Back from "Outside"

It's been a long time since I last blogged. Life is busy, and things like blogging and exercising tend to fall by the wayside. But since we've just returned from a two-week vacation "outside" (what Alaskans call the other 49 states), I figured I'd jot down some of the highlights of our trip to keep the blog alive.

First, we enjoyed a brief but delightful time visiting our friends the Nelsons who live west of Seattle. We conversed, ate, supervised the kids' playing, and generally enjoyed each other's company. Before that, however, our friendship had to weather our 3:30 a.m. arrival. They showed us great kindness in opening their doors even at that hour and allowing us to stay as planned.

Then we ferried over the water to Seattle, stayed one night with Robyn's brother Joseph and family, and headed out the next day for Missoula, Montana.

The highlight of our Montana visit was taking part in the 10th Annual "Meredith's Golf" tournament. This is a fund-raising tournament my parents began in my sister's name the year after she died after a battle with leukemia. The tournament drew some 160 golfers and raised over $13,000 for a local cancer-related charity. I didn't play so hot, but it was great to see a lot of family and friends from Montana there.

After spending a few more days in Montana, we headed back to Seattle to meet with Robyn's family. One good memory from that visit was getting in an entire picnic dinner just before the rain started dumping on us.

We had a good time, but it is great to be back home in Wasilla. I was again struck by the majesty of the mountains here as we drove up from Anchorage towards our house. And, there is nothing like that first night back in one's own bed. I suppose we'll all be ready for our next family trip "outside" when next summer rolls around, but for now I'm looking forward to continuing getting settled into our new home (and church) here in Alaska.