Adventures of an Alaskan Transplant: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Partying it up with the best of friends!

A few weeks ago, a good friend of ours, Jen, graduated from the Physicians Assistant program. She of course wanted to have a graduation party to celebrate such an accomplishment. Wanting to go all out, the plan was to get a function catered or go out. Unfortunately this did not work out, so she worked with some friends and planned a potluck BBQ. Little did she know that what was really being planned was a formal, sit-down meal with our group at another friends house. It was a complete surprise to her! Everyone showed up, dressed-up (which is rare in Alaska), and surprised her when she walked in the door. It was even worked out with her husband for him to bring formal clothes for the two of them! The look on her face was priceless. We then got to enjoy a great evening with amazing food and the best friends anyone could ask for. Being the end of summer, a lot of us have been out and about, and have not seen each other all together for awhile, so it was a great time to see everyone at one function. The evening was so perfect and fun - we are so blessed to be a part of such a great group of friends who care so much for each other and support each other in everything they do!

Jen's surprise!

Eating our formal dinner on the deck

Cameronn (who planned the whole thing), Jen, and Tami

Cam, Tami & I

Andrew & I

[photo by Sarah C.]

All of us together!

[photo by Sarah C.]

The girls

[photo by Sarah C.]

I love these women!

[photo by Sarah C.]

Thursday, August 30, 2012

7 Year Anniversary and the Beginning of the School Year

Two weeks ago was our seven year wedding anniversary - crazy! Below is a photo from our anniversary dinner at Benihana (thanks Dad & Mom) and from our wedding - my, how things have changed in seven years!

At Benihana for our anniversary dinner

In the limo on the way to our wedding reception - August 13, 2005

After dinner, it was still a nice sunny evening, so we went downtown Anchorage, to Bootlegger's Cove and took some photos of the Cook Inlet.

A gorgeous sunny day in Bootlegger's Cove - Anchorage, Alaska

A sunny view of the Cook Inlet - Anchorage, Alaska

This week school starts, so we will be quite busy with work and school again and I likely will not be posting as often...

To wrap the summer up, through our road trip and anniversary, we have been thinking back on the last eight years. We have talked about how much our lives have changed, yet how blessed we have been and still are. Not only are we married to each other, our best friend and favorite traveling partner, but we have amazing family, friends, and an amazing church that we are blessed to be a part of! The last month has been an excellent opportunity to reflect on all we have and remember how important it is to be aware of that.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Seattle/Canada Road Trip

So last week we flew down to Seattle, bought a vehicle and then drove it back up to Alaska!
We flew down Friday (with a nice layover in Juneau, where we got to hang out with friends). Then Saturday, we bought the vehicle (a Certified Pre-Owned 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI), and hung out in the Seattle-area Saturday and Sunday. Monday morning we headed out North to Alaska - we did the trip in four days and 2,304 miles!