Our Alaskan Cruise

I can't believe we are half way through September! It doesn't quite feel like fall yet, but I think we'll see signs of fall here soon. I'm currently in Montana with David. It's long past time we live together instead of apart, just because of his job. If only we could sell our Utah house! We've had it on the market since mid-May, but we've yet to receive a single offer. It's discouraging because we feel we are doing everything right. I guess this is where trusting in God comes into play. I'm trying to get to that place of peace where I trust everything will be alright.

How was your summer? We ended ours by taking a family cruise to Alaska. It was everything we'd hoped it would be. Here are the highlights from each port:

Juneau...

We took a small group whale watching excursion. It was led by a naturalist and an extra perk of this tour was pulling up a crab pot and inspecting and handling the critters inside.

We saw seven different whales! It was exciting.

Skagway...

In Skagway, we broke off into three different excursions in the morning. Zach and I took a photography tour (my pics are above). Marissa and Marcus took a dog sledding tour...

Meanwhile, Darcie and Grandma took a brothel tour! So funny, but true. They toured the Red Onion Saloon and parts of the historic town. They came back with a whole boat load of stories about madames and the Klondike Gold Rush. I don't have pics from their tour, but here are some of the town...

In the afternoon, we all met up and took a historic train ride together. We all enjoyed the narration and the beautiful scenery...

Glacier Bay...

Glacier Bay was spectacular! The ship sailed us through it while we viewed from the outside decks all bundled up. It was cold! 

Ketchikan...

On Ketchikan, we took a small group boat excursion. It was very enjoyable for all of us. We saw several eagles and these little islands...

And the cutest little lighthouse.

And that was our cruise! It really was fantastic. We all fell in love with Alaska. It was so beautiful! Thanks for stopping by! If you are a friend or extended family member, please bookmark this blog or follow by email as a way to keep up with our family's adventures. Honestly, we would love that.

Marissa's Homecoming

I meant to write this much sooner! Marissa returned from her mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the end of June and her homecoming took place two weeks later. Here are the highlights from the airport...

Our wonderful friends, the Wallis family, made the welcome home banner and door poster. They did the same when Zach came home from his mission. Thank you, Steph!

It was so nice of the family and friends who came from near and far for her homecoming.

Family from my side...

Family from David's side...

And amazing friends and neighbors...

We are so thankful for the love, friendship, and support we receive from everyone. It means so much to us. We missed those who couldn't make it. And Marissa bore the sweetest testimony in Sacrament meeting about her mission. She has grown so much, spiritually, and I'm hoping she believes that she can do all things through Christ just as promised in Philippians 4:13. Because missions are hard!