Alaskan Adventure

Jeremy and I just got home from a family vacation to Alaska.  We went on cruise with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law.  This was our first vacation just the six of us and I think we set a pretty high standard.  We were on the Holland-America ship ms Westerdam.  We flew from KC to Seattle on Friday evening and ate our first meal at Duke's Chowder House and had some AMAZING food.  Duke's is a local franchise in Washington and I highly recommend trying it out if you make it to the area and getting the Award Winning Chowder.  After dinner we went to the liquor store that was right next to our hotel.  Our ship allowed us to carry on our own wine so we stocked up and found that liquor prices in a Seattle are good compared to Kansas.  That is about all we did in Seattle however we all decided it would be a place we'd like to spend more time in some day.

We boarded our ship around 11:30 a.m. Saturday.  This all went smoothly (after we retrieved the documents I left in our shuttle...oops) and was a breeze compared to the ship boarding experience our group had in October.  

The cruise was a week at this is the breakdown of each day:
Saturday June 1st:  Vessel Undocked @ 4:10pm
Sunday June 2nd:  At Sea
Monday June 3rd:  Juneau, Alaska
Tuesday June 4th:  Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
Wednesday June 5th:  Sitka, Alaska
Thursday June 6th:  Ketchikan, Alaska
Friday June 7th:  Victoria, British Columbia
Saturday June 8th:  Seattle, Washington Vessel docked approx. 6:30am

Emily, Justin, & Mom at dinner the first night on the ship.

My Dad and I at dinner.

Jeremy & I at dinner.

Mom & Dad at dinner.

First formal night - 2nd Day on the ship - Day at Sea

Our day in Juneau was one of my favorites.  We did our one and only excursion and went on the Mendenhall Glacier Hike.  The hike was approximately 4.5 miles (round trip) on a mountain and the end result was a view of the Mendenhall Glacier.  This really gave us a feel for the Alaska landscape.  They were having a very nice day weather wise in Juneau.  It was in the lower sixties and our two guides said it was a "hot" day for Juneau.  It did sprinkle on us a bit but it didn't start until a little way into our hike therefore we had already worked up a sweat and welcomed the coolness.

The trail was beautiful.

Jeremy and I posing on one of our first breaks along the trail.

Group picture of the whole family.

Mountain view along the trail, we also saw several waterfalls.

The Mendenhall Glacier.  Totally worth the hike the picture does not due it justice.

The crew who made it to the top.  The last 20 feet was pretty rocky so dad opted to stay behind.  You could still see the glacier from where he stopped but only the beginning of it.

Group picture at the end of the hike in front of the lake which had icebergs floating in it.  We were pretty wet by this point and the camera lens had several rain drops therefore the picture is a little blurry.

Day 4 was another day at sea however unlike the first day at sea we had lots of scenery.  Jeremy and I were up early that time (still on KS time) and we went up to the observation deck.  They had two park rangers on the ship at this point who got on the boat by a rope ladder (YIKES) and they "narrated" our trip through Glacier Bay National Park.  

"Margerie Glacier" was breath taking.  Again pictures don't do it justice.  The ship was anchored in front of it for approximately an hour.  During this time we witnessed the glacier "caving" or breaking off and falling into the ocean.  I would describe it as small avalanches that created a noise that sounds like thunder.  This happened several times within the hour.

My mom & dad's room had a balcony so we spent most of the day sitting out there enjoying the scenery.

Seagulls were flying all around our ship while we were parked at 

 Day 5 we were in Sitka, AK.  Sitka is home to St. Michael's Cathedral which was built while Alaska was still under control of Russia.  We visited the cathedral along with a museum that displayed some of the local Russian culture and history.  We also walked across town to see Sitka National Historical Park that feature the culture and history of the Tlingit Indians.  On the way back through town we passed a grocery store so we went in just to compare prices.  We purchased a bag of Peanut Butter M&M's, Pretzel's, & Munchies and spent over $17.00 (OUCH).  Made us really appreciate our grocery store prices.

Two bald eagles were perched on the top of the cross at St. Michael's Cathedral.

One of the totem polls modeled from the Tlingit Indians.

Group photo in Sitka.

ms Westerdam - We had to take tender boats from the ship to the dock in Sitka.

