Alaska

The view from Angel Rocks. I took this picture with my phone, so it's not the best quality.

A few weeks ago, my brother Mark called me to tell me that he and Kela were getting married...in 3 weeks. My family is really into spur-of-the-moment decisions. Mark said he wouldn't be offended if I couldn't make it (he realized he was only giving me 3 weeks notice), but I made the arrangements to make a quick jaunt to Alaska. Missy came along with me from Salt Lake, and Rachel met us there. Missy and I were only in Fairbanks for 4 days, but it was a lot of fun.

Sunday after church

I had plans to go see Audrey and Erin; I hadn't seen them for over 2 years. I was under the impression that we were just going to hang out, but little did I know that they had planned a surprise baby shower for me (and Missy)! I've never had a surprise shower before--I'm normally too nosy for my own good. I was definitely surprised this time. It was so good seeing everyone! And we got some really cute things for our little girl.

The rest of the week of crazy, but a lot of fun. Monday I helped watch Rhythm and Konan, went to Zumba with Kela, and then went to the Salmon Bake for a pre-wedding dinner. Tuesday was the wedding. We had it at 37.5 mile Chena Hot Springs road by the Chena River. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect, and besides the mosquitoes, everything was great. After the ceremony, we went to Granite Tors for lunch. We hung out there for a while and then Jonny, Missy, Rachel, Carolyn (Kela's mom), and I went and hiked Angel Rocks. It was my first time hiking since getting pregnant; it was still fun, but I get tired way quicker than I used to. It's like I'm carrying around an extra person inside of me or something... Anyway, the hike was beautiful. That night Missy and I helped take care of Rhythm and Konan as Mark and Kela were on their honeymoon. Wednesday we babysat, went to Erin's, and went to the Thai House for dinner. I love the Thai house. It still amazes me that Fairbanks has better Thai food than anywhere I've ever been in Utah. The trip home ended up being way too long; we spent an extra 6 hours in Denver due to mechanical and weather delays. But, we eventually got home!

It was a fun trip--I hadn't been home in 2 years. I loved seeing everyone, but was pretty ready to get home (I left Sean in Utah :( ).

Here are some more pictures from the trip:

At the Salmon Bake. Here we have Mark, Aunt Karen, Uncle Lance, Dad, Mom, Rachel, and me.

The family after the Salmon Bake. Left to Right: Mom, Jonny (in the back), Rachel, me, Missy (in the front), Mark, Kela, Carolyn and Rhythm, Dad, and Konan on the salmon in the back.

Mark and Kela during their wedding.

This is how our little ring bearer spent the wedding ceremony...playing in the sand. Haha.

The beautiful Mikela.

Kela and her mom.

The family after the wedding.