Alaska, Day 9: Goodbye Alaska, Hello Wyoming

Wednesday, August 8th, dawned as our departure day.  There wasn’t a stitch of cloud in the sky (though it did cloud up more as we got closer to Anchorage).  We dropped off the rental car.  After both couples got held up in security (we had failed to move our Alaskan Ulu and fillet knives into our checked bag, and Brady had failed to put his Leatherman in his checked bag), we grabbed some lunch, gave our final hugs and said goodbye.  Julie and I touched down in Billings, MT around midnight, and after grabbing our bag and car, we finally made it to Worland, WY around 3:30 in the morning.  After getting a bit of sleep, we were so happy to see our kids again, as they were to see us.  They had been having a ton of fun and adventure as well (Yellowstone was on their itinerary, as well as the all the simple joys of being at Grandma and Grandpa's) and didn't seem to miss us too much while we were gone, and yet the reunion was all ear-to-ear grins and running hugs.

Here are a few adjectives we came up with to describe our trip: charming, idyllic, picturesque, breathtaking, quaint, cute, awesome, incredible, enchanting, magical, rugged, majestic, smelly, rank (well we went without showers for a few days, remember?), inspiring, delectable, amazing, incredible, stunning, unbelievable, unreal, surreal, cool, funny, hilarious, cold, hot, fantastic, excellent, perfect, wow. (Not an adjective but how else can we describe watching a mama grizzly and her 2 cubs that close?)  We are super glad that the Edwards thought to invite us, and that we were able to go.  We are indebted to my parents for watching the kiddos while we were gone as well, because without them, this trip would not have happened.  (Besides the fact that they didn't just watch them, but created some fantastic memories for them, as well.)  Thanks again, Mom, Dad, and Hannah!

Our last picture together.  For now.