Travel & Vacation: Touring Beautiful Anchorage, Alaska
We had a blast walking and touring Anchorage, Alaska. Since we were only in Anchorage for a day we packed in as much as we could during our time in town. They have a lot of neat places to see. It was beautiful. During some of our walks we would stop and check out the scenery. The picture above is a restaurant over looking the river. We watched people fishing for salmon and many other cool activities while in the area.
They had a neat park near downtown where a lot of kids and families seemed to like to hang out. We went to the Ulu Factory. The Ulu factory does not do tours on the weekend, but have some demonstration explaining the utensil at the store. We shopped for some neat souvenirs while in the area. Anchorage is a great place to visit with your family with plenty of neat activities to do together.
Hanging out for a few minutes in the park near downtown!
Brina Bee on a roll!
Pausing to Eat at The Glacier Brew House Restaurant (Anchorage, Alaska)
During our adventures while in Anchorage, Alaska we decided to stop for a few minutes to rest and grab a bite to eat. We had been walking and sight seeing all morning so wanted to find a place where we could sit down, relax, chat, and refuel for a little bit. There were several great restaurant options to choose from where we are currently walking, but we ended up settling on going to the Glacier Brew House at 737 West 5th Avenue, Suite 110, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.
We arrived in a little bit after lunch so the wait was short. It was a neat atmosphere and the staff was great. The hostess brought us glasses of water to drink as we waited to get our table. It had a cozy atmosphere and decor inside the restaurant. The sound carried well inside the restaurant so at times it was hard to hear the conversation at the table, but the kids were more interested in eating at first.
They bring bread to the table that you can dip in oil and seasonings as you wait for your appetizer and main entree to arrive. The food was delicious too. Jake had a steak sandwich, Brina had chicken strips, Karlie had brick oven pizza, and I had the shrimp salad. With the kids menu they serve a homemade ice cream sandwich which was HUGE and DELICIOUS!!! We were full by the end of the meal so we ended up splitting the homemade ice cream sandwich between the 4 of us.
If you are looking for a good restaurant in Anchorage, Alaska you should try out the Glacier Brew House. They carrier their signature beverages too if that is something that you would like to try.
Travel & Vacation: Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (Anchorage, Alaska)
Our family recently had the opportunity to travel to Alaska for our family vacation. We arrived in Anchorage in the middle of the night, slept a couple hours before getting up and heading out to explore Anchorage. One of the first stops we made was the Anchorage Museum at Ramuson Center, 625 C. Street, Anchorage, AK. The hotel driver dropped us off right outside the entrance of the museum.
The kids loved the opportunity to learn about Alaska – fFrom displays with the culture, life styles, people, and history of Alaska. The kids loved exploring the neat science and technology exhibits as well as watching the animal presentation! They had really cool boulder chairs and places for parents or grandparents to sit and relax in the common area which seemed popular for the adults! The kids loved it and it was entertaining for us as parents too.
If you have some extra time while in Anchorage and you’re traveling with your family you should check it out. If you want you can use a free locker to put your travel items in while going through the museum. Also, it is part of the Science Center Association so if you are a member of your local Science Center check to see if they are part of the Association and you will get into this museum for free! 🙂
We had a blast at this museum! They were not into the “art” gallery as much as the history, science and more kid focused rooms. They had a lot of neat history and culture regarding Alaska. It’s a great place to visit if you have kids and some time while in Anchorage, Alaska!
Karlie giggling as she tries to sneak up on me with her pillow boulder!
That’s a big pebble Brina!!!
Goof ball Karlie!
Brina and Jake checking out what will happen if an earthquake hits near a house….
Brina and Jake in the bubble ring
Now that’s a pretty shoe for you to wear! Brina loved it! Karlie said it didn’t look comfortable at all! It’s beautiful, but not sure I could stay upright in them.
