Finally some company!

We've been so excited to have family come up and visit and the first wave finally made it up.

We went up to hatcher's pass the first day just as a warm up.

The whole group. Mom (Jan) and Dad (Chuck), Grandma (Harriet), Uncle Tom, and Aunt Paula and Uncle Dave. They brought the good weather with them.

Our most excellent landlord's Mike and Pam.

Mike took us to see his house on the bluff that he is selling.

This house has an amazing view of the Chugach range and the wildlife refuge below.

A bald eagle and it's nest is in the backyard to boot. We'd buy this place in a heartbeat if we could afford it.

A view of Pioneer peak from the matanuska river as we head toward the Knik valley.

We took the boat tour to the knik glacier. These flowers are blooming all over the place. They are alaskan potatoes and if you pull them up have an edible potato-like root.

Our rides up the river.

Uncle Tom is enjoying himself.

The Knik is a massive glacier.

The knik is 6 miles wide and 26 miles long, the colony glacier is just as long and wide and slams into the knik from another valley.

It's an amazing sight that is only done justice when you are present.

Nate is bringing back an iceberg that started floating away so we didn't get stranded while iceberg hopping.

The lake of floating icebergs stretches a few miles before the edge of the glacier.

The view was so impressive we couldn't stop taking pictures!

We couldn't have ordered a more beautiful day at the Knik Glacier.

Group Pic!

Tom enjoying some sun on the air boat.

Uncle Tom continually risked his life throughout the trip to get the best shots.

View of the Turnigan Arm as we drove down to Homer. 

Quick stop at the turquoise Kenai Lake.

As you crest the hill driving into Homer you get a breathtaking view of Kachmack Bay and the surrounding mountains. 

Lucy's first time seeing the ocean!  She made a hilarious face when she tried to take a drink of the water and was surprised by the salt.

Lucy kept herself busy by chasing the seagulls peacefully floating close to the shore.

Sea Otters!!!

My goal was to get  a close up picture of a sea otter.  This was the best I could get.

The otters look so comfortable floating on their back casually watching our boat speed past.

First catch of the day was a sculpin aka uglyfish.

First Halibut of the day.

Dad pulling up a big one!

Not Bad eh?

Tom's catch.

We had six foot swells rocking the boat most of the morning. David did not feel the best. He could've used something much stronger than dramamine.

The boat that came in before us caught this 219 lb. Halibut!

Our catch looks pretty puny coming in after that, but there are a few things i like to tell myself: 1. The meat gets wormy after about 100 lbs, the smaller the halibut the sweeter the meat. 2. Those big fish are the most successful spawners and should be released anyway. 3. That's too much work.... There now I feel better.

Our drive home from Homer near Turnagain pass.

The Boys

The Azerbaijan couple enjoying their last months in the U.S.

We set out the next day for the Matanuska Glacier.

Retired and having adventures.

Uncle Tom conquering the glacier.

Looking into crevasses can send chills up your back if you think of being stuck in one!

Mountain men.

Father and son.

Thumbs up!

A moulin (bore-hole) into the glacier.

Denali peaked it's head out on the last day everyone was here.

We had a great time with everyone and enjoyed some gorgeous Alaskan sun.  Hopefully you plan on visiting us again sometime.  Just let us know when  :).  Also, we wanted to let all of our family and friends in Colorado know that we're thinking of you.  It's been rough watching the the Waldo Canyon and Trout Creek fires burn so close to our homes in Woodland Park, Colorado.  In less than a week we'll be expecting the second round of company which includes the Murray family and many close friends.  Can't wait to see you all!