Alaska

Exploring new things and places with my family is what creates my dearest memories.  Traveling with kids is no walk in the park, that's true.  But we've got it down pretty well, I think!  That might mean we give our older child night sedatives to get her to sleep while we're all packed in one room, but hey, ya do what you have to.  Judge away.;)  In all seriousness, our kids are pretty great little travelers.  Scarlett sticks close to us most of the time (perks of having a Nervous Nancy for a child) and Welles spends a lot of time snuggling Scott or I in a carrier, content as can be.  It's a pretty good situation.  This third kid is really going to throw a wrench in our traveling...  I just know it. ;) A lot of people warned us of the exhaustion taking kids cruising would be.  They must not have traveled with a million cousins and hello, Kid's Club, on the ship!  Scarlett literally had no time for us.  She had way too much fun with cousins making crafts and playing games in the ship's Kid Club.  We had to pry her from her beloved buddies and make her spend time with us.  Seeing as I'm supposed to be her best friend, this was a little bit of a blow to my self esteem.  But more so, it was positively relaxing.  Welles eventually got sick of us carrying him everywhere and was desperate to bum scoot around the ship.  Trying to follow him around was less relaxing.

I only got sea sick twice.  Both days where we were out at sea with no land in sight and a rocky ship.  Other than that, I did just fine and only gained a few (probably 5-10 ;)) lbs.  pigging out.  I am cleansing this week from all the junk in my body!  Never send a pregnant woman on a cruise with endless amounts of food....  Trouble.  And trying to get my kids to eat healthy was a bit of a joke.

Once we pulled into Alaska, the views were beyond breathtaking.  Whales swam along side our ship, schools of dolphins were often spotted and waterfalls from the lands around were everywhere.  It was seriously beautiful.  I'm regretting not taking more pictures.  Fail.  We hiked to a beautiful glacier in Juneau with Welles, then took Scarlett Whale watching while grandma "Welles watched"!  See what I did there?  I'm so clever.

In Skagway we toured the most darling little mining town and ate the BEST fish and chips that I've ever had.  We also enjoyed fresh crab leg, which I decided I'm not a huge fan of.  Skagway was my favorite stop.  Incredible views and the most charming little town.

The next day we were at sea and enjoyed unreal views of the Tracy Arm Fjord.  Scott woke me up at 6:30am to come look at the glacier our ship had stopped by.  At first I was furious to be awoken from a delightful sleep, but once I got out onto the deck and saw the view, I was glad I didn't bite his head off.  Serious beauty out there.

Our last stop was in Victoria, BC.  I also feel in love with the charm of that beautiful island.  We took a pedicab tour and I'm so glad we did.  It's a breathtaking little city with some very interesting history.  Also has amazing fish and chips!  We spent a lot of nights up dancing, playing card games, eating and more eating with Scott's family.  I love those people and am lucky to be married into such a great clan.  His grandparents are the ones who generously took everyone on this unforgettable trip.  Lucky us!

We de-boarded the ship in Seattle where we spent the weekend with some of MY amazing cousins.  Also, I was a first timer in Seattle.  LOVE that place.  Pikes Market was my favorite.  So much to see in Seattle.  What a trip!  Now, I've gotta get back to the hundred loads of laundry to be done....