDFKlSOsB0YwrIoHaatcQKUBIxpO5JeaUvXzLzvzwQlBickdKjrB5mw8qbd82q3-tor4OwAbsQR8wHyEItWMeM23ZlyXI-Uqw2JORPkh9vQyzMM1ieK8_C-szLq5Ejmh6gsd7-o/s320/IMG_5816.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div>janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-29231426907454759182010-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:002010-06-22T17:35:29.670-07:00Break Downs and Black Bear - Oh my!<div align="center">So right after Mexico I left to drive up to Alaska for this summer season. We had a great start until just after the Canadian Border when we broke down in Lethbridge. After a nice gentleman stopped to help we asked if we could find a phone book to call a Bishop from our church - once he found out we were mormon he called up his "mormon friend" they gave us some numbers but they lived closest to the mechanic so we asked and they were so nice to let us stay with them Monday night.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485755114736774834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr9YhMp6ifWWnqj0rfHuukySdEIyXjvYMwzjyeA7JEqEPopXPf9wfmWtWC-xtwOBtzgo2vWxuWzyxM3cZjkg9W2k10ZZ5EiYMTDp0Xqwn_gJEcgmoOewkxaWEQYNfxcvlM6IE3CdaIDM/s320/IMG_5740.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Well Monday night turned into Tuesday for the evaluation, Wednesday to fix the car, Thursday to finish it and have the highway close north of us for a freak white-out snow storm and we finally left Friday.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485755090863027410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe15pRpoNPsSsvFuRfTwujBbNOMvLFItClxKG30EAbrRdtI51efp_9k-3XkGHkwLiuKEsiy1eDM8XA5wVsDnzFnWg4XDnB8bO0MXrdiXotDD_oqps7DlTV3q_ahw2hgdXhHu0b2lISGI/s320/IMG_5731.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />This family was so nice they not only housed us but also gave us food, took us on multiple tours of the town, insisted we go to the town auction, watched american idol with us, and introduced us to some boys from their home ward. And come to find out the Dad is SANTA CLAUS - seriously in the winter he dresses up like Santa for the local mall- complete with Reindeer and he had some great stories. He also invented a brand of Cheetos that they only sell in Canada too - so crazy.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485755102852460770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGpVL5xvmafTVeNIWB2EYonF7i3WBhZEC_RY2icNN3WayRIbTzTApcK5ZRdTWUWyZeg4aQFC4Q_0Oy28y2vg4wJGSspyoMCMk-ltPJOJYNuTFJIq2FcIsvV4IBqMmyPW90aLjjSl2OgI/s320/IMG_5736.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Yeah he invented these, and we tried on the Reindeer Bells too!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485755123716486658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE4WfrNCAYBou4LpjVNBkWCdYWZBhyH_hPfTUG_K-b1HtNOyPVQGHxERH6-_Lmy2dFxaBfp4xzZMRPrXnImseTHrUvKQ7C4cHB1FXPXWuo6pX8p1MnCiSQIVx2xRjZKod_hsGk7W83-A/s320/IMG_5741.JPG" border="0" /><br />Now we didn't just take and take, we were able to clean and polish their cabinents after we insisted on doing something, also got grease off the ceiling and wiped off the blinds. And Hana was able to call her sisters in for help too - their daughter was living in Texas and needed a ride for her board examinations for dental hygine school and Hana's sisters lived on either side of her so one picked her up and took her to the other's house for the weekend and got her to her test on time too. Now up here in Alaska we were able to pick up their niece from the airport to get them on a bus up to Denali for their summer jobs and swing by and say hello as well. The connections have just been crazy but we were so appreciative of the help.<br /><br />The rest of the trip ran smoothly, driving up the Alcan and into Alaska - we saw lots of animals and did pretty well on gas and although we were a little stressed we all made it in time for work.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485755130284445682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNoCgPU6XUYlnAXdLFBl-6rzxFHJScCnuLBqoxGdl4wJycYv7MASk2TAkNwKz7gTc0bDKwmrEJUm4sCYqokaGV9pH1uHxMIhqaY1zaG9B3kmDkc8kSFRc5uewGw135_erG3HV6zw-w3I/s320/IMG_5745.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485757250477639058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpnnBOc7hZqx2gHXey0dAEIDzW0mR9PJ9PEOOVRHez15hbGY-rAKl3X7E15HeQ4sfcDPI9HrQECYQKCjDQbXmr5MCpCQi8n5k6lSeF5Uqdu-5T6LroRROSw8TqzuDH6eC7GkQp8CRd4w/s320/IMG_5769.