Designer Paula Rasmus-Dede, Not Your Mama’s Mary Janes, 2003 (consists of glass beads, patent leather, and different colors of wire)
“I made this peice because I like Mary Janes. My grandmother made me wear orthopedic shoes when I was a child. I wasn’t allowed to wear black patent leather Mary Janes like all the popular schoolgirls. When I started making shoes I decided to make my own Mary Janes” – Paula Rasmus-Dede
I think Paula’s shoes may be a little bit fancier than just the average Mary Jane.
Brina and Karlie lifting Jake up. Testing the different types of pulleys
Karlie and Jake in a giant bubble!
There’s a bear behind you!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Work & Family Event at Lake Keowee
This past weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a Lake event with Bridgette’s co-workers at Lake Keowee! We had a blast! A huge thanks to Jeff and Sonya for their hospitality. They graciously shared their home, boat, kayaks, paddle board, life jackets, floats, and many other fun items with everyone. The girls had a grand time kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and splashing around off the dock!
Thankful for an opportunity to relax and have fun with people at work. It was a great opportunity for Jake and the girls to meet some of the people I work alongside day to day. The weather was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the company was great too. Grateful for a chance to hang out at the Lake for a day – perfect way to spend a Saturday! The kids slept well that night after a fun day at the Lake Keowee with their friends!!!
The kids had a blast at Lake Keowee
Karlie enjoying the paddle board
Karlie and friends going for a ride on the tube!
Their expressions crack me up!
Go Faster!!!
Brina and friends going for a spin on the tube!
Cruising along!
Look out for that wake!
Karlie ready to get back in the water!
Beautiful day and gorgeous view of the lake from the house
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
I have to admit some days were just exhausting this week. Thankful for a family that loves me even when I am wiped out and pitches in when/where they can. The girls are doing well in school. Jake and I were able to get away for a little bit together and we had fun at a work event this weekend too. There was a lot of good blessings that surprised me this week, but thankful for them all the same.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful that Jake drove the girls into school so I could leave for work and get my day started.
Tuesday – Thankful that the Hot Water Heater is NOW FIXED!!! After 2 weeks without a hot water heater you really do appreciate it! 🙂 I am grateful that it was the hot season when it decided to break down. The part was recalled so we had to wait for the company to order it before it could be repaired.
Wednesday – Thankful that for an opportunity to use my work skills and be part of a great team of professionals. Not everyday is perfect, but we are able to get a lot accomplished during our time at work and are continually learning from each other.
Thursday – Thankful for a chance to meet a friend and catch up over lunch!
Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun game night with their church youth group and I got to go on a spontaneous DATE NIGHT with my Handsome Man!!!!!! 🙂 Love spending time with him!
Saturday – Thankful for a chance to hang out with my family and co-workers at the lake. Grateful to Jeff and his family for their gracious hosting of the whole group at their beautiful place!
Sunday – Thankful for some relaxing time with my family before we hit the super busy week ahead. It was good to recharge and hang out together!
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a crazy fun week as we spent fun time with friends visiting from Maine, the girls starting Middle School, and adjusting to the new work schedule. Thankful for the amazing blessings in my life. You don’t have to look very far or hard to find something to be grateful for in your life. It can be a simple smile from a stranger to sharing laughter with a friend or spending quality time with someone you love.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful day off work and spend the morning with our friends from Maine. In the afternoon I was able to hang out with the girls and have fun on their last day of summer.
Tuesday – Thankful that Jake went with me to take the girls to their first day of Middle School. Glad that their first day went smoothly for them.
Wednesday – Thankful that when Jake travels he takes the time to talk with me and catch up. It’s not the same as having him at home, but it is always great hearing his voice and chatting about our days.
Thursday – Thankful picked up the girls right when school got out and went “clothes” shopping for new school shorts. Grateful they are growing, but it doesn’t take long for them to grown out of their shorts.
Friday – Thankful for safety as we traveled, it was rainy and was slowed down multiple times by car accidents, but everyone arrived back home safely.
Saturday – Thankful for a quiet and productive day at home and around town with the family (first Saturday in a long time that we were not traveling or running around with a lot of activities going on).
