The ALCAN

We left Alaska Monday morning, February 6, and headed down the ALCAN to the lower 48 on our way to NC. It took us 4 days to get form AK to WA. It was a beautiful drive with sunsets, sunrises, mountains and lots of wildlife.


Tyler and I enjoyed lots of books on tape and just time visiting. We are now spending a few days at my parents house to visit, and rest before the next leg of our cross country move. Early next week we will be on the road again and headed closer to NC.

Farewell Alaska

This morning Tyler and I headed out of Alaska and are on our way to North Carolina. This is the beginning of a long and adventurous road trip. Neal flew to Seattle with my mom yesterday and we will pick him up there where he will join us for the rest of the road trip.

We'll be updating along the way as much as possible as we travel cross country as a family. Looking forward to what God has in store for us and already missing those we had to leave.

February

I really love the month of February for so many reasons. I love all the Valentine's Day decorations that come out, the reminder to charish and appreciate the ones we love and the fact that February (2 years ago) was when we became a family of three.


However, this February has been a litter different. We have had to say many goodbyes this past week and it has been a little harder then I anticipated. I have been reflecting a lot on how gracious God has been the past 6 years to bring us such great, life long friends and allow us to be near family. I have been reminded of this great blessing as we have said goodbye, and finished packing all our belongings for our move.


It may not be hard to leave the snow and cold temperatures but leaving our family and friends here is a different story...



As I look back on the last 6 years I remember how we have walked through so many different stages of life right along with our friends; such as being newly married, becoming dog owners and then becoming parents.


I have been challenged, and encouraged in my walk with God by my friends here and have so many memories of laughing and learning how to live life together. We have walked with each other through so many different situations, joys and trials that my life is forever changed. So, this February is filled not only with the joy of Valentine's Day and Neal's birthday but also a few tears of sadness as we say goodbye.


I am confident that the Lord has great things in store for our family and all those dear to us in the years ahead. So, as we prepare to leave AK, family, and friends we are filled with love and gratefulness for all those who have had an impact on our lives and will continue to be a part of our lives even over the miles that separate us.

Commissioning Service

This past Sunday we had our Commissioning Service for our transition into full-time ministry with TWR. Tyler spoke some at the service along with Pastor Tim and Chris Johnson from TWR. It was a great time of encouragement and Tyler and I walked away feeling incredibly blessed by our church family.


We are so grateful for our church. The individuals within our home church have been not only a blessing to us but have had a lasting impact and influence on our lives as individuals and as a family. We look forward with anticipation and excitement to where God has called us to serve, but this is a bitter sweet time for us as we have to say goodbye not only to family and friends but our church family as well.


There are lots of changes and unknowns ahead of us but we are feeling beyond blessed as we move forward. We have many incredible friendships established here in AK that will last for a lifetime no matter how far away we may move.

An Unexpected Visit

We had an very friendly visitor last week at our house....



...he almost came in our house. Neal thought it was great, Tyler and I on the other hand were a bit nervous about him being too close. But the moose stayed outside and eventually walked away to find someone else to visit.



Neal continues to look out the window now throughout the day and says "here moose, moose, moose."


To Neal's delight the moose came back the next day. We'll be keeping a close watch outside next time we leave the house.

Back to Packing

Now that are vacation is over we are back to packing up our last few things for our move. We have packed almost all of Neal's toys away (except a few things for the car ride) but it doesn't seem to faze him at all...what is more fun then boxes right?

Maui Sun

While in Hawaii we got to spend a 4 day weekend in Maui. This was our favorite part of our trip. The weather was amazing, the condo we stayed in was perfect (with an ocean view), and the beaches were practically right outside our door.


Every morning the sun was out and we would go outside and enjoy breakfast on the back deck, watch for whales in the ocean and listen to the birds sing.


The Beaches were just a short walk down the path from our condo and Neal loved the walk. It was fun to see him so amazed and excited about the waves. Tyler and Neal and Eli watched the waves cash on the rocks over and over again.



Once we made it to the beach Neal was not so sure about the waves...he was a little scared when the first wave rolled over his toes and he felt the sand move from under his feet.


He actually ran as fast as he could saying "no please" up the beach and as far away from the water as possible. We stayed at the beach for about an hour that first time and he eventually decided the water was actually quite fun.


The rest of the time at the beach and the next several beach days it was hard to get Neal out of the water. We had a lot of fun just playing with Neal in the sand/water and watching his excitement over the whole beach experience.




...and then, what's better then a good nap after a sunny day at the beach.