Denali Day 2

On the morning of July 27, we all took the chance to sleep in a little bit and then checked out of our bathroomless cabins.

We went back to Denali for a "short" hike.

But first we visited the Science and Learning Center

Brenden is all about science and learning in any way, shape or form

Brenden and Greg hiked up a mountain while we started our flat hike.

The view of Brenden and Greg from our hike.

(They are on the top of the rocks!)

Brenden and Greg caught up to us and Brenden and Nolan found "milky white" which I found out later really is a kind of rock. Brenden said it was a gem and wanted to take it all home. We all laughed at him a little bit, but he was right - people make necklaces out of it. I guess I need to read all of his books when he is finished with them because most of the time he knows more than I do.

Doug doing his photography thing.

It was really windy.

Brenden found a rock he thought looked like a coffin.

My little mummy.

Ptarmigan - Alaska's state bird

Our "short" hike took us about 2 hours - the book said 30 minutes, but I don't think they take into account 3 adventurous and curious little boys, two of which are toddlers.

We had lunch and headed back home.

We also had to stop briefly in Anchorage where a hunt ensued to fulfill the ever so cute request for moose pajamas for my three year old niece Olivia.

Lots more to come!

I am not even close to up to date, but in the meantime, here are 9 posts to hold you over until tomorrow! Happy reading - and mostly picture viewing.

Denali Day 1 - Part 1

July 26 we spent 9 hours on a bus viewing Denali National Park. No cars are allowed in the park, so it is the only option. We got the kids up at 5:45 a.m. and packed lunches for the day. The bus stops for wildlife and there is an occasional stop to stretch and go to the bathroom.

Greg was such a good sport through many hours of lame jokes.

Nolan even took a little nap

The bus was almost totally full. This was during a stop.

Brenden caught a swedish fish!

Nolan "nockling"

Nolan and Brenden had camel backs and loved them.

The big spectacle: Mt. McKinley

Eielson Visitor Center

The kids were SO good and I was told several times how well behaved they were. I was so proud - 9 hours was a long time - especially for Ethan to be in a car seat after sitting for 10 hours the day before. We saw lots of wildlife - more than was represented in these pictures and the beauty left us all in awe.