Life in Southeast Alaska!

How do I describe another trip of a lifetime for Fred and I? Pictures will tell the story, but I'll describe a bit here. It was an adventure--the adventure included incredible rain storm in Ketchikan, delayed planes, and wet and rough ferry rides between the mainland and the Ketchikan airport. Then the storm grounded all planes and we wound up about 11 hours behind schedule in meeting Isaac and his family in Thorne Bay. But finally in the dark and in the rain we had our arms around Sophia and Isaac as they greeted us at the ferry in Hollis. Then we drove through the forest to Thorne Bay where Katie and the baby were waiting with homemade pizza and a warm and welcoming home. The next day we had the baby dedication and Fred brought the message at their church. After church --the entire church family-- went to the pastor's home for unbelievable food (uh-huh venison stew) and then jamming with the church's Blue Grass band. I wish I had time to write all the detail--it was amazing. The rest of the week was spent with drives to Craig for shopping and sightseeing, a trip by foot through a dense rain forest that at the end trail rewarded us with a standing of old totem poles, indian lodge, and the ocean. Another trip to Sandy beach that was still densely forested but more open for sitting and watching the sea. We spent time at Ike's school on two days taking lunch to him and seeing his great school--for as remote as it is, it was fully equipped, completely accessible by wireless and remote. We had a morning at Sophia's little school (on the same campus as Isaac's high school), and we even attended a baby shower and welcome to the town for Katie. The Martin's had neighbors in for dessert two evenings, and before we knew it we were packing to leave. Leaving was so hard. Sophia especially hated to see her Grandma and Pop-Pop climb into that four-seater float plane and leave her behind standing on the dock. I was so sad, it's really tough having your kids so far away, you know in your heart it's supposed to be and it's meant to be, but it doesn't get easier.

The community there is really tight and it was wonderful to meet so many people and understand finally what life is like for them.

Now about the baby. She is beautiful, she is quiet, she is warm and soft and snuggly. She never had a speck of spit up--she is completely contented and loves her new world, She watched us intently when talking to her and formed a little rosebud with her pretty little lips. Sweet little smiles lingered on her mouth after being fed. And she followed the voices in the room with her eyes. She was, in this Grandma's eyes, very, very responsive and absolutely a perfect baby.

As for Sophia, there really aren't words to describe the brightness of this little girl. Her Pop-pop nik-named her "So Funny," emphasis on "So." Her language skills, her reasoning ability, comprehension, small motor skills, her independence, everything about her is advanced. And this is why it's so tough--my wanting everyone in the family to get to experience life in Thorne Bay and for all of you to be able to have your kids spend time together. I know it means that the times we are together will be that much sweeter and so very important.

Isaac and Katie, thank you for your wonderful hospitality--it was truly a trip of a lifetime for us! As Sophia says, I miss you, sooooooo much!