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485757231377947058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBbvKPLgjiKznrgTSWuw2OU3yO4k9oU6uGgF2KcvzmmLAAxTFld-MrtScmEzVNPHtNhKN76mH5cMnNgcShbmzs9hkSnQl3KrLjNaSIxh-DiR8-H0WvLIC4Ha78RGRTP2yfq39UDfDh2o/s320/IMG_5755.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485757239806901394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPW95dnSCI_88MMeoU8BaeenUU9kFJvOoG3iajKJJkwF6X5dMKRHHXPwYFKi7wbHwe_nFrPLAPvJ8XjteNFHV2SzAe4OYFyIAzdaqGgDrXMF-svP1P8NImDfKEPCkGCG7ko4Z-cj2u1A/s320/IMG_5760.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485757258118807458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1-RVJf-ROtYCfkYdOgFnk8wn2N-wngpJlRIzhO6T42TGlEivN3LmPYPZVUHYDGGYNGL9cdbTKZgi0aMBzJsjDzABUOHFRUcb4iQt0LEwby5KEF6n3bp5vci9_Tl4_nh4Mi6HTm1O4ZI/s320/IMG_5770.JPG" border="0" />janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6908054446809047094.post-50054104264311859112010-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:57:59.305-07:00Feliz Cumpleanos Leo!More catch up like usual - but anyway here goes. Right before Alaska I headed to Mexico for a Kaiizen trip which was nice and small with a group of people that are great. I loved everything from the traditional drive, seeing the kids, staying at the beach house for my first time, and just being back in Mexico.<br /><br /><div align="left">Some of the highlights:</div><div align="center"><br />1) Josh buying the new Double Chicken Sandwich or something from KFC, which is like cheese and bacon between two huge pieces of chicken (gross) AND then making everyone try at least one bite to get back into the car!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkjJhXllk__PirTbfu0IC-PhxPvnCfk79SEg8UqgeM9Q5evm6cxle38AKXnh1IFOPpt9Y1JQEppEtHKI4OWh3cJY4FTqt5Hf1eTjz_czhkmZQWPGv9HV0jiBKLNApv6KdHeAhMIJMBRE/s1600/IMG_5575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485742253340970914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkjJhXllk__PirTbfu0IC-PhxPvnCfk79SEg8UqgeM9Q5evm6cxle38AKXnh1IFOPpt9Y1JQEppEtHKI4OWh3cJY4FTqt5Hf1eTjz_czhkmZQWPGv9HV0jiBKLNApv6KdHeAhMIJMBRE/s200/IMG_5575.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQspEisKCVX2m_wEzw2A_cjzP1vUkuC6R_vcV71kGbZEqRKnHf8xcqdXQOKhABR5yuBIrwIpDH8ljxrHAEecNj4p4dI6GCVi-ylM54Y0Lhb_mD4cS011zCF0xqV0AV8J3Q7BXpmQAQY/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485742497801945906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQspEisKCVX2m_wEzw2A_cjzP1vUkuC6R_vcV71kGbZEqRKnHf8xcqdXQOKhABR5yuBIrwIpDH8ljxrHAEecNj4p4dI6GCVi-ylM54Y0Lhb_mD4cS011zCF0xqV0AV8J3Q7BXpmQAQY/s200/IMG_5581.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2) Getting to the beach house and Josh "surpervising" the rest of us weed his personal house! (J/K he helped a little bit himself and it went pretty fast for the "forrest we found).<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485742963391284050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDmTx2B2sMTfehq6d3-H3hbzlKj7IsU3OTRithbeTCENM1M36cbHNxoFxLLqbrMCFvZ2wvsnyF00mfDMKZDvBCVklMX9GjDHD5dgFiXPSG2JdyrXFJSlr5-anhv_67snY5WdokiWgTkA/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" border="0" />3) Tacos, tacos, and more tacos at our favorite stands!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485743587881413298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-4VptCSYWe1v7rc2xFuQRY4gBWaIzY3Ze4FXiXLxpvsMy1R3hvp18FeQSrFek1rWU_cLHZm44PUJkNgt-Yo7aY78BQXpiq2vr5M3cehbC9VI6gG93OELlbzbxUZGhemBcfEvAdx44Fc/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">The RV behind me makes great tacos!<br /><br />4) Having the kids do a fund run and meeting two of the newest kids like "cousin amigo" - (we have a volunteer bring down her 5 yr. old son who watches Dora the Explorer so that's what he calls Iban!)<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485743963418506354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-f4_w28WXbSR-K-M1_7rxh-xWlaB5MJqvuDYn_5_i3_5_AOept4jBaW2ZtS1FsldGJjci9F9R88eByGLGzK8LZ3lCNskLvUFVAjn_WsvPnzYFRLcWNIhOZYjMQet2UAKdpx7HnyL2rA/s320/IMG_5628.