Summer in Alaska!

This summer (2012) is Dave's last summer off. After 5 years in College and always having summers off this may be a weird transition, but like everything we will adjust with happy hearts and enjoy this new season in life.

Well, for our last summer off we decided to make it a big deal and head to 

HAWAII!!

Waiting for our shutle

 HaHaHa, just kidding we went to Alaska, this is still a pretty big deal in our book. My heart and mind were racing as we drew nearer our departure date. We looked forward to large family dinners with our dear friends sitting around the dinner table again just enjoying one another.

 Does anyone have any ideas where the first place we stopped at was??

 YES!

 

 Mooses Tooth!!

We have been looking forward the the taste of their pizza from the last moment we ate it!! 

March 29th 2011!!

Well, I suppose we went to my cousin first and rested, but we were there for dinner.

Our first place to stay was with my cousins Shawna, Vince, Grady and Claire. Claire was born after we moved from Alaska and this was my first time meeting her. She was a joy to get to know and I fell in love with her. I had the privilege to help out Shawna and watch Claire for a couple weeks while mommy worked.

Grady and Claire

We took our first weekend and headed to our friends the Warrens. We enjoyed catching up with them and hearing about the new and wonderful things the Lord has been doing in their life. The kids played very well together and I know Benn cherished each moment with his best friend Nolan. I know Dave and I cherished each moment with our friends Michael and Tara. We look forward to our next family dinner and late night chat.

Tara and Michael! Adults want to play too! This was a cool toy!

Nolan and JJ

All the kiddos

Josiah and Wyatt

 I could not get enough of Eden!! She was always letting me snuggle her! I. ate. it. up!

Caleb and Eden

Nolan and Benn

OOOOOO the next weekend was all about camping!! We hit the Kasilof and boy was it wet, but it did not stop us from having a fantastic time!

Me and Shawna

Beautiful!

Aunt Marty and JJ taking a ride

Caleb and Kadence (my niece)

Uncle David (my bro) and Benn

baby moose in Alaska

My Bothers Jordan and David along with my kiddos and Kadence( Jordan's)

Dinner

Unlce David and Benn

 The four wheeler quickly became the favorite camping pass time!

 You just gotta love the mountains in the background!

After we got done camping we were invited to stay with our friends the LeMasters! 

Josiah, Benn and Michelle (Jude is in the back)

 It was gorgeous weather and we decided a run in the sprinkler was what the kiddos needed!

Jude, Benn, Michelle, Josiah and Seth

Warrens, LeMasters and Abels = 11 kids. . . well 9 for now ;)

What do friends do when together in Alaska. . . build swing sets of course and then we test them

Cup labeling is a must with this many kids!

Caleb, Eden and Seth

Benn helping Michelle walk into the lake

 We hit the lake for some mid summer fun and the kiddos all enjoyed splashing around at 9pm at night in the daylight in 70 degree weather!! SPECTACULAR!!!! LOVE ALASKA!

There is much more to come. . . . 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE ABELS TRIP TO ALASKA!

Sneek peek!