Surprise Plane Trip to Homer

Alaska is always so much more fun when the Ford's visit!This trip they surprised us and brought MacKay's Mom with them in their Jet. It was great to have her up! Usually we can't tour a lot with the Ford's because of the Smokehouse bustling with customers, but it was a pretty light day at the Smokehouse, not too many customers, when the Ford's ask us if we would like to take a day trip to Homer. (about a 6 1/2 hour drive) But don't you worry! They have a Jet! It took us about 40 minutes to get there. Holy cow, that is the only way to travel!! (; We had a nice easy flight, went to the Spit, (a man made peninsula with little shops, places to eat and fishing charters) The crew that flew up before us were out on a fishing charter catching some yummy Halibut. (Yes, they took two trips to Homer and back that day!!) We arrived went to eat at this adorable, and delicious fish house! I was pregnant at this point, and we had only told immediate family. Can I tell you how terrible it is to be in Alaska all summer and not be able to eat all you want of the fish?! Life.Is.Hard. (; So while everyone else got to delve into their platters of sea food, I got chicken strips. Yum....(; After we stuffed ourselves full, we hit the shops! We aren't much for shopping, (mostly because we have no mula...) so after a while of shopping we stopped and watched the fishing guides gut and fillet the halibut! Since this is what we do in our little Smokehouse, it was nothing really new, except it was Halibut not Salmon. MacKay learned how to fillet the Halibut. After the point of us shaking because it was so cold, Doug, MacKay's uncle, decided he was ready to go back home! So we hopped in a taxi and headed to our plane. 40 minutes later we were in Talkeetna again. It was just a fun little trip! Like I said, life is always funner with the Fords! (; Here are some pictures to enjoy of our little jaunt:

Little Miss Sara, MacKay's little sister

Us at the little airport boarding the plane. Seriously, I felt like a million bucks. Where is the red carpet?!

Cockpit! The Pilot's stayed in our Cabin while they stayed, they were a joy!!

 8 seater plane! Note my bag of snacks....(;

Sara, MacKay & I, Laura, (his Mom) Inside this little saloon was awesome. Dollar bills were EVERYWHERE, hung to the walls, ceiling, chairs, floor. I tried to get a picture, but it was too dark! 

 Part of the spit, and all the many boats! Facing inland.

Homer facing the ocean. Beautiful!!

At one of the little shops!

I wish we could catch a King like that! What a beauty! (Fake...) haha

I hope to go back, and get on a charter to catch us some Halibut! It is my favorite kind of fish. MM!!!

AK- Denali National Park

Ok, you all know how good of a blogger I am. (ha!) So here is my attempt at starting to get caught up! 

This summer we spent our days in the beautiful state of Alaska! One of my favorite places on Earth. When we first got there we took a trip the Denali National Park- AKA a GORGEOUS place with lots of wildlife! We were in heaven! The Mr. & I rode with his little sister Sara, and his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin- The Fords! We took the long 2 1/2 hour trek starting at 6am. Needless to say, MacKay and I were out cold in the back seat!! We woke up for a few of the stops along the way. This little guy was the first Moose we saw, only about 20 minutes into the trip!

 

 Then we stopped for a breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley, and the Denali Mountains. 

Then, onto the Park, here are some wonderful pictures inside...disclaimer: you will be jealous...

Amazing right? Just admit it! You all want to get a Vaca here this upcoming summer. DO IT! (: We loved the park, and we only went in 15 miles! It is said that Denali National Park is so big, that at one point in time, it will be raining, snowing, and sunny. There are so many animals in there, and I can't tell you how amazing it was to be that close. Not to mention the breathtaking mountains. I am a Wyoming girl, I love the mountains! I can't wait to go back, I would love to go all the way through the park on a tour, however it takes all day! So another time perhaps. (:

XOXO- Shanna