Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Monday, June 28, 2010

Brei and Daniel

Brei and Daniel were married last Friday night on the top of Moose Mountain. It was sunny and warm with amazing views that went on forever, but by far the most beautiful view was Brei and Daniel vowing their love to one another. A reception was held afterwards at a very unique and elegant bed and breakfast called the Cloudberry.

Brei and Daniel on the four-story circular staircase at the Cloudberry.

Moriah was Brei's Maid of Honor.

Daniel's Mom, a wonderful cook, made some yummy mexican food for the reception.

The wedding party, Brei and Daniel, Matt and Mandy, and Moriah.

Everyone had fun dancing. This picture was taken at almost midnight...aahhh Land of the Midnight Sun...we could have partied all night and not even realized it!

The Cloudberry Bed and Breakfast...fit for a prince and princess!

The view of Hidden Lake from the tower.

The only things that could have made the evening any better would have been to have all our friends and family there.

Monday, June 21, 2010

From Tennesse to Valdez, AK

We arrived in Tennessee Sunday the 13th to temps above 100 and high humidity. The Christensens were ready for us as we moved in all our 'stuff' for the summer. We only had three days to settle in, acclimate the dog and cat to a new house, celebrate Maggie's 12th birthday. Amy was teaching bible school and took the kids each evening while Steve and I spent time with Andy and Michael.

Mercedez went shopping with Moriah and I to find a dress for Moriah to wear in Brei's wedding...a little side-tracked here but having fun!

We celebrated Maggie's birthday a day early with a pool party since Steve, Mo, and I were leaving for Alaska on Thursday.

Simon, the latest addition on the Christensen hobby farm.

Amy took Steve, Moriah, and I to the Nashville airport very early Thursday morning (thanks Amy!) for our 6 a.m. flight. No pictures allowed.

Steve and Moriah at the Anchorage airport waiting for our connecting flight to Fairbanks. It took 13 hours to get to Fairbanks...we were tired. Praise God I had NO motion sickness!!!

We spent Friday getting settled at Brei's adorable dry cabin, AAAAANNNNDDDD THEN!!!! We all left for Valdez!!! WOOOHOOOOO! When Brei and Daniel were back in Iowa last May, he mentioned that we should spend the weekend in Valdez while we were in Alaska(most beautiful place I've ever been (see for yourself!) and was secretly wishing to go again). I'm loving this guy more and more.

Saturday was cool and a little drizzly, normal weather for Valdez. Last 4th of July it was sunny and in the 80's. We made the best of it (hey, it's only water!).

Mo, Brei, and Daniel hanging out at the harbor.

View of the waterfall from the harbor shrouded in clouds.

We'd never seen an ice cream truck that also sold espresso and hot soup...not a bad idea, huh Holly?

We had a great visit with our friends, the Riggins, who moved to Valdez last year.

We all went sea kayaking out to Columbia Glacier on Sunday. I hadn't planned to go along and am SOOO glad I changed my mind. We had a 1 1/2 hour boat ride out to Heather Bay where we were dropped off. It was an awesome adventure that was very surreal and beautiful. Sometimes I can hardly believe the places God's taken us. This one ranks at the top...see for yourself...