Through Grandma T we’ve amassed quite a library of Alaska-related kids books, done a few moose crafts, sang songs about moose, and Clare even has an Alaska collage in her room. We were well prepped with all things Alaska-related, especially the animals. Clare’s goal on our trip was to see a moose. Yes, visiting with Grandma and Grandpa would be nice but she really, really, really wanted to see a moose.
So a few weeks ago we packed the suitcases, checked the car seats, and packed the snack cups for our trip. Clare made sure that her beloved Bear stayed safe during take-off and landing. As usual, the kids did really well on the flights. Thanks guys!
On Day #1 in Alaska we went to the Zoo. It’s not the most amazing zoo but it’s a good place to see all of Alaska’s different animals up close. I knew it would be the place that we would definitely see a moose, bear, wolves, and other Northern animals. The kids had fun and we all got to run around a little bit. However the next day the animal ante was upped when J, Grandma T, Grandpa Dan, Clare and Sam all went to an animal sanctuary and saw musk ox, bears, and moose up very close in their natural environments. I stayed home sick, but I’m told that the animal sanctuary was a highlight of the trip.
However, that morning before the trip to the sanctuary, perhaps the most exciting moment of the visit came when J discovered a real live wild moose resting in the back yard. Seriously, the kids couldn’t believe it. For the entire rest of the visit Sammy kept going to the back window and asking “Moushe?” in his most hopeful voice.
OK, enough about the moose. We also had great visits with Grandpa Dan and Grandma T. We met their kitties (and tried not to traumatize them), we sang songs, we read books, we visited some playgrounds, and we giggled a lot.
On Mother’s Day we visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which was beautiful. There was a native dance performance, an art show, and authentic native dwellings. The best part was the dog sled ride that we took from an actual Iditarod sled team. Grandpa Dan pushed us into it but we all enjoyed it. In fact, Teresa, Clare and I rode it twice.
We had so much fun on our first Alaska family adventure. The first of many more to come… Thank you Grandma T and Grandpa Dan for hosting us and letting us take over your house. We had a wonderful time. A few days after we got home Clare asked “Can we go back to Alaska tomorrow?” and Sammy kept going to our back door and asking “Moushe?” I’m pretty sure this is their way of asking the same thing.