 Day six was in Ketchikan, AK.  We were only docked in the morning and had to be back on the ship this day by 12:30 p.m.  We didn't do much in Ketchikan because it was pretty cold and rainy that day.  However that night on the ship was the second formal night.

Emily, Mom, and I after dinner.

Justin & Emily

Jeremy & I

Mom & Dad - 36 years of marriage!

Family Photo

We failed to get any pictures on Day 7 in Victoria, BC.  We didn't arrive until after 6:00 pm and all-aboard was mid-night.  Victoria was a very pretty city.  We took a shuttle bus downtown and went into a few stops.  We stopped at a gelato shop and Jeremy and I each got one small scoop of ice cream and paid over $12.00 for it.  It was good but I can't say it was worth that much.  We had no idea it was that expensive and I think the look on my face said too much the cashier however by the time she rang it up it was half gone so there was no turning back!

The entertainment on the ship was very good.  They of course had a casino and several bars which each had their own style of music.  The musicians  singers, and dancers on the ship were all good and truly seemed to love their jobs.  They had a main show every night which usually feature the Westerdam signers & and dancers however one night they had a comedian who was very funny.  The ship also had a free movie rental program so we did rent a couple movies to fill some ship time.  The ship also had a library.  I never checked out a book because I had brought my own but it was a nice feature.  The boat also had a salon & spa and a fitness center. I never really embraced the fitness center however I think everyone else in my family at least visited once.  I think Justin and Emily went everyday.  I did however take advantage of the spa on Friday and received a facial, foot massage, and a scalp/neck/shoulder massage.  It was a wonderful way to end the vacation!

Two

Everything in the 2nd year of Ava's life went faster than the first.  I am not sure how this is possible.  Before I started this post I went through and read the few posts I have previously done.  Even though I don't have a lot I do appreciate the memories and information that I do have.  Hopefully this is motivation for me to keep up on this blog and come September we will have twice the information to blog about.  Yes if you have not heard Ava is expected to be a big sister Sept 2013! 

Currently Ava is starting to develop quite the personality.  She is starting to talk more clearly everyday however we still have some enunciation issues.  Everyday Ava impresses us with her knowledge.  She knows about every animal you can think of and has learned several of her letters and can usually count to at least ten without missing any numbers.  She LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Pete is her favorite character which is so weird because he's not exactly the most popular or the most well behaved character but when he comes on the screen her face lights up and she yells PETE!  She can throw a good fit and does it often.  This has been very wearing on me especially since I've been extremely exhausted lately.

We are at the stage where sitting still for very long is not an easy thing.  This requires us to stay in more than we are use to.  She doesn't really do well in restaurants, in the car (unless we have a DVD going), or church.  A lot of the time Jeremy and I end up going to church at different times which really stinks but if we want to get anything out of it that's about our only option.  I'm hoping we can move onto the listening and understanding stage soon so we can fix some of these issues.

We have introduced the potty to Ava.  She has gone #2 a handful of times on the potty.  A couple times we have "caught her in the act" and a couple times she has voiced that she needs to go.  I am not pushing really hard on this right now but hope to have this mastered before baby # 2 so we don't have to do double diapers.

Ava also sleeps in a BIG GIRL bed now.  We received a twin bed from a friend and this transition went beautifully.  She continues to sleep through the night and seems to be just fine not being in the crib.  I was a little worried because we left the crib up but it still doesn't seem to bother her to see it and she wants to be in her big girl bed.

We had her birthday party last weekend. We appreciate everyone that came and celebrated with us. We are so blessed to have such supportive family and friends!

Kolbie & Ava

Opening her presents!  She was a pro.

Make a wish!  (She wasn't very good at this we had to call on the cousins for assistance)

Kolbie & Max

Ava, Dean, Ethan, and Kendal

Ava and Dean

Pumpkin Patch 2012

Our niece turned 5 on Sept. 23rd however we didn't celebrate the big occasion until the 29th which worked out really well for us because K-State had an off week.  The party was Saturday night and I think it was a little bit of foresight into what Christmas is going to be like this year.  Currently there are four grandkids on the Stallbaumer side.  There will be 5 by Christmas 2012 because Jeremy's sister, Julia, is due at Thanksgiving.  Needless to say it already felt a little hectic but it was ton of fun.  Sunday we made a spur of the moment decision to go to Renyer's Pumpkin Patch near Wetmore.  The day was BEAUTIFUL we had perfect weather for it and I tried to take pictures.  I only had my phone which does a pretty good job but sometimes doesn't react as fast as I need it to because these four kids are BUSY.

