Wednesday, September 5, 2012

North to Alaska ~ part 1

South to the USA to catch the boat...
north through Canadian waters and on to Alaska.
 
We sailed through calm seas and sunshine...
with those nearest and dearest...
making memories together as a family in honour of our 40th wedding anniversary.
 
The trip was a little late in becoming a reality...
since the anniversary took place last summer.
 
But when Baby Lucy chose that time to make her arrival...
we decided the trip could wait until 'next year'.
 
In the end, our little Lucy stayed behind with a nanny...
as her mom didn't think she was quite ready to be travelling the high seas.
 
It was a good call...
as she became ill and was much better off in the hands of her attentive caregiver.


We met at the port of Seattle where we boarded the Disney Wonder...


...checked in and explored the ship. 
What fun for all!

Despite a weather forecast that was less than stellar for our cruise...
we woke up most every morning to sunshine and blue skies. 


We enjoyed breakfasts on the deck and found we had no need for the parkas we had been advised to bring!


We sailed past icebergs...


watched seals sunbathing...


saw glaciers calving...


...and rode the train to the White Pass summit. 

We dined at lovely tables...
were waited on hand and foot...
and enjoyed family shows in the Walt Disney theatre most evenings. 


We enjoyed sunsets...


 ...and full moons.


It was a good time...
our 40th anniversary family vacation...


...and we are so glad it worked out for us to make this trip in the summer of 2012!


19 comments:

  1. I am thanking God this morning, that you had your camera with you. These pictures are exceptional and certainly give me a taste as to how special of an occasion you all had together. The sunset picture is one of my favorite!

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  2. The only thing better to celebrate than 40 is 41! What a wonderful series of family photos in the mosaic and the scenery is fantastic. You're looking so thin, Judy. I'll be sending YOU some Coffee Crisps soon.

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  3. What a fantastic way to celebrate your 40th!! Ours is coming up next summer and we've been starting to think about what special thing we can do to celebrate.

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  4. What a great trip! Sounds like a fun time was had by all.

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  5. It certainly was worth the wait and from the looks of it you had a wonderful cruise together. i'm usre it's something your grandchildren will remember forever! I enjoyed seeing the beautiful scenery - thanks!

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  6. You are teasing me with your photos...As that is where we are headed next year..on a road trip. Sounds like the weather was perfect and I'm so glad that you could be outside on the deck. That's where we loved to gather at the beginning or end of a day...Party on the Deck!

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  7. I am convinced this is worth a look for our next milestone anniversary! What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary with your dear family! The photos are amazing.

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  8. What a great way to celebrate your 40th (or your 41st). Let's see, we have 5 years to plan and save - this might be a great thing to anticipate. I'm so glad the weather cooperated for your cruise.

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  9. Judy what an awesome time with your family. Can't imagine how fun that had to have been.
    The people you love and beautiful backdrops of God's design!

    Hugs!

    debi

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  10. So glad you had such stellar weather for your trip. What an added blessing!

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  11. Oh, how nice it is to see this! I have never had a desire to go to Alaska but your photos are great inspiration! Beautiful!

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  12. I am always amazed at the beautiful pictures you take. It is great to see everyone having such a good time.

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  13. It looks simply lovely! I've always wondered about the Alaska cruises - thanks for sharing the highlights of yours. A perfect way to celebrate 41 - um - 41! wonderful years of marriage!

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  14. oops - that should say - 40 haha - my fingers got ahead of my brain. not the first time :)

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  15. Lovely! Family cruises are so much fun. I am glad God snuck in some better than expected weather in in your honor!

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  16. Stellar Indeed! What a great family/40th trip...and a perfect choice of cruise lines for the grands!

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  17. Beautiful photos, Judy - and wonderful weather. We had overcast and grey skies right until the last day and half when we went to celebrate my Mom an Dad's 60th. How lovely to celebrate with your kids and grandkids.

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  18. Beautiful photos.....such a great way for a family to celebrate together.

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  19. The weather looked perfect, and the ship and sights you saw looked spectacular! My favorite photo was the one of you and Elmer! Happy Anniversary all over again:)

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~ Ralph Waldo Emerson