Thursday, August 11, 2011

The rest of my parents visit - August 11

We have been truly blessed to have my parent here for so long.  I can't believe they have to leave already.  Life will truly be different with all our visitors gone for a bit.  We will actually have to see what life is like with just the two of us.  Anyways, before we get to that point, here are some pictures of what we've been up to. 

We passed our written test for the state of Alaska.  (only took two tries :)  We are now Alaska state residents.  Big dates coming up: 
August 2012 = allowed to dip net  /  October 2013 = 1st PFD  (permanent fund distribution) checks

 At the Tanana Valley state Fair - met Smoky


 More of the fair - enjoyed some great fair food

 The huge cabbages at the fair.

 Not my dog, but just like the one I want.  Jason and  are on the search for a puppy/dog.  Nothing yet, but we are searching.

Dad being an dogsled racer at Pioneer Park.

 Yummy Yummy salmon bake!  Love it.  Thanks Mom and Dad! 

 The jackets  we didn't buy, but they were very cheap.  Just thought we would try them on.

Mom and dad riding the salmon at Pioneer Park. 

 Mom and dad went on the Riverboat Discovery - probably one of the neatest things to do here in Fairbanks.  Due to cost, Jason and I decided to wait till it's half off for residents.  Mom and dad greatly enjoyed this experience, so I decided to post some from their trip.  You take the riverboat along the Chena River and stop a few places.  You see a sea plane take off, a dogsled team,  native village, and much more. 

No, this is not a real moose, no matter how much Dad will try to tell you it is.

 Just one of the many gorgeous views they had from the boat.  The clouds are reflecting in the Chena.  As dad would say, "What incredible skys you have here in Fairbanks." 

 Dad kissing the "real" moose. 

 There was a 40 below room you could go in at the gift shop.  Yes, it was cold.  But I went in with capris and flip flops.  So I should be good in winter . . . I think.

 Mom with a native Alaskan.  I have to get a coat like that for winter!

 This was kind of neat.  It is where a dog sled team lives and trains.  It is actually Susan Butcher's husband and daughter who are in the picture.  Susan is a VERY famous Iditarod/Yukon Quest champion.  I could write a whole bunch about her, but you can look her up to find out more.  She passed away 6 years ago, but her family continues her traditions and dreams by participating in the races.  She was an incredible woman.  In summer, they train with a four wheeler (with no motor) being pulled by the dogs.  Kind of cool!

Oh, here's our parsonage! We moved to the river! Like it? 
These is just a sample of what the majority of the homes on the river look like.  They are HUGE and very beautiful.  Most of hot tubs, boats, jet skis, and sea planes.  We need to become friends with them.  Maybe we should canvass in this neighborhood!


Well, that is all of the for now.  I know it is a lot of pictures, but I had a lot to share. 

Tomorrow morning we take my parents to the airport.  I can't believe the 10 days are over already.  We are so blessed to have had them here with us.  I still can't believe both sets of parents and a few siblings had already made it up here.  God is good! 
I will now how these posts to look back on in order to remember these awesome times we had.  The distance is far, but I know that God is close.  He will and has been with us through this transition!

I pray that God will be with each and everyone of you through whatever struggle you have in your lives.  What I've noticed by doing these blogs is that it helps to write (or type) your thoughts and feelings down.  As I do that, I really, truly have to think about what I am typing.  Because of this, it becomes easier to LET GO, LET GOD!  Let go of those struggles, battles, pains, and heartaches.  Give them all to God.  Why do we try to handle them on our own, when we have an all-powerful God right by our side, asking us to, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Don't be afraid to go to him.
So, if you are having a hard time speaking the words you want to say to God, write them down.  Maybe it will work for you too.  You can always go back and read them again if you need that encouragement.   I know I do!

God bless your night!

2 comments:

  1. Nice entry! I was awoken by dad's picture texts around 3am today. I guess he was eager to share :-)

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