Summer Vacation

We took a bit of a "break" in July, spending time with my parents in Alaska, followed by a trip to California for my work and then a trip to Massachusetts for more family time.

In Alaska we had a great time fishing on the Kenai and a great time in general with my folks - the weather was spectacular...sunny and warm every day. We had pretty good outings on the boat fishing, followed by trips to the local ice cream shop (a must do after a long day on the river). Harper got an ear infection in the middle of the trip, but thanks to a nice doctor at the medical clinic we were able to get her some relief and she was smiling again quickly.

Dad fishing in Lake Creek


Dad's Kenai King - he was the only decent fisherman this day

Grandma & Grandpa with Harper at Kenai Magic Lodge

Harper much happier after the doctor's visit

After my parents left, we had a day to get packed for a couple week adventure from sea to shining sea...literally! We flew to LA for my work for a couple days, and then flew from LA to Boston to see Dan's entire family so that they could all meet Harper and we could spend some time together. The last time we were all together was at our wedding! We also helped to move Dan's mom out of her old house into a newer one that is within a retirement community. It was great fun with family - and we eve got a couple of visits in to Kimball's!! I also celebrated my birthday with the Willman side of the family, which was a treat...complete with a gluten free flourless chocolate cake (that I completely gorged on!).

Having fun at Marblehead, MA on a summer day

Fresh cucumbers taste soooo good!

Too cute baby girl!

Cousin Cooper, Grandma & Aunt Michon at dinner before mini golf

Now this is the way to play putt putt!

Playing with rings on Grandma's floor at the new house

On the same changing table that Daddy used to be changed on!!

Happy after a nap

Eating frozen peas for the first time - they sure helped with teething!

Happy Harper!

It was a great trip, but the travel through the airports with an infant is starting to get a little old. We have been flying with Harper a TON, and so I'd like to think I pretty know what to expect from TSA...until they throw a new one at me. To get through security, usually I just carry Harper through, and if I'm also carrying milk / baby food, they usually have to wand it. BUT, in Burbank, that wasn't good enough and they decided they had to pat us down as well, Harper included! I had to hold her in mid-air while the TSA agent checked her...Harper just grinned her two tooth grin the whole time. I'm glad she's really good with strangers. The funny thing is, on our way out of Boston, TSA didn't even check the baby food or milk at all - something that TSA in every other airport that we have been in has done (Anchorage, Seattle, Honolulu, Burbank, Denver). I was surprised that in Boston they didn't, but I won't complain too loudly because we were able to make our flight that we were late for!

We got back to Anchorage and tried to settle back into our normal routine after picking up el Guapo from the Valley. It was a nice sunny weekend and I was able to wash the car with Harper for the first time! Photographic proof below, washing the car at 9 months. Grandpa will be proud!