ALASKA 2009

Just posting some quick pictures of our Alaskan Cruise. Sandi was prepared with the "GREEN MONSTER" I Know that the kids will appreciate this picture.

Here is a shot of our group. Left to right: Kevin Crump, Peggy Crump, Mom Ross, my Aunt Wanda, mom's sister, and Sandi. I am the one behind the camera.

Here is a Totem Lodge the we visited and heard some stories told by a Native Alaskan Indian.

Ahh, The Star Princess. Can you smell the delicious food?

Here's the famous "Green Monster" again. We are posting a few shots from each place we visited. We stopped first in Ketchikan then we visited Juneau, then Skagway and finally Victoria, B.C.

These are some shots of the Sawyer Glacier from the Tracy Arm Fjord

There was an abundance of water running down into the Fjord.

I guess the only clothes Sandi had to take was the "Green Monster".

These are ice flows coming down river from the Glacier.

Here is a picture of the Star Princess, the cruise ship we traveled on.

Here is a view of Juneau as we were comming into port.

This is the Mendenhall Glacier that we hike up to.

We visited a Salmon Hatchery. I tried to get one to just jump into my pocket and ask if I could keep him!

This was a wonderful place where we enjoyed an outdoor salmon bake.

Here are a few pictures as we traveled from Skagway to Canada along the trail to Dawson City.

This area is called Tormented Valley. It is pretty desolate, I could call it the Death Valley of Alaska.

This was in Canada as we left Alaska.

We had a lot of fog, as we left Canada and re-entered Alaska.

Here is a view of the harbor and a view of our ship and another cruise ship.

Here we posed with Skagway in the background. What no "Green Monster"?

These pictures are from the Butchart Gardens. It was nice and warmer there. The grounds were beautiful.

One final picture with Sandi and I, my sister Margaret (Peggy) and her husband Kevin. Mom and Aunt Wanda were off getting a "Diet Coke" I think?

We had a very enjoyable time visiting Alaska. I know why they call it the Last Frontier. It was truly amazing to witness. I would recommend visiting there to anyone.

Houston

Here are a few memories from our trip to Houston. We stayed at a lovely resort called Seven Coves on Lake Conroe just north of the Houston area. We had a relaxing, enjoyable and interesting times dealing with rush hour traffic. These added up to a very nice trip.

We spent some time at the Johnson Space Center. There were a lot of rockets and displays to look at. We even got to see Mission Control. We joked about "Houston we have a problem" when we had some tense times with traffic.

Erin and Nate enjoyed the challenge of the obstacle course and especially the slide.

We visited the Houston Temple and walked around the beautiful grounds.

We visited the Houston Aquarium and enjoyed the sights and rides

I am glad Nate likes SHARKS! This one in particular.

These expressions say all that needs to be said.

Bob is impersonating Fezzik.

Nate wanted in on the show.

I made it into the Prairie Dog tunnel and became an official Prairie Dog town member.

What a better ending than Beema and Nate.

We enjoyed looking at the different areas in downtown. We also had an opportunity to attend the Sunday Branch services for the University of Houston campus. I enjoyed the humidity, my hair gets curly and my skin gets moister. I can't say the same for the rest of the adventurers. We were glad to spend the time there, we look forward to Robert, Erin and Nate's move.

How HOT Is It?

Just a note of interest to you all who are still in the throws of winter / spring. It has been triple digits for the last 4 days. I mean like it was 105 in Yuma on Thursday. I had to laugh at mother today, she was getting into my truck and grabbed the handle and was presented with a good old Arizona callous on her hand from it being so hot. Ah, this is what we live for. Wicked HOT!

BECCA'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE

Becca wanted to celebrate her birthday by going to the Zoo. We met Saturday morning and enjoyed a fun adventure seeing all the sights at the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix. Here are a few of the pictures we thought all would enjoy.

Is this Fezzik's BIG brother?

Maybe it's this one!

Geoffrey, the Giraffe was caught in the act of wishing Becca a very Happy Birthday

One question is, are Zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes?

I particularly enjoyed the Rhino.

What would a trip to the Zoo be without Flamingos?

Alas, after all the walking around and sights to see, we went back to Jr. and Bec's and enjoyed a nice outdoor grillin' barby. Notice the guest if honor!

Smiles for the "My Pretty Pony" Rainbow Dash

A very nice MP Player.

Lots of nice cards and presents.

A Strawberry Shortcake "berry delicious" ice cream cake

And finally, a huff and a puff to blow out the candles. One note, there was a wind that aided in the traditional blowing out of candles. We all had a great day. Happy Birthday and great memories Becca. We all love you lots!!!!