Thanks to everyone who sent prayers, emails, and other well wishes after my aunt passed away. My husband, daughter, and I went to the service last Wednesday and had our time to say goodbye. She was well-loved and it was a bittersweet time to share with her family. I’m feeling so much more at peace now. My uncle is doing well, they had an incredible marriage and were together when she passed peacefully. I’m looking forward to seeing him again soon.

The day after the funeral, we left for Alaska to visit my mom and see the Iditarod. My family has been involved with the famous dog sled race since the first one in 1973. It was very healing and exciting to be there again.  I will admit, this was my first time being a K9 Fairy!  We had to wear our dresses, boas, and jewelry on the outside of our snow gear.  That was quite an experience!

Mom told me lots of stories I hadn’t heard before, and the three of us had a good time.  She pulled out a huge box of old letters and piles of old photos, most of which I’d never seen.  It was a good step towards more healing and connecting; God truly blessed this time together.

I hope you enjoy our trip:

Circling to land in Anchorage

Circling to land in Anchorage

Alaskan Style Souvenir Shop

Alaskan Style Souvenir Shop at the Airport

Now there's a sign you don't see every day!

Now there’s a sign you don’t see every day!  It says 168 moose were killed by cars in this area since July 1 2012. We never saw one.

Snowy Arrival at Mom's House

Snowy Arrival at Mom’s House

Me having wine with my mom? Who woulda thunk?

Me having wine with my mom? Who woulda thunk?

Mom, Me, Dougat Iditarod Headquarters

Mom, Me, Doug
at Iditarod Headquarters

Iditarod HeadquartersWasilla, AK

Iditarod Headquarters
Wasilla, AK

Hard Core Snowboarders Ride in the back of a pickup as far as they can before hiking to the top of the ridge. Hatcher Pass

Hard Core Snowboarders ride in the back of a pickup as far as they can before hiking to the top of the ridge at Hatcher Pass near Wasilla, AK

Now the climbing begins!

Now the climbing begins!  That little dot in the middle is a snowboarder hiking to the top of a coveted ridge!

An active gold mine in the summer.

An active gold mine in the summer.

Martin Buser getting his official bib at the Re-Start in Willow, AK.

4-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser getting his official bib at the Re-Start in Willow, AK.

Me wishing Martin well before he leaves the starting line!

Me wishing Martin well before he leaves the starting line!        (I had insider connections for access)  🙂

The K-9 Fairy Group prepares to cheer on the mushers! (I am third from the left in the front row)

The K-9 Fairy Group prepares to cheer on the mushers!              (I am third from the left in the front row)

Doug and his fairy!

Doug and his fairy!

Iditarod means party time on the lake - bon fires, roasting hot dogs, snowmobiles, helicopters, planes, and lots of good times!

Iditarod means party time on the lake – bon fires, roasting hot dogs, snowmobiles, helicopters, planes, and lots of good times!

Media chopper

Media chopper

Oh yeah! The mushers! Here comes Martin Buser -finally on his way to Nome!

Oh yeah! The mushers! Here comes Martin Buser -finally on his way to Nome!

Me high-fiving Canadian Michelle Phillips.

Me high-fiving Canadian musher Michelle Phillips.

Doug high-fiving #16 Nicolas Petit

Doug high-fiving #16 Nicolas Petit

Chugach Mountains between Anchorage and Wasilla.

Chugach Mountains between Anchorage and Wasilla.

Alaska Pacific University... My old stomping grounds!

Alaska Pacific University… My old stomping grounds!

And that, my friends, was my whirlwind 5 day trip to Alaska!