*Our Grand Adventure*: Life on the Outside

It's been 2 years since either of us have been 'outside' (Alaskan slang for leaving Alaska). I was super excited for a few reasons.

1) As big as Alaska is, 663,300 sq miles, it can still be confining and suffocating. I've been itching to travel and be away from the house for more than just a few days. Also, to be somewhere warm! Granted, we had some record breaking temperatures before we left, but I wanted hot!

2) I wanted a break from the same every day activities. It's good to shake things up. When I come back from a long trip, it just feels nice to be home that the never ending chores don't bother me as much.

3) and most importantly, I really wanted Kasila to meet as many people in our family as she could. Pictures and Skype only do so much.

So many pictures.... I'll try to just put the highlights, but that may be easier said than done. I borrowed some pictures from my sis-in-law, Ashley, and I still need to get some pictures off of my phone and iPad.

UTAH

Fun in the Sun

Shopping at the Outlets

Dutch Oven Dinner

Logan Temple

Visiting Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Ezola

This is a bittersweet memory. Only a few days after our visit, Grandma passed away. Scott and I were so thankful that Kasila was able to meet her and that we all were able to see her one last time. I know that Scott was very close to her and loved her very much! We are also thankful that she is now in a better place, not inhibited by her physical body. The Plan of Salvation is a great comfort in times like this. Even so, intellectually, we know that she is in a better place. However, emotionally it is still hard. She passed away after we had left Utah, but were still in Oregon. We made a quick trip back to Logan for her funeral services. Again, we count our blessings. If it had happened sooner, we wouldn't have been able to see her again. Later, we would have have been back in Alaska. Rest in peace, Grandma and we love you.

Aggie Love

Random Moments

OREGON

Dyas Family Reunion

Lucian & Kasila

Dallas & Kasila

Scott & Zoe

Random moments...

Scott's helper being oh-so-helpful

Cow train ride!

Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa Dickerson

Hanging at the fire station with Grandpa

Bonnie & Kasila

Lucian thinking Kasila is being too noisy

Fun at the pool & playground

Us with baby Norah (Kel & Barry's), born July 12. We were able to stop by and see her because of our quick trip back to Cache Valley for Grandma Ezola's funeral.