Cookie Monsters: Day 1 of Mom's AK visit

The whole crew went to the airport Saturday night to greet Joan (Mom) and (Aunt) Linda after their long flight from New Jersey. Since it was about midnight East Coast time, we took them to their hotel to rest up before the VERY full week of activities that we have planned.

We began our Sunday with a trip to Portage Glacier. We spent a little while there. The girls climbed on the rocks,we checked out the exhibits that were inside the Begich-Boggs Visitor's Center, and we took in the beautiful scenery.

An ice berg floating in Portage Lake

Caitlyn, Riley, and Haley climbing on the rocks

After we left Portage Glacier, we drove back down the road to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). I recommend this side trip to anyone, even lifelong Alaskans! There was a variety of wildlife, obviously, but the really neat aspect of the AWCC is that they are trying to rejuvenate the population of Wood Bison in Alaska. They have 65 acres for the wood bison to roam. These are big animals that look similar to the plains bison which the AWCC also has.

A wood bison. He was scratching/sharpening (?) his horns against the tree to the left just moments before this picture was taken.

When we had had our fill of wildlife and tourists, we went to Alyeska to visit the Jade Shop. Well, not just the Jade Shop, we went to Girdwood to celebrate Mom's birthday at the Double Musky. As we were driving to the Jade Shop at Alyeska, we saw a black bear on the side of the road. That was very exciting for our car full!

A black bear coming to the road to meet and greet!

We got there shortly before 4:00 in order to be in line when they opened at 4:30. We sat in the car for a while and ended up being the 4th party in line. I can't believe how long the line was to get in! With our bellies full, we began the long ride (ok...about an hour and a half) back to Palmer for cake and presents!