Mix Family

We hope you all had a great Independence Day! Cannon was blasting Beach Boys, "Born in the USA" and Neil Diamond's "America" (one of my dad's all time favorites) all morning while we got ready for a little road trip. We went to Whittier with a bunch of friends and had a great time eating fresh halibut fish n' chips, exploring the docks and admiring all the boats, coloring on the sidewalk, and enjoying fudge. We left sunny Anchorage and 1 hour and 1 tunnel later, we were in chilly, cloudy, rainy Whittier. It was gorgeous, though. We enjoyed every minute with our friends and after returning home, we had moose burgers (which Caleb finally ate for the first time) and potato salad, out on our deck. I made some strawberry short cake and we finished the 4th watching "Independence Day" with friends. It doesn't get dark at midnight so fireworks aren't really a big deal here. It was a good day and we are truly blessed to live in America.

Since dad's death, we've been back and forth to AZ a few times. During the trips to AZ we were able to say goodbye to our dad properly and we were able to enjoy a Mix family reunion in Vegas. It was very difficult to leave for the last time. Living in Alaska never felt so far away from home as it does right now. I'm sure that with some time, the distance will not be so painful for me. Or perhaps we'll secure a job in the states that will put us closer to family. We are enjoying the beautiful summer here. I think of my dad constantly. The lessons I'm learning are so beautiful. I wouldn't change anything, actually.

Happy 4th to all of you and God Bless America!