Life is Full of Choices: Celebrating our 30th Anniversary

Thirty years of marriage... wow. Not everyone can say that they've spent the last thirty years of their life with the same partner. But we can and we celebrate our commitment and love each and every day.

Last week we renewed our vows and celebrated with our children and their significant others onboard the Holland America Oosterdam on a cruise from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, BC. We had a blast from start to finish.Here's the fun we shared...

Our flights to Anchorage were via Alaskan Airlines and let me tell you how wonderful they were. From gate to gate the agents, flight attendants, and baggage crew were the friendliest and most helpful of any we've ever flown. We love Southwest Airlines and they are renowned for the luv they show their passengers too. But if I can't fly Southwest, I'm looking for a flight on Alaskan (www.alaskaair.com.) Great experience all around.

An overnight pit-stop was called for in Anchorage and we stayed comfortably at the Residence Inn Midtown (www.marriott.com) with pizza for dinner at Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. This spot was highly recommended on Yelp, but I thought it was just average. You can certainly check it out yourself, but I'd keep looking. The beer, however, was cold.

The highlight for me was an impromptu flight on a 1957 Cessna aircraft with an experienced pilot/friend of Jeff's. He took Erin and I up above the clouds and over the glaciers and fjords of southeast Alaska. Wish I had a picture to share with you that could sum up this fantastic experience, but I'll just have to tell you to take advantage of this type of opportunity if it ever presents itself to you.

Our gang of funsters started off in Anchorage, Alaska after a few morning beermosas downtown. You wouldn't believe the number of people stopping by to take our picture. Hilarious! Thanks to Erin and her BF for grabbing our headgear and designing our t-shirts... love them.

Train travel is a bit of a funny story in our family, so booking the train made sense to me. The scenery was spectacular, the dining experience was pretty good, and the beverage car was amazing. We met some lovely people on their way to our cruise as well - a shout out to Joel and Michelle and our Paradise Valley bar-keep for perpetuating the fun.

I highly recommend the train, but... we heard that bad weather washed the tracks away in a few spots the day after we sailed. Necessary repairs!!

The boarding process in Seward, Alaska was quick and convenient once off the train.

Holland America's Oosterdam is a lovely ship filled with vibrant colors, and some highly interesting artwork. We immediately spied some fairly interesting pieces and continued to be amused throughout the entire voyage.

Welcome to the Oosterdam!!

I absolutely LOVE the towel animals each night :)

Planning for this trip began about 18 months ago and we were able to secure four balcony cabins across the aft of the ship. They were glorious! We opened the doors between our verandas and were able to enjoy our relaxing time together as we sailed along the southeast coast of Alaska. If you're interested in finding out more about Holland America, check out www.hollandamerica.com to search an itinerary that suits your fancy.

The typical Alaskan cruise visits three ports with three sea days. Ours was no exception and though our first day was a bit rough with some stormy seas it was nothing we couldn't handle. And after that... smooth as satin.

Jeff and I renewed our vows at sea with Zachary's presiding love story of Orpheus and Eurydice and Erin's recital of ee cummings "i carry your heart, i carry it in." Love you both!! Hugs and love to Mike and Maria for saying such kind and gracious things about us. Even Jeff teared up.

Glacier Bay was the destination for our second day at sea. Seriously gorgeous vistas from our balconies!

Our ports of call were Haines, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Each port had so much to offer - lovely scenery, adventure if you care to take it on, and wildlife galore.

We hiked and kayaked in Haines...
Check out Rainbow Glacier Adventures at www.tourhaines.com.

And I even found a teeny-tiny cemetery that time has forgotten in a shady forested area outside town. There were about 25 headstones and nothing else. I love finding graveyards!!

We learned a lot about lichen from a certified lichenologist of course!

Saw the Mendenhall Galcier, and went whale-watching in Juneau.

Make your way to Gastineau Guiding at www.StepIntoAlaska.com for more information on tours.

Some of us snorkeled in Ketchikan.
Brrr..... Erin and Jeffery Edward!!

In each port we also visited a few watering holes to sample the local flavors with the BEST bar by far going to the Arctic Bar in Ketchikan, Alaska. They have no website to speak of according to Paula, the owner. This lady is tearing it up on the port in Ketchikan - stop in and tell her the Smith's said, "hey."

We truly enjoy cruising and traveling all around this crazy world of ours. To my favorite people in the whole world - thanks for joining us on this vacation. We are so blessed to share this wonderful life with all of you.

Until Next Time... See ya :)