Alaska 2013

We did our family vacation to Alaska and it was a success!

The flights there (and back) went relatively smoothly. Both kids had special carry-on bags and were able to entertain themselves for most of the time. Mitchell absolutely LOVED flying and only slept under very direct instruction!

We arrived in Petersburg on the afternoon of July 2nd with my parents waiting and waving at the plane.

Dad had made Shannon her very own lifejacket, complete with a monkey tail like her brother's, and Mom found ExtraTuf boots in her size for only a couple dollars. Shannon was delighted with her new accessories!

Mitch LOVED being in the boats and was always asking to go for a boat ride. Here he is just leaving Papke's for the first time headed over to the cabin.

After one of his requested boat rides, he returned with a buoy, much to his delight.

The downed logs around the place made for a veritable playground. Shannon loved walking along the logs and Mom was always a willing spotter.

Dad and Bryan went out for halibut twice and were successful both times. Here Bryan shows off a couple of their fish.

Mom does the packaging and I stand around pretending to be useful and writing creative labels on the packages. Halibooty? I think so!

Shannon threw one particular willful fit on a boat ride with her grandparents. Please note the impressive display of color in the rain gear!

Keeping tabs on passing boats.

Bathtime! Mitch remembered this fondly from his first trip and was more than happy to bathe in the tub.

SJ enjoyed it, too. Who wouldn't like warm water up to your shoulders in a tub just for you?

Leaping from stumps was another favored pastime.Poor Mom was always nervous because Shannon didn't always give warning before launching herself!

The kids loved to play with the boat trailer as well, "fishing" with it, catching buoys, and entertaining themselves for great stretches of time.

Happy cheese balls.

Three mornings Mom and I had kid duty as the guys worked with two friends to put those huge beams under the cabin as one phase of reconstruction. Fortunately we had a neighbor's cabin available to use for naps and our mornings went well. We even ventured to town where Mom drove the boat and I the horrid truck!

Papa let the kids color on the beam before it went under and that was a big hit!

Dad's chainsaw helmets became fire helmets and there was a frequent cry of "To the rescue!".

Shannon really enjoyed being read to and would occasionally read to herself.

On a sunny Sunday, we went south to Castle Island for an exploration and a wienie roast. It is a beautiful place!

Shannon and Grama investigating some of the pirate caves.

Mitch was always hunting for shells and here Papa was kind enough to be his pack mule.

Castle.

Castle kisses, for Mom's benefit!

Castle

Check out the dirt and wounds on her face! She fell off of everything while there and would either cry or just bounce up and go for more. A face of rubber!

Driving the boat.

Some quiet time with Grama, reading his new boat book.

Love their boat outfits!

One morning Dad and Bryan took Mitch fishing, which involved floating just offshore. He did catch a few flounders which came home in a 5-gallon bucket. He thought there were still alive and when we left, he asked Grama to keep feeding them for him. I'm sure they did get fed - to the eagles!

Happy family on the beach!

Happy family enjoying the sun!

Our sunset finale! We had a great time. There are so many more photos . . .

 My beloved mountains. Such a view!