Anchorage Fun!

Got out this past weekend to explore some Anchorage fun.  First I went to the Saturday Market.  It's an outdoor art fair/farmer's market held every weekend throughout the summer.  There was some incredible stuff there and I was actually glad I didn't have a ton of cash on me.  I did buy a coffee mug from Bean's Cafe, some glacier fudge and roasted pumpkin seeds.  I also got some good ideas for potential Christmas presents!

Then I went down town and ate at a local restaurant called Hot Stixx.  The food was great, I ordered king crab eggs bendict!

Finally I went to the Anchorage Museum.  I had read in the paper they were having a special exhibit on Alaska's contributions to the Olympics.  Expectedly most were involved in the winter games, but it was still very interesting.  I learned that Kerry Weiland, a stand out on the UW women's hockey team and silver medalist in the Vancouver games was from the Mat-Su Valley here in Alaska.

Had a really fun day discovering what my new home has to offer! :)

Surprise!

Last week I took a quick trip home to Wisconsin.  I hadn't intended to go home so quickly after arriving here in Alaska.  My little nephew had to have some tests and my sister was quite concerned.  We are a close family and it killed me not to be there!  BUT...with the July 4th holiday on Wednesday, weekend and the fact I had a free flight through Delta...I made the trip home!

Kelley and I coordinated to make it a surprise.  She along with Karissa and Brandon were the only ones that knew.  They did a super job of keeping a secret!  Mom and Dad were totally surprised when I walked up the driveway.  Katie's reaction was priceless!

I spent the long weekend hanging out with family and friends.  Visited work.  Made it to Evelyn's birthday party on Sunday.  Even did some Vegas trip planning over lunch with Shelly!

I have quickly become accustomed to the 50s and 60s temps here in Alaska.  The heat wave in the midwest was ridiculous!  When I got off the plane in Minneapolis, it seriously felt like an oven!  With the constant heat and air conditioning...I caught a lovely cold!  As I settle back into my cooler temps, I am starting to feel better.

Totally couldn't miss an opportunity to come home and see this cutie!  Happy to report all the tests turned out normal!!!!  Next visit home will be his FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Hope to get out this weekend and take some more pictures of Alaska...will post them soon!