Life As The Caldwell Family: July 2010

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Portage Glacier Cruise and Whittier

I forgot about this so I figured better late than never. These are pictures from our Portage Glacier Cruise and our drive into Whittier.

Byron Glacier, a nice walk 1.6 mile walk in to find SNOW!

Nothing like playing in the snow in July!

Mr Pouty Pants needs a nap!

The only way in or out of Whittier is through this tunnel.

Thunderbird Falls

As my mom and brother's visit was coming to a close, we had some beautiful weather, so we took advantage and went for a little hike at Thunderbird Falls. For some reason, I didn't think there was much of a distance factor involved, but I was wrong. My mom isn't much for hiking, and it is apparently 1 mile in and 1 mile out. But my mom was a trouper and didn't die, so I claim it as a success! I'm sure she was cursing me the whole time, but she knows I love her, and I wasn't trying to kill her! I was off camera duty most of the day, so I think all these pics are by Andrew. I must give credit where credit is due, love you Andrew!

I'm pretty sure this is my favorite picture of the two of them. There is something so peaceful about it and that says a lot, since there isn't many peaceful moments with the two of them!

My mom is such a trouper, did I say that already?!

Such a good uncle, keeping the crazies out of the freezing cold water!

I did grab the camera here to capture Declan playing the stick "guitar" and singing! If he doesn't play music on a stage someday, I'll be shocked!

Ian peeking out of the tree.

Declan howling like a wolf in the tree.

I love my boys! I have so much fun with those two!

Andrew doesn't quite fit in the tree as well as the rest of us! He's a tall guy!

And, oh, Thunderbird Falls of course!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Denali

The boys, my mom, Andrew, and myself left Monday morning for the drive to Denali, which is about 236 miles from my house. It is truly an amazing drive and we couldn't have asked for better weather on the way there. The Fireweed was in full bloom the whole way and the sky was clear! We stopped at some of the view spots, but cruised right to the lodge were we stayed the night and went out in the morning to Denali National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately it was rainy so we drove in as far as we were allowed and didn't see much, but it was still beautiful! I just couldn't justify putting the boys on the bus tour for at least 5 hours. It was just enough for them to drive in and get out to run around. I know the next time we go Ryan and I already talked about camping and staying at least a week! I can't wait to go back! Here are some of my photos that I took. Hope you enjoy!

The Alaska sky around 11pm. So gorgeous!

The Savage River

Rock formation at Savage River in Denali National Park and Preserve

Moose off in the distance.

Dwarf Fireweed River Beauty

Seagull babies

Ptarmigan

Moose

Earthsong Lodge in Healy, AK. We stayed overnight here and it was wonderful!

Sled Dog of the Lodge we stayed at. They do winter expeditions and that sounds like so much fun!

Which way should we go?

Not sure what this was but it looked cool.

Mt McKinley

Ian checking out the Alaskan mountain range

Declan checking out the Alaskan mountain range

Ian acting shy for the camera. I really love this picture!

Ruth Glacier

Prickly Rose

Alaskan Cotton

Northern Yarrow

Fireweed

Our Cabin "Flower"

Sunday, July 11, 2010

My budding artists!

Went down to the Anchorage Market today and the boys had a great time painting. I love watching them have fun and just being kids! They are growing up too fast. I love my boys!

I don't know if you can really see it, but Ian has the most serious look on his face. Such a cutie!

Cruisin the Fjords in Seward

Seward was on the agenda for Saturday and it was RAINY! The funny thing is, the wildlife in AK is really use to this weather so it made the cruise totally worth going out in the cold rain. It actually was really beautiful! We had an awesome lunch at Fox Island and the boys got to practise their rock skipping skills on the beach. The boys also got to become honorary junior rangers which was the coolest thing to them! We were able to see otters, eagles, stellar seals, puffins, and one whale that I didn't catch with the camera but it was still awesome. You'll just have to take my word for it! It was such a great day and the drive home was beautiful. The rain cleared away and the views were beautiful. We even saw a momma moose and her baby eating on the way home. What more could you ask for?!