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Cousin Amigo - Iban and the Group photo<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485744358326053426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwYRzkCKLRCGAjwx0zE8oNa4ypyV40tBEfUMb_xdsb5wW7LVNX-_1RII13gmcwfSxJLVWqJ6c1VwxlMkydS29q8GKPvGdLA6HaMxzqY8tcAUeCQ3yw9Tz3bAUmo-zjQcYlujuAi67ZtU/s400/IMG_5639.JPG" border="0" />5) The kids "surprising" by having us fill drained eggs shells with confetti and flour and having an all out war - some of these left welts (and I'm pretty sure Josh instigated a huddle before and said "I don't care if they're kids, take no mercy!") <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485745994380397634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXAt_C7xYXBr2gyvxVvpIxH-yC3cYC3l0-aV_4cdGQgxyoPBnFSQLx7GTCZHdcJgtbuorX9bpOZG35DvNZMduOmJd1KDvLw4c7YKmNoJXffiKWkeD-zpGd_EDTucORKnifaHdk7pRUC8/s320/IMG_5640.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />The Calm and The Storm</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485746000964002274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ5R6Vr22d6_NqA4TBxIX8zdcNSTj6FXDgTe80LIWCB7ww3LwacQ4rUqVYVPNvZxJXAxxdXCyTAYjnQVXslCyILwqXYtkkM55tOJa2yNvcrdFr9-0-qbqiwqgDWc2_3GIqb07M8N_yHU/s320/IMG_5642.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485746011594587698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF41CCE552u2EL71zVyEI1q1QR-jDN1MgYVRSDS3ssFBZxYSYttCuDvIVL-l0Nlg4-YgzifjQacjOKnYn3GNlJq6o9tOJkE-JGiErBrjYWgb8ISJJ0AjtQ3qpo9cz3bjtreymTvuWagTM/s320/IMG_5649.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sarah takes no mercy!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485746014849834546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItUuOlqD6kBNfbpbzZondmwzz2o6WPCLjXRYYJPK1F5QDEG79Y6TReIfh4_ub7MZUZCjCohn9oY8d_oAvo6tXQIcoLZbHBZzHSMsafukVF9j5U_0tOo5iwU897wiOjrx4avqg1cyt-Bo/s320/IMG_5652.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Calling finish (he got hit right in the face 3 sec later)<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485746028615508530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnmzTeDgQaGcSDaYwP6kkFoEEdUV9GIxeQ_0VSnL2_MsbIia-wWSzHArZuaXIM7LHuaIHqh3pD2WG87XQGZPc5D6PyG_iVsZv96OCENFRAFOCHLTJ6vcoWYN0suZCn0CxgNI6VgxHjYE/s320/IMG_5659.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> Oh yeah we got to clean up everything too - surprise!<br /><br /></p>6) Just being silly with the kids<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485749173056690242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdYdEAriHhbPOx3pwN1UQM73wZLLbKH8EH-WrGUIrKQin0B5YUHhG8XQeSQGWRQj0qfb-2EotUOxyHL08rWRx8Bdnhe7IOt17Bk2-EsqU2E4JBpcu7GXUmSLr4d16t_9WLeoC9LvMtl4/s320/IMG_5673.JPG" border="0" /> 7) Leo's birthday party where we had great food - fun games (the Americans vs. the Mexicans and we won the first one so we got to paint their faces with charcol) <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485749181931037058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9VyBT-dIl1KGVhzKVsRIV17IHMZ_PhxyjZAEuxsN1EBqUN7F83ff-X09KsOAplNvfGHhRlu4AofO8pUY9SP8RF29PQGF2INKRhBTm_i1ahAsoXXDljDaRSh5b2Inbiomw1S7cbmmJJw/s320/IMG_5687.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Leo making his way to the surprise (I'm pretty sure the boys just hit him in the nuts right before this picture - happy birthday to you!)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485749188342202914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe9e1mf5dHJebJeiaMzea2XdXZ0kJDLXr4MoQwj9OIp9rFHflODFk9ArQAgvPcalQfts4tpJDm6xlO2hVze9kVqOSIkHz-kMIL2erEBOUXlIKKiO-6nl8mq5xAhxP9jxD2mKRvH1856A/s320/IMG_5691.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">We love it when we win!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485749195798021426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3vYnMKZeIypmtbcdbUrgxp04XetLR53y8_Tbi2aSaLKl0F2uS9oo570cRxoHBfifRgn8a-7TW-jzRS0ersj8YzJwjR8YPVdWTv0P4B5cg4mL6Yw2s4VQPScKzurLQ1gyVwZffkOp3dA/s320/IMG_5695.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">The hugging game - group of 3 (down to the finals)<br /><br /></p>It was such a great trip and it's always so nice to have a weekend surrounded by great people.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485749474949441426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKbUt78swZ_v1G3OPYf-wTeOzFGJ9NieetEdmZxTWT4KShUnlmm4oZoR9fn_ZTI06A_N-hfjw1Tsfhg8lIsztBZB-WHGg931Cr8JhBp1-rOdK7-imOJaccNeBodeWp_xa3hlNMVZES0o/s320/IMG_5655.JPG" border="0" />janelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13554959041237113183noreply@blogger.com1