Kolbie driving the pumpkin truck!

The best we could do!

Ryan and Ethan trying to jump out and scare us in the corn maze.

Big girl!

We barely had the car started...

Labor Day 2012

The Stallbaumer's had another full but fun weekend!  Friday night my mom came down and we went out to eat at Willie's.  It had been a long time (for us) since we'd been their to eat so that was amazing as usual.  Mom and I then dropped Jeremy and Ava at home and ran some errands and came home to prepare the food we needed to for Saturday.

We started tailgating at the Adelhardt's tailgate with the Dragastin cousins.  Jeremy was in HEAVEN because Uncle Gary got a TV hooked up to tailgate this year.  I have to admit it is pretty cool.  My cousin Kaycee was home from Arizona so it was fun to get a lot of us in the same spot.

Drag Cousins - Jodi, Kaycee, Sarah, Ava, Me, and Lauren

Jeremy bought Ava new dress to wear to the Tailgate.  She stayed true to her southern roots by wearing a dress to the football game.  We couldn't get a picture of her standing up but she did look adorable.  She only lasted a few ours because it was so hot outside.  I'm so thankful my mom was willing and is willing to come down and watch Ava so Jeremy and I can enjoy the game.  I see so many people that bring their kids to the games and in my opinion it doesn't look like a fun time for the kid or for the parents!

Ava in her new dress!

We ended the weekend with a trip to Seneca for the Labor Day Church Picnic.  All of Jeremy's siblings were home so it was fun to all be together.

In addition to having season Football tickets we also have season Volleyball tickets.  We have a friend who a senior on the Volleyball team and therefore since we actually live in Manhattan this Volleyball season I wanted to get tickets.  I made a shirt for Ava to wear to the games to show our support for Alex.  I was pretty please with how it turned out especially since I did it all for under $10.

Ava's new thing is to stick her hands in her pockets!

She was barely big enough to fit all the words!

Be careful what you wish for!!!

Jeremy, Ava, and I have officially been Kansas residents for a year!  WOW has this past year FLEW!  Tonight on the birthday of this beautiful country, we are sitting at home with no plans and I don't mind this one bit.  I feel as if we haven't sat still since we crossed the state line 366 (thanks leap year) days ago.  However I have no regrets!  I L-O-V-E the fact that all of Ava's cousin's are within an hours drive and she's growing up right along side them.

This past weekend my grandma and uncle were in town for a wedding therefore my mom, sister-in-law, and nephews came to town for the day/evening.  My dad had to work that morning and my brother was sick so they didn't make the trip.  We had a wonderful day filled with a trip to the Splash Park, then to church, followed by a wonderful home cooked meal.  Max and Dean had never been to the Splash Park before and I believe they enjoyed themselves.  My mom took pictures but I don't have copies so I will try to get them uploaded soon!

Lucky for us...Jeremy and I didn't have plans for Sunday because we found out on Saturday afternoon that they were having a 75th Birthday party in St. Benedict for Jeremy's grandmother.  Everyone was able to attend except for three grandchildren and one fiance.  Currently there are 67 people in the Patty Stallbaumer family.  Breakdown:  Grandma Stallbaumer, 10 kids plus their 8 spouses, 31 grandchildren plus their 7 spouses and 2 fiance's, and 8 great-grandchildren.  (this part only took me about 10 minutes to figure out...thanks to the trusty family calendar)  We had a great time and it was fun to see everyone!

Jeremy parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew came down last night so the guys could get up bright and early this morning to fish.  We had a fun relaxing day that also included a trip to the Splash Park.  It's so great to have a house so they can come visit and we can spend more quality family time.

I will say I'm not a fan of a mid-week holiday.  Monday and Tuesday at work were rough and I have a feeling Thursday and Friday aren't going to be much better.  However we have another fun and busy weekend planned.  Hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday and I apologize for the lack of pictures.  I will try to upload soon!

Love to all!  - Brooke