Sunday – Thankful for a husband who enjoys and is a great cook. Love it when he pitches in around the kitchen and house. I am one spoiled chick with him around.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
Family & Work Event at Dave & Buster’s
Jake’s work hosted a family event at Dave & Buster’s recently. We ate a great meal and spent several hours playing the various games throughout the evening. The girls had a blast. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the evening at the Greenville Dave & Buster’s.
Brina competing with Daddy on a riding game
Karlie zooming around in a roller coaster ride with Jake
Jurassic World game – Jake and Karlie playing while Brina looks on
Goodies Karlie earned with all her tickets
Brina likes her colorful monkey she earned with all her tickets
Airports & Transportation: Charlotte International Airport – CLT (Charlotte, NC)
Our family LOVES traveling!!! We especially enjoy it if we are able to get a reasonable priced flight out of the nearest airport, Greenville, SC (GSP). If we cannot get a flight out of Greenville then Charlotte International Airport CLT is our next airport of choice. Charlotte is not too far from Greenville and often has great tickets. We try to always leave a little bit earlier than we anticipate because with traffic and the occasional rain shower it can slow you down. Plus we typically park in the long term parking and catch the shuttle to the airport so that takes a little more time then a quick drop off at the airport.
On our last two big trips we flew out of Charlotte International Airport CLT. One of our trips was up to New England and the Midwest and our most recent trip from Charlotte was to Anchorage, Alaska. Brina and Karlie went to their last day of their Robotics and Software Computer Game Programming Camp at the Roper Mountain Science Camp while Jake and I tackled the last few items we needed to get done at work. I came home from work, picked up Jake, and then we picked up the girls from camp on our way to the airport. Traffic was pretty good and we only had a few sprinkles of rain on the way to Charlotte so we made good time, despite our unscheduled potty break stop a couple exits before the airport. Jake was able to wrap up more work items and a couple calls on the way to the airport as I drove.
We quickly found out that the Charlotte airport can be a little busy on Friday afternoons and evenings. It took us longer than normal to find a parking spot in long term parking. We were beginning to think the lot was completely full, but we found one eventually near the end of the lot. Once we found a spot to park and got all our luggage out of the van we immediately made our way to the canopy to wait for the next bus to arrive. Thankfully they have a bus pick up people every few minutes. The first bus that arrived at our canopy location was completely full so we had to wait for the next bus which we could see coming down the road. They had a bus probably every 2 to 6 minutes going through the parking lot.
The long term parking bus drops you off at the basement level and directly across the walkway from the check in counters. Once you get into the airport you’ll need to take either the escalators, stairs, or elevator up to the 2nd floor to check into your airline and drop off your luggage.
We’ve had great experience even during the busier times of getting through the check-in lines fairly quickly and smoothly. You can go through any of the TSA check points because all the terminals merge immediately after the check points. We typically pick the TSA line with the shortest line or one with the most open lines at the time. As long as you follow the TSA guidelines (take off your shoes if over 12 years old, no liquids, etc….) you should get through pretty quickly. The terminals are well marked and easy to get to as well. If you are looking for a snack, drink, or restrooms they have a number of options and locations just outside the main terminals as well as along the terminals.
It can get crowded at times, but we’ve always had good luck flying out of Charlotte. The employees are friendly, professional, and do their best to get you on and off your plane in a timely manner. They do not have any control over the weather, but otherwise we’ve had no issues. Thankfully this flight was the same. Quick, easy, and on time! Thank you CLT!
