The beginning of the trip:
One of Gavin's first drawings on the drive out of the Wasilla and Palmer. This is a picture of him and Great Uncle Joe (who he had yet to meet) playing outside and having "so much fun together."
In Montana, our first stop. Playing in the sprinkler at Julia, Kenny, and Reid's home.
Reid, Kiernan and Gavin. In Montana still.
Gavin and Kiernan patiently waiting to ride the horses.
Gavin and Kiernan riding the horse in Montana (at Julia's). Kiernan was afraid to go outside because of the horses the entire time we were there (despite that the horses were in a corral) and then he decides he wants to ride the horse.
The Toche Family swimming on one of our last days in Montana
Gavin on his 5th birthday in Spokane, Washington at Kiana, Dave, and Aurora's home. And we managed to not get any pictures of the Ellers! How did that even happen?
The tiger says "if I really wanted to eat you, then this little chain link fence would only slow me down a little bit." The Cat Tales Zoo was pretty cool and also, somewhat terrifying.
Seattle, the first night we arrived. Great Uncle Joe and Great Aunt Sandy took us for a drive to show us the city.
Seattle Aquarium with cousins Olivia, Sam, and Steph
I don't know why Kiernan was doing this, but it was pretty funny.
The Toche Family atop the Space Needle
Space Needle
Ben, Kiernan, Gavin and Olivia at the Seattle Aquarium
Gavin, Kiernan and Great Uncle Joe
Kiernan and Lillian. Kiernan was loving this vacation because he got to hold lots of babies. He simultaneously despised the vacation because every house we went to had a dog (except Kiana's house, but she had a cat that bit Gavin the first day so then he was afraid of the cat too).
Gavin, Ben, Kiernan, and Lillian hanging out. In Portland at Brandon, Cassie, and Lillian's home.
Cassie and Lillian. So cute!
I think Jacqueline is explaining the beer pong game here. I just think it's funny that Ben and Cassie are both holding "babies." Ha! Look at Rommel, his face says "that's right, I'm the favorite kid." Silly dog.
Troll face.
Kiernan the Ewok.
Pretty stream at Multanomah Falls in Oregon
Gavin the tree sprite on the hike up Multanomah Falls
Pretty stream.
They are the same. In almost every way.
Rommel got tired and Jacqueline caved to the sad puppy look.
Well, that is the trip from Alaska to Missoula, Montana to Spokane, Washington to Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon and back up through Seattle and then back to Alaska. There were two adults, one five year old, one almost 3 year old, one dog, and one 2003 Subaru Forester. It was fun. But next time, I fly and rent a gigantic ass mini van. Then I can put a whole row of seats between screaming children and me. Seriously though, it was a super fun trip and we got to see a lot of great friends and family that we haven't seen in a long time. Now, we just need some friends and family to come and visit us in Alaska!
Brothers
We were telling jokes. Apparently, "when you were born Gavin, we almost named you Gavin StinkyPants Toche" is the kind of humor that 3 and 5 year old boys enjoy.
Toche Family Snuggles
More snuggles.
Gavin's first day of school.
Kiernan's Nemo birthday party pinata.
Just what he wanted at his birthday party. Presents for him.
Gotta dress up for birthday fun! Notice Kiernan is aiming in on the camera with his tiny stick gun.
Kiernan at the fair.
Kiernan cheesing at the fair.
Kiernan, Maila, and Gavin getting ready for the dragon ride.
All bundled up for a rainy day at the fair.
My hooding ceremony. I managed to forget my camera for every graduation function! My parents remembered to bring one to the hooding ceremony, but as for the regular graduation that Ben and I were in together, nothing but my telephone! Oh well. I shelled out the cash for the professional ones they took there. I just need to get them in a frame!
