Our First True Alaskan Adventure

On Saturday, Neal's work had a function, put on by the squadron's "Honorary Commander".   The gathering took place at his lake-side cabin outside of Willow, Alaska.  You can only reach the cabin by float plane or snow-mobile. 

Waiting for our ride.

So we got up early and packed up all of our layers (not having all of our stuff; the kids thought it was so funny that they had to wear pajamas as a thermal underwear layer) and drove one and half hours north to Willow.  Then we had to wait for snow mobiles to pick us up from the parking lot of the Nancy Lake state park.  From there, it was a 11 miles snow mobile ride through beautiful wooded trails and over 2 frozen lakes to arrive at the cabin.

Still waiting...

Finally our chariot arrived and the kids were so excited to ride in the "family pod".  Quinn thought it looked like something out of Star Wars.  They said it was "super fun but super bumpy" and "hot, hot".

The day was spent eating, sledding and playing in the snow.  I don't think Quinn stepped out of the snow for more than 5 minutes to have a quick snack and drink.  He was soaked to the bone by the time we got back to the car.  Good thing we had a change of clothes for everyone.  

View across the lake

View of the lake from behind the cabin

Out House...rustic, right?

Anchorage Museum/Imaginarium Discovery Center and Alaska Zoo

We are trying to see as much and do as much as we can in Alaska, just in case we have to move sooner rather than later.

We visited the Anchorage Museum that includes the Imaginarium Discovery Center for kids.  The kids had a great time touching and doing everything.  The museum also has great displays of the history of Alaska.  I think Neal and I will go back on a day without the kids to really get to explore that part.... the kids didn't want to spend time at the displays because their hands were ready to get back to the Imaginarium. 

The Alaska Zoo is a short ride from the base.    The zoo was packed with snow piles like everywhere else but it was a perfect size for a half day visit before the kids started saying they were getting cold.  It has polar bears, musk oxen, and lots of other local favorites.  

 

Quinn's First Day at American Kindergarten

Quinn started American school on March 20th and his teacher's name is Mrs. Ige.

Quinn & Mrs. Ige

Quinn was so excited to tell me about his journal and that 6th graders came into his class to read and play games.    He did have to learn what a "cafateria" was and what was "PE".