Alaska By Sea

After a week of exploring Alaska by land, it was time to explore Alaska by sea.  It was a perfect combination to really appreciate the beauty of a state that boasts being 2 1/2 times as big as Texas.

Sometimes, after a hard journey you are blessed with special, incredible opportunities.  One such example was our invitation to view the Hubbard Glacier from the bridge of the ship.  Jonah was also made honorary 5 strip captain with a custom made uniform and all.  It was such a special and touching experience for our whole family.

In Juneau, the Alaskan state capital.

Given my awesomeness with motion related things, the sea plane outing probably wasn't my best suggestion, but we did get so see some amazing sights.  Noah road as co-pilot while the rest of us took in the views from the back.  This adventure induced what may have been the best naps Anna, Jonah and Julia took all trip.

In Skagway, we took the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway - a train that made later passage for the gold rush easier.  It was another time that we found ourselves wishing for our yet to arrive selfie stick.

In addition to the bridge tour, we were able to have a private dinner with the captain of the ship, a private galley tour, special desserts every night, a Minion themed party in the kids club inspired by Jonah's love of Minions and many special trinket gifts in our rooms.  Most of these marvelously special things were coordinated by Jackie and Chris, who because fast friends with the kids.

Captain Jonah at your service.  

Julia with the actual captain of our ship, giving her hand a navigation.

Jonah, offering insight into the ice field ahead.  He was able to help navigate safe passage and we only had a minor brush with an iceberg.

I told you there'd be more dandelions.  Check this thing out - it seriously is almost as tall as Julia!  She loved it!

Noah, panning for gold in Skagway.  He managed to find about $10 worth of gold in his pan, but the sight wasn't interested in actually buying it back from him so it's a keepsake from the trip now.  Anyone looking to buy gold?

Even on this epic trip, Jonah and Julia stay connected.  Jonah bonked his right eye, crawling around on the floor, and so at breakfast that morning, Julia had to bang her right eye into the corner of a table to try and match.  Meanwhile, in the background, Anna loves the binoculars.

Fishing in Icy Strait.  Ok, really just taking advantage of some props, but still....

Anna really found her face of many expressions this trip and wasn't afraid to ham it up.  Here is but a sampling of her expressions.  Smelly fish anyone?

Check out how long that dandelion stem is!  Anna can't believe it.

That was't supposed to bend that way.  Yikes!

No really, look at how long the stem is.  Have you ever seen a dandelion so tall?

During our galley tour, we also got to spend some time with Wendell - the head pastry chef, who created special desserts for us every night.  He we certainly a kid favorite for his talents.