Alaska I: Thursday, Friday

All packed and ready to go! The boys were excited to bring their backpacks.

Scott loved wheeling his own luggage. It was slow going, but helpful because we had 3 bags and the stroller.

Playing during our layover: Scott plays with cars, Jonah makes new friends. Pretty typical of their personalities right now.

We arrived late into Anchorage and were greeted by a moose at the airport.

After a few hours of sleep, we took a shuttle bus down to Seward. Our first stop was Beluga Point where there were no whales out,

but lots of little sheep high up on the mountains. (They're the tiny white spots on the rock in the middle).

The cool, fresh air felt great to breath.

Our second stop was the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This black bear jumped toward Scott playfully and scared him.

He wanted to be held near the bears after that. 

Just a little fence between us. These pictures look cagey, but there was a lot of space for all the animals so it felt like visiting them in their homes rather than them being stuck in a zoo.

Scott showing me his dusty bum.

Another bear walking around.

The boys ran on the bridge over to the next area. It was good to stretch our legs.

The elk were going through an awkward stage with their hair. 

Seeing the reindeer. Fun fact we learned: they're called caribou if they're in the wild. 

What does the fox say?

Jonah raised his hand and said, "Ding, ding!" while miming ringing a bell.

Scott was watching the fox and I told him he was as big as the bear.

He was startled to see it there. Even after reassuring him it was pretend, he stayed far away after that.

The scenery everywhere was just breathtaking.

Scott walking back to the bus.

Our last stop was Canyon Creek Overlook. The ledge had ground on the other side and Scott was running along it, but Jonah didn't want to without holding my hand.

Then they gave me snuggles.

We arrived in Seward and boarded the ship. The next day we cruised up to the Hubbard Glacier. We stayed outside while we got closer.

 Jonah and I sunbathed while we waited.

 John found floating ice.

 We went really close to the glacier and had some clear skies to see it well.

Everyone came out to see it when we stopped.

 It's even more amazing in person.

 The fog started rolling in quickly and heavily and covered everything. There was a little boat of people going closer to it.

It was perfect timing and we're glad the weather cooperated so we could see it!