I'm back...

to reality from an awesome cruise to Alaska with Robert's entire family with the exception of Michelle and her husband(too pregnant). Kathy has been planning Willis' 60th birthday for over a year and a half. She told all of her kids about a year ago of the plan to surprise him in cruising to Alaska. It surely was a surprise! They flew out with a few layovers while the rest of us had non-stop flights to Seattle. We met them at the Seattle Airport...he was totally shocked! So he knew that we were all there, however didn't know what we were doing until the bus went by the harbor and he saw the ships. It is amazing that we pulled it off. For the week prior, we kept our kids home because we didn't want them to spoil the surprise by saying that they were going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a whole week while mom and dad go on a big boat.

A super humongous thanks to my Mom and Dad & Abbi and Dustin for watching the kiddos...they had a lot of fun flying kites, visiting Grandpa in the hospital with a blood clot--glad you're better, making balloon flip-flops, playing Grandpa at the Spa, riding the four-wheeler and so many more things I'm sure. {I'll post pictures when I get them from my parent's camera.} Thanks again!!!

We board the Star Princess Sunday the 25th in Seattle and set sail for a day and a half to Ketchikan, Alaska. There were so many things to do on the ship to pass time...shows, 24-hour buffet, Pictionary, Scattergories, Princess Pop Star {like American Idol}, casino, watch the ocean, games {Die Fatty Die}, and lots more.

Ketchikan...Lee, Allison, Robert & I went to The Lumberjack Show. It was a live show of lumberjack competitions...wow, my favorite part was Joey climbing the 50 ft pole and coming down only touching the pole once. He did it in about 15 sec start to finish. We also walked down Creek Street. It was a strip built on stilts over the water. It was where the "ladies" were. We ate at the Halibut Hole {or the Hali-butthole}. Then we walked around the town like real tourists...shopping.

Juneau...Kayle, Mona, Brett, Allison, Robert & I walked the tourist shops then Lee, Allison, Brett, Robert & I got onto a bus and took a 30-minute drive to the mountains to a Salmon Bake. It was an all-you-can-eat grilled salmon, creamy chicken leg, ribs, salad dinner in the woods. Then we took a walk up to an awesome waterfall and roasted marshmallows over the campfire.

Skagway...Robert & Brett went to a Dog Musher's Camp. It was R's favorite excursion! They said that there were over 400 huskies. They also got to go on a dog sled ride. He was going to buy a disposable camera on the ship before he left, but he said they were closed so he didn't get any pics. Some of us went on the White Pass Railway which was a 3 1/2 hour train ride up the mountain. I think that was probably my fave. There were so many beautiful waterfalls, little ponds, and scenic views. We also saw two bears on our venture. The train ride was fun, however standing outside on the deck made it much more fun! Mona, Allison & I rode out there some of the trip up the mountain and the whole way back down. The fresh air lightened the mood! Mona, I will get the waterfall & train calendars ready...hee, hee!

Victoria...the Butchart Gardens are here, however we didn't port until 5 pm and the next tour bus leaving for the 30-minute ride there wasn't until 7:15, so we weren't able to go. We toured around the British-looking town, eating in Chinatown. It was a beautiful city!

We made lots of memories during that week that will be talked about for a long time. I am glad that we were able to go and experience the beautiful country in Alaska and Canada. We had so much fun!!! Thanks to all of you that shared this adventure with us...sure love ya all!