Travel & Transportation: American & Alaska Airlines
Our family traveled via the Alaska Airlines for the first time on our recent family trip. Alaska Airlines had us fly via American Airlines to Portland, Oregon then on Alaska Airlines from Portland to Anchorage, Alaska. On our way back we flew from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with Anchorage Alaska to Seattle, Washington and American Airlines from Seattle to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The only complications we had was checking in with American Airlines in Charlotte at the beginning of our trip. The person checking us in at Charlotte was busy socializing with her co-workers and complaining about how she still had another hour of work before she could leave and she already had too many people and luggage go through her counter that day she needed a break. We weighed all our luggage at home and it was weighing under 50 pounds, however, their scales had them weighing at 50.1 pounds, 50.3 pounds, and 49.8 pounds. She checked the first one which was the lightest suitcase, threw it on the conveyor belt, it missed, fell off so someone else picked it up off the floor and put it on the conveyor belt. Then she weight the 50.1 and the 50.3 suitcases and refused to allow them past the counter until we took something out. Both were 50 pounds just a hair over .1 and .3 over. We had to lighten them by .1 and .3 which basically meant we took out a pair of socks and the other a pair of shorts and added them to carryons. It was annoying, but we should have made them a little bit lighter before leaving home just in case the scales were off. She could have had a better attitude and more pleasant as it appeared that she did not enjoy her job and we were just another inconvenience to her at the end of her shift. We travel fairly often with our kids and family so we encounter a wide variety of personalities. We have flown American Airlines many times over the year but have not encounter this type of attitude so maybe she was have a tough day, who knows…
The American Airline pilots, stewardesses, and other crew members were pleasant. After we got checked in with the person at the counter who had a bad attitude the rest of the trip was smooth and enjoyable.
We arrived in Portland, Oregon had a little bit of time before our next flight so grabbed a bite to eat and stretch our legs. Portland was a nice airport with plenty of options to eat and seating while we were waiting for our next flight to take off.
We arrived in Anchorage, Alaska in the middle of the night. Anchorage had a beautiful airport. It was not busy at that time of day. Even though most of the stores and restaurants were closed it was clean and the people we did encounter while in the airport were pleasant. We had to ask directions to find out which luggage claim terminal we need to be at and it took the luggage a little while to get out on the conveyor belt. Since it took more than 20 minutes to be delivered the Alaska Airlines offered everyone that asked vouchers for $25 off their next flight or Alaska Airline Rewards. I guess they have a policy that if it takes longer than 20 minutes to deliver your luggage they compensate the travelers with Rewards or money off which was really cool. We have never had an airline do that before and actually we thought they were fairly quick compared to some of the other flights we had been on even earlier this summer.
Alaska Airlines seemed to have a great group of employees, high quality service, and a loyal group of travelers. It appeared that they treated their reward members based on the interactions we had with other travelers on our trip. It was refreshing to see an airline take pride in their work and provide quality service to those choosing to travel with them.
Our flights home were pleasant, smooth, and enjoyable on the Alaska Airlines again. We were only in the air for 28 minutes from Vancouver to Seattle, but we rode on a type of plane the kids have never been on before so they were fascinated by the ride. It was the only flight that I can remember that allowed the passengers to board both the front and back of the plane simultaneously (you went in the front if you were in the front half of the plane and in the back if you were in the back half of the plane) which provided for a quick and easy boarding for everyone! The plane arrived at the gate in Vancouver a few minutes later than planned but they gave us a heads up in advance and they still had us loaded and we took off basically on time because they made of the delayed time by loading rather quickly which was really nice.
We would definitely fly Alaska Airlines again if we have another opportunity. It was a great experience and a wonderful first impression of the beautiful state of Alaska. Flying the Alaska Airlines was a great experience for our family. We have flown a variety of airlines both within the United States and internationally. We would highly recommend you check out Alaska Airlines if you ever have the opportunity to visit their beautiful area!!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a busy week packed full of work, summer camp, and more fun activities. We were able to get a lot done around the house too. Thankful for my family and the many blessings I have been giving every day.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful for that I was able to get Jake’s haircut done today. We’ve been trying to get it done for over a week now, but finally found a good time to get it done.
Tuesday – Thankful for a great chiropractor who helps keep our family in line.
Wednesday – Thankful for the girls hard work as they finished up their Summer Reading Programs from the library.
Thursday – Thankful for a family that pitches in to help when there is items that need to be done around the house and yard.
Friday – Thankful for the girls having an opportunity to go to Roper Mountain Science Camp this week. They learned a lot and had a terrific week!
Saturday – Thankful for technology and the way we can stay connected with family, friends, and others even if there is a lot of miles in between.
Sunday – Thankful for extra time with my family and a chance to relax, have fun, and make memories.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
