The kids got to go to Alaska this year without their parents - a definite first! They flew up with Grama and met Grampa there. Greg and Max Hewitt were there as well to round out the crew. It was a happy group!
The fishing wasn't amazing, but the crab and shrimp collecting proved fruitful.
Beach fires and fireworks cannot be beat. It was much cooler in the end of August than in early July, as the kids are used to, but Mitch still donned shorts gleefully.
There were some wild Monopoly games with lots of wheeling and dealing. It was fun for the kids to have the Hewitts there with them for the first part of their trip. Mitch was even invited to share the loft with them - a gracious invitation considering his lack of showering!
They jigged for herring successfully.
Mitch purportedly helped remove the herring from the lines, as well as catch them this year.
There was a lot of rain and bundling up for it was necessary.
Pensive fishergirl enjoying the cruise.
Not everyone can pull off this look!
The Lola Mae is such a great boat!
Over the course of the week, each child needed to be cheered up by Grampa at least once. Shan and Grampa rallied with silly faces.
Mitch healed with a canoe ride together with his Grampa.
The kids were rumored to have gotten along pretty well.
They also enjoyed playing with some new neighbors several times.
Shan and Shia were a good duo!
Shan was often helpful around the cabin, even sweeping without being asked!
The kids played golf and baseball, played on the swing, added to the shelf of glory (in its new location), went on hikes, explored the wreck, and more. I think this was his first trip firing the potato gun. And, naturally, the BB gun saw lots of action.
Mitch loved doing everything while there, from piloting the boat to splitting kindling. He soaks up Alaska fully.
And this year he caught his first halibut! That's one proud Grampa watching Mitch pull up his fish!
And this is one proud fisherman with his lovely 27-pounder!
He was all smiles!
They enjoyed the neighbors' 4-wheeler and each had a chance to drive it as well!
The only picture of all 4 of them was taken by neighbor Chris. Our children had a wonderful time - and reports suggest that grandparents also enjoyed it! Bryan and I were able to get lots of work done in preparation for the school year - with no guilt for long hours. It was a gift of time for us. What joy to have Alaska for another summer memory!
